Fidelity

To move a Fidelity account into a trust, you have to complete a process called a Change of Account Registration. In effect, you are legally changing the owner of the assets from your individual name to the name of your trust.

Note that only non-retirement accounts (like standard Brokerage or Cash Management accounts) can be re-registered to a trust. Retirement accounts like IRAs or 401(k)s cannot be owned by a trust, though you can name a trust as a beneficiary.

Here is how to get it done online or on paper.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Before you start, make sure you have:

  • The legal Name of the Trust and the Trust Date.

  • The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number used by the trust.

  • Personal details (DOB, SSN, address) for all trustees.

  • A digital copy of your Certification of Trust form or the specific pages of your Trust Agreement showing the trust name, trustees, powers, and signature pages.

Step 2: Choose Your Method

Option A: Complete it Online

For standard individual or joint accounts moving into a personal living trust, you can usually do this completely digitally.

  1. Go to this link (or search "Fidelity Change of Account Registration").

  2. Click Start a change request.

  3. Select the account you want to move and choose Trust as the new registration type.

  4. Fill out the trustee details and upload your trust documents when prompted at the end.

Option B: Use the Paper Form

  1. Download the Change of Account Registration — Brokerage Account PDF linked here.

  2. Fill out the document, ensuring all current owners and all new trustees sign the required sections.

  3. Upload the completed PDF and your trust documents securely via the Fidelity Secure Message Center while logged into your account.

Important Things to Keep in Mind

  • Account Numbers: In many cases involving a standard revocable living trust using your own SSN, Fidelity can keep your same account number and login. However, if the trust uses a separate EIN/TIN or has different trustees, a new account number will likely be generated.

  • Account Features Reset: Re-registering an account does not automatically carry over features. Once the change is processed, you will need to re-link your external bank accounts, order new debit/ATM cards, and re-establish check-writing or automatic transfer setups.

  • Processing Time: Once Fidelity receives your paperwork or digital submission, it typically takes about 3 business days to complete the registration change.

If your specific scenario is unique (such as moving assets after the original account owner has passed away), it is highly recommended to call Fidelity's dedicated Transition Services team at 800-544-0003 to ensure you don't miss a step.

Change of Account Registration PDF