How to name beneficiaries and fund a trust at AST
Covers 3 investment accounts at AST
Brand change
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company was combined with Equiniti in December 2021 and is now part of Equiniti Trust Company, LLC (EQ Shareowner Services). astfinancial.com redirects to EQ's AST Access site. Legacy AST-registered shares are serviced by EQ. Effective December 2021.
AST is now part of EQ Shareowner Services. The procedures below reflect AST's accounts during the transition. View the EQ Shareowner Services estate planning page.
EQ Shareowner Services (formerly AST)
Phone1-800-468-9716
Mailing Address
EQ Shareowner Services, PO Box 64874, Saint Paul, MN 55164-0874
Shareowner call center / transfers desk (direct)
WebsiteLearn more→
EQ Shareowner Services - Transfers
Phone1-800-468-9716
Mailing Address
EQ Shareowner Services, PO Box 64874, Saint Paul, MN 55164-0874
Transfers desk (direct)
Overnight / courier mail
WebsiteLearn more→
EQ Shareowner Services - Deceased Shareholder Transfers
Phone1-800-468-9716
Mailing Address
EQ Shareowner Services, PO Box 64874, Saint Paul, MN 55164-0874
Transfers desk (direct)
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
Preparing your AST registered shareholdings for transfer starts with the beneficiary or registration on file, which controls who inherits without probate. Where it applies, AST accounts can also be titled to a revocable living trust; the right approach depends on the account type and your broader plan.
The transfer rules at AST vary across 3 registered shareholdings. Below is a breakdown of beneficiary options, trust funding, and which products support each method.
Direct Registration (DRS) SharesPlan Shares (Dividend Reinvestment / Direct Stock Purchase)Certificate (Paper) Shares
1
Contact the institution for details.
Required Documents
- Completed Transfer of Ownership form with Trust registration selected
- Names of trustees, trust name, and original trust date
- Trust Tax ID (SSN or EIN)
- Medallion Signature Guarantee on the current owner's signature
- Substitute Form W-9 for the new (trust) account
Special Requirements
- A new account is created for the trust registration. Account features on the prior account (such as direct deposit of dividends) do not automatically carry over and must be re-established on the new account. Original documents must be mailed; EQ does not accept faxed or emailed forms.
Sources
Data sourced from AST primary sources (10 pages reviewed). How we research.
Download these AST instructions
Download instructions for the whole estateA printable PDF with the steps, required documents, and contact details — verified against AST primary sources. Bring it to the branch or keep it beside the phone.
EQ Shareowner Services (formerly AST)
Phone1-800-468-9716
Mailing Address
EQ Shareowner Services, PO Box 64874, Saint Paul, MN 55164-0874
Shareowner call center / transfers desk (direct)
WebsiteLearn more→
EQ Shareowner Services - Transfers
Phone1-800-468-9716
Mailing Address
EQ Shareowner Services, PO Box 64874, Saint Paul, MN 55164-0874
Transfers desk (direct)
Overnight / courier mail
WebsiteLearn more→
EQ Shareowner Services - Deceased Shareholder Transfers
Phone1-800-468-9716
Mailing Address
EQ Shareowner Services, PO Box 64874, Saint Paul, MN 55164-0874
Transfers desk (direct)
WebsiteNotify online→
Verified Jul 2026
Estate planning articles
Learn how to protect your AST accounts and other assets with trusts, beneficiary designations, and estate planning documents.
