Free Corporate Stock Certificate & Issued Shares Template
Use this form to formally document the issuance of shares in your corporation. Allows you to generate either a stock certificate for aesthetic presentation, or a detailed bill of sale for issued shares including asset-based contributions or cash investments.
DOWNLOAD STOCK CERTIFICATE / BILL OF SALE
What Is a Stock Certificate vs. Bill of Sale?
A stock certificate is the physical document issued to a shareholder showing their number of shares, name, certificate number, and required officer signatures. A bill of sale provides space to record detailed terms of stock issuance, like price per share, investment source, and asset contributions—ideal when funding via property or in-kind assets.
These documents serve different purposes: certificates focus on formal ownership, whereas a bill of sale tracks the financial terms of issuance. Both are useful depending on investor needs.
What Should the Templates Include?
- Corporation name and state of formation
- Shareholder name and number of shares issued with pricing details.
- Certificate number, date, and par or no-par classification
- Statement of fully paid and non-assessable shares
- Authorized officer signatures (e.g., President, Secretary, Treasurer).
- Acceptances—witness signature when officer is also the shareholder.
- Bill of sale: asset description and value for in-kind payments
Important Notes & FAQs
Are physical stock certificates required?
Not necessarily. Modern corporations often use electronic or uncertificated shares for ease. Physical certificates remain optional and issued only upon request.
When should I use a bill of sale instead of a certificate?
If shareholders pay for shares with assets instead of cash—such as equipment—you’ll need a bill of sale to record the details clearly. A certificate alone may omit important valuation information.
Can I issue shares before they’re fully paid?
No—corporate law generally requires full payment before issuing a stock certificate. Partial or unpaid shares require explicit notation.
