GUIDE · FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS
Notary vs. Medallion Signature Guarantee: What's the Difference?
Your form asks for a "signature guarantee," and you're not sure if a notary will do. They sound alike, but they aren't interchangeable. Here's how to tell which one your document needs and where to get each.
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GUIDE · FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS
Need a notarization?
We come to your home, office or bedside.
- Affidavits and account forms
- Estate and transfer packets
- Financial powers of attorney
- Apostille for foreign banks
The difference at a glance
Both involve your signature. The difference is who provides it and what they're vouching for.
Notarization
A notary confirms the signer's identity and witnesses the signature or acknowledgment. The notary doesn't guarantee anything financially. Used for affidavits, powers of attorney, deeds, bank and loan forms, and much more.
Medallion Signature Guarantee
An eligible bank, credit union or brokerage in an approved Medallion program guarantees the signature is genuine and the signer has authority, and accepts liability if it isn't. Used mainly to transfer or change ownership of securities.
How to tell which one your form needs
- It says "Medallion Signature Guarantee" or shows a Medallion stamp box. You need a Medallion guarantee from a participating financial institution. A notary can't provide it.
- It says "notarized," "acknowledged before a notary" or "sworn to before me." You need a notary. We can help.
- It says "signature guarantee or notarization." Either works. A notarization is often faster to arrange.
- It isn't clear. Ask the institution that will receive the form. Getting the wrong one means sending the packet back.
Where to get a Medallion guarantee
Part of your packet needs a notary?
We notarize affidavits, account forms and powers of attorney wherever you are.
Where we help
Frequently asked questions
Can a notary provide a Medallion Signature Guarantee?
No. Only an eligible financial institution that belongs to an approved Medallion program, such as a bank, credit union or brokerage, can provide one. A notary can't, and a notary stamp won't be accepted in its place.
Can a notarization replace a Medallion guarantee?
Not when the form requires a Medallion guarantee. Some forms accept either a signature guarantee or a notarization. If yours says "or notarization," we can notarize it.
Where do I get a Medallion Signature Guarantee?
Usually from a bank, credit union or brokerage where you're a customer. Many only provide guarantees for their own customers and may ask for statements showing the account and value involved. Call ahead.
Why is a Medallion guarantee harder to get than a notarization?
The guarantor accepts financial liability if the signature turns out to be forged or unauthorized. A notary doesn't take on that liability, which is why the two aren't interchangeable.
What documents need a Medallion guarantee?
Most often, documents that transfer or change ownership of securities: stock powers, transfer forms from a transfer agent, and some brokerage or retirement account transfers. Your form will say which it needs.
Can you notarize the other forms in my packet?
Yes. Estate, account and transfer packets often include an affidavit or other form that needs a notary as well as one that needs a Medallion guarantee. We notarize the notary forms at your home, office or bedside. See financial document notary.
Can you notarize a document for a foreign bank or brokerage?
Yes. Foreign institutions usually ask for a notarization plus an apostille or embassy legalization, not a Medallion guarantee. We handle both.
Need a notary for your financial documents?
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