Medallion Signature Guarantee vs. Notary Stamp: What Notaries Need to Know

Written by Beth Hathoot

Edited & Updated 08/2026

A Medallion Signature Guarantee is often confused with a notarization, but the two serve entirely different purposes. If you've ever wondered whether a Notary can provide a Medallion Signature Guarantee—or how to respond when a client requests one—this guide will explain what every Notary should know.

Medallion Signature Guarantee (Medallion Stamp)

As a Notary Public you may get a request for medallion services. The general public may believe that this is something a Notary can perform.  When you get that call the conversation usually sounds something like; 'I need to move money out of my investment account to another account and need the paper notarized' or 'I am rolling all my IRAs into an investment account and need the fancy medallion seal'. Your antennae should go up when the conversation involves moving money around or closing out Pension funds.

The "fancy medallion seal" they are talking about is not a Notary embosser over a gold seal either. You should immediately start thinking that your customer probably needs a Medallion Stamp and not a Notary Stamp.

Medallion stamps are provided by financial institutions and are not notarial acts even though the general public might think that it is because it requires the signer to sign in the presence of someone who also signs and stamps the document.

Medallion services is the signature guarantee and a special stamp that is used when the customer transfers or sells securities or stocks and it is the financial institution that assures that the signature on the transaction is genuine, and the financial institution accepts liability for any forgery.

A Medallion Signature Guarantee is a special type of authentication primarily used in the transfer of securities, such as stocks and bonds. A person can obtain a signature guarantee from a financial institution – such as a commercial bank, savings bank, credit union, or broker-dealer that participates in one of the Medallion signature guarantee programs. But, not from a Notary Public.

A Medallion Signature Guarantee is Not a Notarial Service

It verifies that the signature authorizing the transfer is genuine and that the signer has the legal authority to sign. The Medallion Signature Guarantee includes a unique stamp and a specific identifier (or guarantee number).

Example of a Medallion Signature Guarantee for a transfer of stocks

Key Differences

Purposes:

• Notary Stamp: Used for general document notarization, affirming the identity and willingness of signers.

• Medallion Signature Guarantee: Specifically for the transfer of securities, confirming the legitimacy and authority of the signature.

Who Can Use:

• Notary Stamp: Issued by state governments to notaries public, who must complete a certification process and adhere to state laws.

• Medallion Signature Guarantee: Issued by financial institutions (banks, credit unions, brokerage firms) that are members of a Medallion program (e.g., STAMP, SEMP, or MSP). These institutions undergo rigorous certification processes and are bound by stricter regulations due to the high financial risks involved.

Availability:

• Notary Stamp: Commonly available through commissioned notaries public, who are widespread and provide services to the general public.

• Medallion Signature Guarantee: Limited to financial institutions. Notaries public generally cannot provide this service because it requires affiliation with a financial institution that participates in a Medallion program. The certification and liability requirements are beyond the scope of a typical notary's role.

Why Notaries Do Not Provide a Medallion Signature Guarantee

Certification Requirements: Financial institutions must meet stringent requirements and undergo a detailed certification process to offer Medallion Signature Guarantees. This process ensures that they have the necessary financial resources and risk management protocols in place.

1. Liability and Risk: The financial institution providing the Medallion Signature Guarantee assumes significant liability if the signature turns out to be fraudulent. This level of risk and the associated insurance requirements are beyond what a standard notary public can typically handle.

2. Regulatory Oversight: The regulation of Medallion programs involves oversight by financial industry regulators, adding another layer of complexity and responsibility that is not part of the notary public's role.

While a notary stamp is used for general document notarization, a Medallion Signature Guarantee is a specialized service for securities transfers, requiring financial institution backing and regulatory compliance.

When a caller mentions transferring stocks, bonds, mutual funds, retirement assets, or other securities, ask whether the receiving institution specifically requires a Medallion Signature Guarantee. If it does, refer the caller to the financial institution or brokerage handling the account. Notaries should not attempt to substitute a notarization for the requested guarantee.

Written by Beth Hathoot for Notary Stars

Originally Published: 06/26/2024

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