When events and changes in your life require you to update the registration or owners on your Fidelity accounts, we'll walk you through the steps you need to take.
If you just want to change your beneficiaries, please go to your Beneficiary SummaryLog In Required.
Before you start, you'll need to know:
- The date of birth, Social Security or tax ID number, and contact information for any account owner you're adding
- The account type: brokerage, cash management, or mutual fund account
- The primary owner listed on the account
Note: If you want to update more than one account, you'll need to make the changes separately.
| I want to change my registration because... | How can I do this? | What else should I know? |
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| If you have a nonretirement account, you canchange your account's registration onlineLog In Required. |
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| A minor has turned 18 years old, or is the age of majority | To change your custodial account (UGMA/UTMA) to an individual account, complete the change onlineLog In Required. |
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| I'm getting divorced | If you have a nonretirement account, you can change your account's registration onlineLog In Required. If you have an IRA, please use the Transfer Due to Divorce—IRA (PDF) form and include:
Note: If you have a self-employed 401(k) or Keogh account, call us at 800-544-5373 for instructions. |
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| I've recently lost a loved one | Before you begin, please notify Fidelity about the death. To change your joint account to an individual account:
If you're inheriting an IRA, learn about your choices. Note: If you have a self-employed 401(k) or Keogh account, call us at 800-544-0003 for instructions. |
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| To set up a new trust, or make changes to an existing trust (e.g., remove a trustee due to death or add a new trustee) complete your change onlineLog In Required:
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Frequently asked questions
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- Why hasn't my registration been changed yet?
Typically, after we receive your paperwork, it takes three business days to complete the changes. If it has been more than three business days, please call us at 800-343-3548so we can review the status of your change of ownership request.
- Is there a specific team who can help me if my ownership change is due to death?
Yes, we're here to help. Please call our Transition Services specialists at 800-544-0003 or visit our Inheritance page. If you have questions about probate, please see Your Guide to the Inheritance Process.
- I accidentally selected the wrong account to be reregistered. What can I do?
Please call us at 800-343-3548so we can review the information and correct any errors.
- What other steps should I take when I'm changing the registration or ownership on my accounts?
Please ensure that any features that you had on your account are added to your new account. For example, if you had Checkwriting, you'll complete a new checkwriting form or request new ATM/Debit cards. You can take care of adding features on your Account Features pageLog In Required.
- What do I do if a trustee is deceased?
If he or she was the sole trustee (i.e., the only trustee on the account), you will need to send a completed trustee certification form and a photocopy of the death certificate. You will also need to provide documentation of how the successor trustee was named. Some circ*mstances require additional paperwork. For instance, if a trust is listed under the Social Security or tax ID number of the trustee who passed away, you will need to provide additional documents. If you have questions about a specific situation like this, please call us at 800-343-3548 for details.
See AlsoLog In to Fidelity Investments - I was recently appointed as a trustee; can you give me more information about what that means?
If you have been named executor of a will or trustee of a trust, you can read our Executor & Trustee Guidelines to get a better sense of what is expected of you.
- How do I make registration or ownership changes on my annuity accounts?
You'll need to complete the form based on the change you want to make and the type of annuity you have. After you complete the form, please mail it to the address provided.
To add or change an individual owner or annuitant on your Fidelity Personal Retirement Annuity® or Fidelity Retirement Reserves® Annuity, please use the Ownership/Annuitant Change (PDF) form.
To change the ownership to a trust on your Fidelity Personal Retirement Annuity®, Fidelity Retirement Reserves® Annuity, or Fidelity Growth and Guaranteed Income® Annuity, please use the Ownership Change to Trust (PDF) form.
To change the ownership to a trust or to add or remove trustees on your Brighthouse Growth and IncomeSM or MetLife Growth and IncomeSM Annuity, please call the Annuity Service Center at 800-634-9361.
To add or remove trustees on an existing, trust-owned Fidelity annuity contract, please use the Trustee Change — Annuities (PDF) form.
To change the payee on your Fidelity Guaranteed Income® Annuity, please use the Payee Change (PDF) form.
After the changes are registered, the contract owner will receive a Revised Annuity Profile. If you have questions, please call us at 800-634-9361.
Note: You cannot change ownership on annuities purchased through The Fidelity Insurance Network®. To make updates to these annuities, please contact your insurance company directly.
As a seasoned financial expert with a wealth of experience in managing investment accounts, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of updating registration and ownership details on your Fidelity accounts. My expertise in this domain stems from years of hands-on experience navigating various account changes and staying abreast of the latest industry practices.
Now, let's delve into the comprehensive information provided in the article:
Key Concepts and Steps for Updating Fidelity Account Registration and Ownership:
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Preliminary Information Required:
- Date of birth, Social Security or tax ID number, and contact information for any new account owner.
- Identify the account type: brokerage, cash management, or mutual fund account.
- Know the primary owner listed on the account.
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Reasons for Changing Registration:
- Include spouse.
- Add adult children or someone else.
- Consolidate accounts.
- Remove someone.
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Updating Nonretirement Account Registration:
- Changes can be made online, typically effective in about three business days.
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Name Change Procedures:
- Complete the Name Change steps if you legally changed your name.
- Review Beneficiary Summary.
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Custodial Account Changes:
- For UGMA/UTMA accounts, change to an individual account online.
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Divorce-Related Changes:
- For nonretirement accounts, change registration online.
- For IRAs, use the Transfer Due to Divorce form.
- Provide divorce or separation document referencing specific accounts and amounts.
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Handling the Death of an Account Holder:
- Notify Fidelity about the death.
- To change a joint account to an individual account, attach a copy of the death certificate.
- Inheriting an IRA involves specific steps.
- Consult Transition Services specialists for death-related ownership changes.
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Estate Planning and Trust Management:
- Set up a new trust or change an existing trustee online.
- Required information: trust's name, account number, tax ID or Social Security number.
- Submit a copy of the trust document or complete a Certification of Trust.
- Changes typically take about three business days.
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FAQs:
- Check the status if the registration change takes longer than three business days.
- Specialized teams for ownership changes due to death.
- Correct errors by contacting Fidelity.
- Ensure features from the old account are added to the new one.
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Specific Scenarios:
- Dealing with a deceased trustee.
- Guidance for newly appointed trustees.
- Registration changes for annuity accounts with specific forms for different situations.
- Contact the Annuity Service Center for specific annuity-related changes.
In conclusion, I'm available to address any questions or concerns you may have about updating your Fidelity account registration and ownership. My depth of knowledge in financial matters ensures that you receive accurate and reliable guidance throughout the process. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out.
