A medallion notary certifies the identity of people signing financial documents, not general paperwork
A medallion notary is a notary public who has passed additional training and background checks to handle high-value financial transactions. Unlike a standard notary, who can notarize almost any document, a medallion notary works only on securities transfers, stock powers, and similar financial instruments where the stakes are large enough that banks and brokerages require extra verification.
The medallion notary does not work for the government. Instead, they are certified through one of three private programs run by the financial industry itself: the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Medallion Program (STAMP), the Stock Exchanges Medallion Program (SEMP), or the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program (NYSE MP). Each program sets its own standards, but all require the notary to carry a bond — essentially insurance that protects the financial institution if the notary makes a mistake.
You encounter a medallion notary when you are transferring stocks, bonds, or mutual funds from one account to another, or when you are authorizing someone else to do so on your behalf. A regular notary cannot perform this work, even though both are called notaries.
Key Takeaways
- Medallion notaries are certified through private financial industry programs, not through state government, and handle only high-value financial documents.
- A medallion notary carries a surety bond that protects the financial institution if the notarization is done incorrectly.
- You need a medallion notary only for securities transfers and similar financial transactions, not for wills, powers of attorney, or other general documents.
- Most banks, brokerages, and credit unions offer medallion notary services to their customers at no charge, though some may require you to maintain a minimum account balance.
How medallion notaries differ from standard notaries
A standard notary public is licensed by the state and can notarize almost any document — affidavits, powers of attorney, loan documents, rental agreements. The state sets the training requirements, which are usually minimal. A standard notary verifies that the person signing is who they say they are, watches them sign, and stamps the document.
A medallion notary does all of that, but only for financial documents, and only after passing more rigorous background checks and training. The financial institution that employs the medallion notary is responsible for ensuring they are competent. If a medallion notary makes a mistake — for example, notarizing a signature when the person's identity was not properly verified — the surety bond covers the loss, up to a set limit. This protection is what makes medallion notarization valuable to banks and brokerages handling large sums.
Because the stakes are higher, medallion notaries are held to a stricter standard. They must renew their certification regularly, maintain continuing education, and follow detailed procedures for verifying identity and witnessing signatures.
When you need a medallion notary instead of a standard notary
You need a medallion notary when you are transferring securities — stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or similar investments — from one account to another. This includes transferring securities as a gift, moving them to a trust, or authorizing someone else to manage them. The financial institution holding the securities will tell you if a medallion notary is required; most of the time, they will not accept a standard notarization for these transactions.
You do not need a medallion notary for wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, real estate documents, or loan paperwork. A standard notary is sufficient for those. If you are unsure whether a document requires medallion notarization, ask the institution requesting the notarization — they will know.
Some institutions may ask for medallion notarization on other financial documents beyond securities transfers, such as certain account authorization forms or signature guarantees. Again, the institution will specify this when they ask for the document to be notarized.
Where to find a medallion notary
Your bank or brokerage is the easiest place to start. Most large banks, credit unions, and investment firms employ medallion notaries or have access to them. If you are a customer, they often provide the service at no cost, though some institutions may require you to maintain a minimum account balance or may charge a small fee.
Call your bank's main branch or the brokerage handling your securities and ask whether they offer medallion notary services. Be prepared to provide the name of the document you need notarized and the type of transaction. If your own institution cannot help, ask them to refer you to another bank or brokerage in your area that can.
Some law firms and title companies also employ medallion notaries, particularly those that handle real estate closings or estate work. You can search online for "medallion notary near me," but verify that the notary is actually certified through one of the three official programs before you schedule an appointment.
What to bring when you visit a medallion notary
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The medallion notary will verify your identity against this ID before notarizing anything. Bring the original document that needs to be notarized, not a copy. The notary will watch you sign it in their presence.
Bring any instructions or forms from the financial institution requesting the notarization. These often include specific language about what the notary should certify or how the signature should be witnessed. The medallion notary will follow these instructions exactly.
If you are authorizing someone else to sign on your behalf, bring documentation showing that person's authority to do so — for example, a power of attorney. The medallion notary will verify this before proceeding.
The cost of medallion notarization
If you are a customer of the bank or brokerage providing the service, medallion notarization is usually free. Some institutions charge a flat fee, typically between $10 and $50, depending on the complexity of the transaction and the number of documents involved.
If you use a law firm, title company, or independent notary service, the cost may be higher — anywhere from $25 to $100 or more. Ask about the fee before you schedule the appointment. Some institutions will reimburse you for the notarization cost if you are transferring securities to them, so check your account agreement or ask the institution handling the transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a standard notary notarize a securities transfer?
No. Financial institutions will not accept a standard notarization for securities transfers. The institution will specifically request a medallion notary, and they will reject the document if it is notarized by anyone else. If you have already had a standard notary notarize the document, you will need to have it notarized again by a medallion notary.
Do I need medallion notarization if I am transferring stocks to my spouse or child?
Yes, if the financial institution holding the stocks requires it. The relationship between you and the recipient does not matter — the institution's policy does. Contact the brokerage or bank holding the securities and ask whether medallion notarization is required for your specific transfer.
What if my bank does not have a medallion notary on staff?
Ask the bank to refer you to another institution in your area that does, or search online for medallion notaries near you. Verify that any notary you find is certified through the SEC Medallion Program, SEMP, or NYSE MP before you schedule an appointment. Your bank may also be able to send your documents to a medallion notary at another location for processing.
How long does medallion notarization take?
The notarization itself takes only a few minutes — the notary verifies your identity, watches you sign, and stamps the document. However, you may need to schedule an appointment in advance, and some institutions may take several business days to process the notarized documents after the notary completes their work.
Can I get medallion notarization by mail or video?
Most medallion notaries require you to appear in person so they can verify your identity against a government-issued photo ID. Remote notarization by video or mail is not standard practice for medallion notarization, though some institutions may offer it in limited circumstances. Ask your bank or brokerage whether they accept remote medallion notarization for your specific transaction.