---
title: How do I liquidate precious metals?
description: STRATA does not buy or sell metals directly. You will need to contact your precious metals dealer to handle the liquidation. There are three items STRATA will need to process your liquidation.
---
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2. [Distributions & Withdrawals](https://knowledge.stratatrust.com/distributions-withdrawals?hsLang=en)
3. [Precious Metals Distribution - Liquidation Required](https://knowledge.stratatrust.com/distributions-withdrawals?hsLang=en#precious-metals-distribution-liquidation-required)
# How do I liquidate precious metals?
To liquidate precious metals held within your STRATA IRA, you must work directly with your precious metals dealer. STRATA does not buy, sell, or exchange metals directly.
---
### Liquidation process
Liquidating precious metals is generally a two- or three-step process:
1. Contact your precious metals dealer to initiate the liquidation
2. Direct STRATA to liquidate the metals
3. Request a cash distribution from STRATA (if applicable)
Once you and your dealer have agreed on the metals to be sold and the buyback amount, the dealer will prepare documentation for the transaction.
**Required documentation**
Your precious metals dealer will provide:
- Client agreement
- Purchase order or liquidation invoice
The accountholder must then submit these documents along with STRATA’s [Investment Direction and Disclosures - Precious Metals Liquidation](https://www.stratatrust.com/resources/forms/?tab-id=2&form-id=investment-direction--precious-metals--liquidation) form.
*When completing the liquidation form, the liquidation amount should match the amount reflected on the dealer invoice.*
---
### Processing timelines
Processing timelines vary depending on whether the transaction involves:
- An internal transfer within the depository
- Shipment of metals to your dealer via FedEx 2-Day or Overnight delivery
**(1) Receiving a precious metals dealer transfer:** The typical processing timeline is approximately 5–13 business days.
*⚠️ **Processing times are estimates and are not guaranteed.** Timelines may vary based on transaction volume, depository operations, shipping schedules, and dealer processing requirements.*
- Up to 3 business days for STRATA to review and process the request
- Up to 5 business days for internal depository transfers
- Up to 5 business days for shipment from the depository to the dealer
- Dealers are required to remit sale proceeds to the STRATA account within 5 business days of receiving the metals
**(2) Receiving cash proceeds:** If you would like the liquidation proceeds distributed from your IRA, you must also complete STRATA’s [IRA Distribution Request](https://www.stratatrust.com/resources/forms/ira-distribution-request/) form.
Once liquidation proceeds are received by STRATA and all required distribution paperwork is in good order, cash distributions are generally processed within 24–48 hours.
Please note:
- Sufficient cash must be available before a distribution can be processed
- Distributions taken before age 59½ may be subject to IRS taxes and penalties unless an exception applies
For more information, please refer to [How do I take a cash distribution from my STRATA IRA?](https://knowledge.stratatrust.com/what-do-you-need-to-make-a-distribution?hsLang=en)
---
### Help avoid processing delays
Keeping your contact information current helps STRATA validate requests and process transactions securely and efficiently. If the contact information on file does not match the information provided with your request, additional verification steps may be required and could delay processing.
If your address, email, or phone number has changed, please submit STRATA's [**Information Change Request - IRA Account**](https://www.stratatrust.com/resource-center/forms/#information-change-request-ira-account) form.
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STRATA Trust Company (“STRATA”) performs the duties of a directed (passive) custodian, and as such does not provide due diligence to third parties regarding prospective investments, platforms, sponsors, dealers or service providers. As a custodian, STRATA does not sponsor, endorse or sell any investment and is not affiliated with any investment sponsor, issuer or dealer. STRATA does not provide investment, legal or tax advice. Individuals should consult with their investment, legal or tax professionals for such services.