The easiest thing to do is to take the certificates into a local stock brokerage firm along with a copy of your birth certificate and have one of the sales reps walk you through the opening of an account and selling the stock for you

Before you sell, be sure to figure out your basis first.

You only pay tax on the gain, but if you don't know the basis, it's all gain.

As for selling, sign up at e-Trade, mail in the shares then sell.

You can sell them anytime. Figure out how much you will owe big government before spending it all.

My grandpa bought me Disney stock when I was a baby, I now am 21 and am allowed to have it.

I do understand the basics about stocks, but not about cashing them in.

I could really use some money right now to pay off some debts and repair my car.

Whats the usual process for the stocks being transferred over, and HOW SOON can I cash them in for money?

I am only going to sell some, the rest I will wait for a better time. But for now I do really need the money. Thank you in advance for any personal experience or input!