Finance
Fact-checked

At SmartCapitalMind, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is a Certificate of Delivery?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A certificate of delivery is a document used in the financial world to confirm that securities have been delivered to an individual or brokerage. This document is also sometimes known as a certificate of delivery and acceptance (D&A), reflecting the fact that the securities have been delivered and accepted. This certificate provides legal protections to both of the parties involved in the transfer, and it is a routine part of the paperwork conducted at brokerage houses and investment firms.

Before a security can be delivered, it must be inspected to confirm that it is ready to be delivered. If a security is considered “good delivery,” it means that there are no restrictions or encumbrances to a transfer, and that everything is in good order. If a security is not able to be transferred, it is “bad delivery,” and the issues must be rectified before a transfer can take place. Once a security is determined to be ready for delivery as part of an agreed-upon financial transaction, a buyer or agent cannot refuse it.

A certificate of delivery confirms the receipt of packages.
A certificate of delivery confirms the receipt of packages.

From the point of view of the person selling the security, a certificate of delivery confirms that the security really did arrive, and that it was accepted by the buyer or the buyer's agent. If the buyer later challenges the validity of the transaction or claims that the security was not delivered, the seller can produce the certificate of delivery to support his or her position. Likewise, buyers can use a certificate of delivery or lack thereof to prove the validity of a transaction.

Individuals who work through investment firms rarely deal with certificates of delivery and other paperwork related to the buying and selling of securities. Instead, a broker or agent handles these documents, typically charging a small fee to the client for the service. By law in most regions, investment firms must publish lists of their fees and commissions for various services, including the amount charged to handle a certificate of delivery.

People who are not familiar with the details of investing would be highly advised to work with an experienced broker or consultant to ensure that their transactions are legal and properly logged. Failure to fill out paperwork correctly or to account for exchanged securities can result in legal penalties, ranging from fines to jail time, even if the intent was not fraudulent. Consumers should also take care to use agents who are authorized to conduct securities trading on the behalf of others. Most governments require licensure through government agencies.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a SmartCapitalMind researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a SmartCapitalMind researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

You might also Like

Discussion Comments

everetra

@allenJo - This is one reason that I work with an established brokerage house instead of trying to do everything myself through an online outfit.

I realize that many brokerage houses have online trading portals, and that’s fine, but the establishment behind it must be solid. I don’t have the time or the resources to keep up with all the paperwork related to stock market investing, let alone stay on top of the fees incurred by my trading.

MrMoody

@allenJo - That’s entirely up to you. As the article points out, the brokerage house works out those details.

I think it depends on what kind of investing you are doing. If you are day trading, then there is no point in messing with a certificate of delivery, as you will only be holding the stock for a very short period of time.

If, however, you are buying massive shares of a stock, then you might want the certificate for security purposes, or at least a sense of security in that regard.

It’s my understanding that while the companies don’t normally issue the certificate of delivery directly to shareholders, by law they are required to send it to you if you so request it.

allenJo

I didn’t begin investing until online trading became the norm for stock investing. Therefore I have had no experience with certificates of delivery.

Until reading this article, I didn’t even know that one even existed. I had an idea that you could probably request some sort of paperwork related to your stocks somehow if you wanted to but figured that the brokerage house kept that on hand, which appears to be the case.

Since I’ve never received a certificate of delivery, should I request one now?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A certificate of delivery confirms the receipt of packages.
      By: AVAVA
      A certificate of delivery confirms the receipt of packages.