Change of Account Registration

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:

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?
  • I want to include my spouse
  • I want to add my adult children
  • I want to add someone else
  • I want to consolidate my accounts
  • I want to remove someone

If you have a nonretirement account, you can change your account's registration onlineLog In Required.

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.

  • Typically, your change is effective in about three business days and we'll send you a confirmation
  • If a new account isn't already open, one will be set up
  • If there is an existing account, have that account number available
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:

  • A copy of your divorce or separation document; this document must reference the specific accounts and the amounts to transfer
  • If the information isn't included, you'll need to provide a court document describing how the assets should be divided

Note: If you have a self-employed 401(k) or Keogh account, call us at 800-544-5373 for instructions.

  • Typically, your change is effective in about three business days and we'll send you a confirmation
  • If other owners need to sign the documents, we'll email them to request their signatures
  • If you legally changed your name, please complete the Name ChangeLog In Required steps
  • You may also want to review your Beneficiary SummaryLog In Required
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.

  • Typically, your change is effective in about three business days and we'll send you a confirmation
  • For non-probated estates, please consult your attorney
  • Talk to your tax advisor to see if an Inheritance Tax Waiver is required
  • I'm planning my estate and I need to set up a new trust
  • I need to change an existing trustee

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:

  • You will need the trust's name, account number, and its tax ID (TIN) or Social Security number (SSN); we require the TIN or SSN for all trustees, including any trustees being added or removed
  • A copy of your trust document; if you don't have your trust document available, you'll be asked to complete a Certification of Trust
  • If the trust's TIN is changing, you will need to submit additional paperwork; please refer to your trustee documents
  • Typically, your change is effective in about three business days and we'll send you a confirmation
  • See our Estate Planning page to learn more about your choices

Frequently asked questions