frankieboy: I found this on Ameritrade site regarding requesting certificates:
How long does it take to get a stock certificate?
Delivery of certificates typically takes four to eight weeks, depending on current volume of the Transfer Agents involved. Please note: During this time period after you submit your request and before you receive the stock certificate(s), you cannot engage in any transaction that involves the requested security without first contacting a Client Services representative to cancel your request (if it has not already processed).
Couldn't find info on selling stock held as certificates on Ameritrade site, but found this on another site and I would guess the same holds true (but you should call):
To sell certificate shares, return the stock certificate(s) to us with a written request to sell the shares. A complete sale request includes all of the following: the name(s) listed on the stock certificate, the address and social security number used on the account, your daytime telephone number, your stock certificate number(s) and the number of shares you would like to sell. All owners must sign the sale request exactly as their names appear on the face of the certificate. Please do not write on your stock certificates.
If you only sell part of your shares the remaining shares will be held in Dominion Direct for safekeeping unless you specify in your request that you want a certificate.
Considering processing and settlement time, your check for the sale should be mailed approximately two weeks after we receive your certificates. Finally, we recommend using registered or certified mail to send your stock certificates and letter of instructions.
In other words, it looks like the sale doesn't take place until the written request, along with the certificates, is received.
Why do you want to hold your certificates? Because you think in the future they'll be worth more as paper than the actual shares?
techisbest
