Stock certificates represent the number of shares owned by an individual. Issuing stock certificates is traditional in corporations, but a person can own shares of stock without a certificate. The corporation’s directors are empowered to authorize the issuance of shares. This is typically done in a corporate resolution stating that a certain number of shares will be issued to a particular individual.
The state is not involved in issuing stock certificates. That is up to the corporation. The corporation could print up its own certificates or obtain blank stock certificates, which are available from most stationery or business supply stores. The number of shares and names of shareholders can be inserted with a typewriter or computer. Pre-printed certificates can also be purchased and are usually part of a corporate kit.
To obtain blank stock certificates visit:
http://corporatepublishingcompany.com
http://corpkitnw.com