If you own Royal Mail shares (now known as International Distributions Services plc), you can sell them easily through several routes—either online, via a broker, or by post. The right method depends on how you hold your shares (paper certificate or online account).
Here’s a simple guide to help you sell your Royal Mail shares step-by-step.
✅ 1. Check How You Hold Your Shares
There are three common ways people hold Royal Mail shares:
📄 a) Paper Share Certificate
- You have a physical certificate from when the government privatised Royal Mail in 2013
💻 b) Online Nominee Account (Equiniti Shareview)
- Your shares are managed online via Shareview, the official platform run by Equiniti
🏦 c) Held via a Stockbroker or ISA
- Shares are managed in a brokerage account, pension, or ISA (e.g. Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell)
🛒 2. Choose How to Sell Your Shares
🔸 Option 1: Sell Online via Shareview (Equiniti)
If you’re registered on Equiniti Shareview:
🔗 Visit: www.shareview.co.uk
How:
- Log in to your account
- Select your Royal Mail (IDS plc) shares
- Click “Sell” and follow the prompts
- Proceeds can be sent to your bank via BACS
💷 Fees: Typically around £11–£15 per transaction
🔸 Option 2: Sell via a Stockbroker
If your shares are in an ISA or broker account (like Hargreaves Lansdown, AJ Bell, Halifax Share Dealing, etc.):
- Log in to your broker platform
- Search for International Distributions Services plc or ticker: IDS
- Select your shares and click “Sell”
- Choose instant sale or set a limit price
💷 Broker fees vary (some charge £5–£12 per trade)
🔸 Option 3: Sell by Post (Certificate Holders)
If you only have a paper certificate and no online account:
- Contact Equiniti or download a “CREST Transfer Form” from Shareview
- Complete and sign the form
- Post it with your original certificate to Equiniti
📦 Address: Equiniti, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, BN99 6DA
💷 May take longer (1–2 weeks) and include postal handling fees
🔐 3. Have These Details Ready
- Your Shareholder Reference Number (SRN) (found on your certificate or Shareview account)
- Your national insurance number (if required)
- Bank account details to receive funds
- ID and proof of address, if requested for security
📈 4. Check the Current Share Price
Before selling, check the live price of IDS plc (formerly Royal Mail) shares:
🔗 London Stock Exchange – IDS (RMG)
🧾 5. Capital Gains Tax (CGT) Consideration
If your profits exceed the capital gains allowance (£6,000 for 2023/24), you may owe tax. Keep records of:
- Date of sale
- Number of shares sold
- Purchase price
- Sale price
Summary Table
| How You Hold Shares | Best Way to Sell |
|---|---|
| Paper certificate | Post to Equiniti or register online |
| Equiniti Shareview account | Sell directly on shareview.co.uk |
| Held in broker/ISA account | Sell via your broker’s platform |
Conclusion
To sell your Royal Mail shares:
- Check how you hold them (certificate, online, or broker)
- Sell via Shareview, broker, or post depending on your setup
- Provide bank details and ID if required
- Keep records for potential tax reporting
Selling your shares is quick and secure when you follow the right steps for your account type.
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