Notifying the SEC when someone dies
Executor is responsible for notifying the SEC
OverviewWhen someone dies
SEC Office of Investor Education and Assistance (OIEA)
Phone1-800-732-0330
EmailHelp@sec.gov
Fax1-202-772-9295
Mailing Address
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Investor Education and Assistance, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-0213
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursMonday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET
SEC Investor Education (Transfer Assistance)
Phone1-800-732-0330
EmailHelp@sec.gov
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
HoursMonday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET
Contact Your Brokerage Firm or Transfer Agent
Phone1-800-732-0330
Timeline
Transfer processing varies by firm and transfer agent; TOD transfers typically process within 2-4 weeks after documents are received
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursMonday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET
Verified Jul 2026
When someone dies, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must be notified. The executor is responsible for notifying the SEC.
Notification deadline: As soon as possible; no account activity permitted until legal authority is established.
Steps to take
Steps for notifying the SEC and applying for survivor benefits:
1
Determine how the securities are held:
- •Brokerage account (street name): contact the brokerage firm
- •Direct Registration System (DRS): contact the company's transfer agent
- •Physical certificates: contact the transfer agent named on the certificate
- •Find the transfer agent through the company's investor relations page or the SEC EDGAR database
2
Notify the brokerage firm or transfer agent:
- •Provide a certified copy of the death certificate
- •Provide letters testamentary or letters of administration
- •No account activity can occur until legal authority is established
- •The firm will freeze the account and open an estate or beneficiary account
3
Gather required documents for transfer:
- •Certified death certificate
- •Letters testamentary or letters of administration (court-issued)
- •Affidavit of domicile (confirms the deceased's state of residence)
- •Medallion signature guarantee (from a participating bank, credit union, or broker-dealer)
- •W-9 or EIN for the estate (for tax reporting on the new account)
- •Inheritance tax waiver (required in some states)
4
If securities have a TOD designation:
- •TOD securities bypass probate and transfer directly to the named beneficiary
- •The beneficiary submits a certified death certificate and re-registration application
- •A medallion signature guarantee may be required
- •TOD designations supersede the deceased's will
5
For lost or missing stock certificates, contact the transfer agent immediately to place a stop transfer order and begin the replacement process (requires an indemnity bond, typically 2-3% of the certificate's market value).
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Letters testamentary or letters of administration
- Affidavit of domicile (state of residence at death)
- Medallion signature guarantee (not a notary seal)
- W-9 or EIN for the estate
- Stock power or power of attorney for stock (for physical certificate transfers)
- Inheritance tax waiver (in states that require it)
Timeline
Transfer processing varies by firm and transfer agent; TOD transfers typically process within 2-4 weeks after documents are received
Survivor benefits
Transfer on Death (TOD) Registration
Securities registered with a TOD (Transfer on Death) designation pass directly to the named beneficiary at the owner's death without going through probate. The beneficiary must submit a certified death certificate and re-registration application to the transfer agent or brokerage firm. A medallion signature guarantee may be required. TOD designations supersede the owner's will.
Eligibility: Named TOD beneficiary on the securities account
How to apply: Submit a certified death certificate and re-registration application to the transfer agent or brokerage firm
Learn more →SIPC Protection for Brokerage Accounts
The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) protects brokerage accounts up to $500,000 per customer (including up to $250,000 for cash) if a brokerage firm fails. Estate accounts are treated as a separate customer capacity with their own $500,000 protection limit. SIPC does not protect against market losses or bad investment advice — only against firm failure.
Eligibility: Customers of SIPC-member brokerage firms (over 3,200 U.S. firms)
Amount: Up to $500,000 per customer per separate capacity ($250,000 sublimit for cash)
How to apply: SIPC claims are initiated by a court-appointed Trustee when a firm fails; claim forms are mailed to all customers
Learn more →SEC Investor Education Resources
The SEC's Office of Investor Education and Assistance (OIEA) provides free resources on transferring assets after death, finding transfer agents, replacing lost stock certificates, and understanding medallion signature guarantees. Investor.gov is the SEC's official education portal with guides specifically for heirs and executors.
Eligibility: Any investor, heir, or executor
How to apply: Visit investor.gov or contact OIEA at 1-800-732-0330 or Help@sec.gov
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
How securities transfer depends on how they are held. Securities with a Transfer on Death (TOD) designation pass directly to the named beneficiary without probate. Securities in a brokerage account are transferred through the estate process — the executor contacts the firm with legal authority documents. Physical certificates must be re-registered through the company's transfer agent.
TOD registration allows securities to pass directly to a named beneficiary at the owner's death without going through probate. Most states have adopted the Uniform Transfer-on-Death Security Registration Act. A TOD designation supersedes the owner's will. The beneficiary must still submit a death certificate and re-registration application to complete the transfer.
Check brokerage statements, tax returns (Form 1099-DIV for dividends, 1099-B for sales), and safe deposit boxes. For unclaimed or dormant accounts, securities may have been escheated to the state — search at MissingMoney.com or contact the state's unclaimed property office. States hold escheated property indefinitely and heirs can file claims at any time.
After completing the notification process, eligible survivors can apply for 3 benefits through the SEC. Each benefit has its own eligibility requirements and application process.
Keep copies of all documents submitted to the SEC. Original documents submitted for verification are typically returned after processing.
SEC Office of Investor Education and Assistance (OIEA)
Phone1-800-732-0330
EmailHelp@sec.gov
Fax1-202-772-9295
Mailing Address
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Office of Investor Education and Assistance, 100 F Street NE, Washington, DC 20549-0213
WebsiteVisit website→
HoursMonday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET
SEC Investor Education (Transfer Assistance)
Phone1-800-732-0330
EmailHelp@sec.gov
WebsiteLearn about benefits→
HoursMonday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET
Contact Your Brokerage Firm or Transfer Agent
Phone1-800-732-0330
Timeline
Transfer processing varies by firm and transfer agent; TOD transfers typically process within 2-4 weeks after documents are received
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursMonday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET
Verified Jul 2026