Delaware Code

8 Del. C. § 158 (2026)

Stock certificates; uncertificated shares

✓ current as of May 2026
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The shares of a corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the board of directors of the corporation may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of its stock shall be uncertificated shares. Any such resolution shall not apply to shares represented by a certificate until such certificate is surrendered to the corporation. Every holder of stock represented by certificates shall be entitled to have a certificate signed by, or in the name of, the corporation by any 2 authorized officers of the corporation representing the number of shares registered in certificate form. Any or all the signatures on the certificate may be a facsimile. In case any officer, transfer agent or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if such person were such officer, transfer agent or registrar at the date of issue. A corporation shall not have power to issue a certificate in bearer form.

8 Del. C. 1953, §  158;  56 Del. Laws, c. 5056 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  858 Del. Laws, c. 235, §  264 Del. Laws, c. 112, §  1371 Del. Laws, c. 339, §  1973 Del. Laws, c. 298, §  375 Del. Laws, c. 30, §  280 Del. Laws, c. 265, § 6
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 5 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 1964–2023 · leading case: Graham v. Com. Credit Co., 200 A.2d 828 (Del. 1964).
Graham v. Com. Credit Co., 200 A.2d 828 (Del. 1964). · cites it 4× “It appears that Commercial Credit's transfer agent readily issues new certificates for those lost if the value of the lost certificates is less than $100,000 but that an indemnity bond is required where the value is in excess of $100,000.”
POSCO Energy Co., Ltd. v. FuelCell Energy, Inc. (S.D.N.Y. 2021). · cites it 4× “¶¶ 65–74); (3) violation of 8 Del. C. § 158 based on FuelCell’s delay (id.”
Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. v. PDV Holding, Inc. (Del. Ch. 2023). · cites it 2× “§ 168, and not in an action under 8 Del. C. § 158, which this is.” Id. 21 The court reads the statute and the caselaw as prohibiting the court from waiving the bond and security requirement, but allowing the court to exercise its discretion in determining the form and…”
In re Appraisal of Dell Inc. (Del. Ch. 2015). · cites it 2× “5 5 See 8 Del. C. § 158 (―The shares of a corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the board of directors of the corporation may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of its stock shall be uncertificated…”
In Re Appraisal of Dell Inc. (Del. Ch. 2015). · cites it 2× “5 5 See 8 Del. C. § 158 (―The shares of a corporation shall be represented by certificates, provided that the board of directors of the corporation may provide by resolution or resolutions that some or all of any or all classes or series of its stock shall be uncertificated…”
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