Frequently Asked Questions

General Transfer Information

Who is your transfer agent and what does a transfer agent do?

Dominion is the transfer agent. A transfer agent maintains shareholder records, including purchases, sales and account balances. The transfer agent ensures all shares are properly accounted for and dividend payments are made. The transfer agent does not maintain records of shares bought and sold through brokerage accounts.  Those records are maintained by your stock broker.
 

What types of registrations does Dominion offer?

Dominion Shareholder Services have a number of ways to register your account. If a type of registration is not listed below, please contact Shareholder Services for further information. The most common types of registration are:

Custodial: Custodial accounts allow a minor to own securities that are controlled by a custodian until the minor meets the age of majority for the state in which the account was set up.  All deposits into these accounts are irrevocable gifts to the minor recipient.

Individual: Ownership in which there is one owner. Upon the death of the individual, the shares are subject to probate proceedings.

JT TEN or JT WROS: Joint Tenant (with right of survivorship and not tenants in common) – Ownership in which two or more adults own an undivided interest of the security. Upon the death of any tenant, the securities are transferred to the survivor(s) thus avoiding probate of the security. The conjunction "or” cannot be used in registering joint stock ownership.

TEN COM: Tenants in Common – A type of joint tenancy without right of survivorship in which two or more adults own a divisible amount of the securities. Upon the death of a tenant, the decedent’s securities pass to his/her estate. The conjunction “or” cannot be used in registering joint stock ownership.

TEN ENT: Tenants by the Entirety – This term is the same as joint tenants but can be held only by husband and wife. A form of ownership recognized by certain states as an appropriate form of registration for a husband and wife in such a manner that, except in concert with the other, neither husband nor wife has a disposable interest in the property during the lifetime of the other. Upon the death of either, the property goes to the survivor. This is different from “tenants in common” and “joint tenancy.”

TOD SUBJ TO STA TOD RULES: Transfer on Death – Upon the death of the account owner, the shares are passed to the beneficiary listed. This is Transfer on Death and not as POD (payable on death).

TRUST: A form of ownership governed by a trust agreement created during the lifetime of the grantor or created under the decedent’s will.

Please call Shareholder Services if you have questions about these or any other types of registrations.
 

If I transfer all of my shares, will I keep my same account number?

No. At the time of transfer the shares are moved out of the existing account and deposited into a new account. After the transfer is complete, you will receive a statement from your old account indicating shares were transferred. Also, a statement will be sent indicating the new account number, new name and address, if applicable, and number of shares in the new account.
 

If I transfer all of my shares, will my new account be set up with the same features as my old account?

No. We cannot assume you want the same features on the new account. If you currently have a bank draft to purchase shares or a direct deposit to electronically deposit dividends, you may request the forms to set up this information on your new account.
 

Does Dominion charge any fees to transfer shares?

No, Dominion does not charge to transfer shares.
 

Dominion requires a Medallion Signature Guarantee to transfer the stock. What is a Medallion Signature Guarantee and where can I get one?

A Medallion Signature Guarantee is a certification that the signature is authentic. The Medallion Signature Guarantee protects the shareholder against unauthorized transfers.

The Medallion Signature Guarantee can be obtained at most financial institutions, such as a bank or broker who is a member of the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP). Most financial institutions have policies as to what type of identification they require before providing the Medallion Signature Guarantee. Also, most financial institutions will not guarantee a signature of someone who is not already a customer of that establishment.

If a Medallion Signature Guarantee is required, you must provide this, otherwise the transfer request will be rejected. The signature of a Notary Public is not acceptable for transferring shares.
 

What type of paperwork is required to transfer Dominion common stock?

You may prepare a letter of instruction indicating what type of change you are making to the registration on the account.

• Include your account information, daytime phone number and e-mail address. Also include the name(s) that you wish to transfer shares to, and the address for the new account. All account holders must sign the letter and obtain the Medallion Signature Guarantee.
• A W-9 form is required on all new accounts. The recipient of the shares must complete the W-9 form by providing the social security number (SSN) or tax identification number (TIN). If the new account lists more than one person, only one SSN is required. The W-9 form is used to certify the SSN or TIN. Failure to submit a W-9 form may subject the shareholder to mandatory federal tax withholding. You may request a W-9 form from your bank at the time you have your signature guaranteed or you may print the form from Dominion’s website or the IRS website.
• If you are transferring certificate shares, the certificates must be returned to Dominion with your paperwork.  Please do not sign the back of your certificates. We recommend mailing your stock certificates either certified or registered and insured for 2% of the current market value. This is the cost to replace the certificates if they are lost.

Call Dominion to get information on any additional paperwork that may be needed for your transfer of stock.

If you would rather have Dominion prepare the paperwork for you, call, fax or e-mail Dominion for transfer paperwork. Provide your account information and the change(s) you are making to the registration of the account. We will mail or e-mail transfer instructions that are prepared especially for you.

All transfers are subject to final approval by our Transfer Department. If the proper information and/or documents are not provided, your transfer request will be delayed until the required paperwork is received.

Legal documents will not be returned. We must keep all submitted documents as part of the permanent recordkeeping for auditing purposes.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Shareholder Services Monday through Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at 1-800-552-4034 or (804) 771-6751 (Eastern Time) or e-mail us at Shareholder.Services@dom.com.
 

Where do I mail my paperwork?

Mailing Address: Dominion Resources, Inc. Shareholder Services, 6th FL P. O. Box 26532 Richmond, VA  23261-6532

OR

Overnight Address:  Dominion Resources, Inc. Shareholder Services, 6th FL 701 East Cary Street Richmond, VA  23219-3927

I live outside of the United States. Am I required to obtain a Medallion signature guarantee to transfer stock?

Yes. A medallion signature guarantee must be provided by an eligible guarantor institution (commercial bank, trust company, securities broker/dealer, credit union or savings association) participating in a Medallion program approved by the Securities Transfer Association Inc. (STA) and must cover the value of the transaction. If a signature guarantee is not obtainable, please have your letter of instruction or stock power endorsed and witnessed by a bank official or US Consul. The letter or stock power must bear the bank seal or seal of the US Consul. 
 

How do I transfer my shares to a broker?

This type of transaction can be done electronically through Direct Registration System (DRS). Contact your broker or financial institution directly to initiate this type of transfer. Provide your broker/financial institution with your latest Activity Statement. All information that’s needed by your broker/financial institution is on your Activity Statement. If you hold certificate shares, give your stock certificates to your broker.