Step 1: Head Down to the Library
There are reasonably priced databases although many of those are available at your local library.
Step 2: State Business Entity Search
Let's continue with Bowser Delaware Corp. from the previous steps example. The company was (as we assembled) incorporated in Delaware. From the state of Delaware we can receive the date of termination of the company and the company's last transfer agent which will be critical later on.
Step 3: Contact the Company's Transfer Agent
From our local library we were able to track down the various corporate changes that the company went through. From the Secretary of State's site we found a Business Entity Search. From this search we were able to gather the Transfer Agent information.
Step 4: Professional Help
At this point you have pieced together the entire corporate history for the shares that you own! If the transfer agent requires for you to get proof-of-purchase for your shares or any other legal matters arise it is at this point where professional help can be a very valuable resource.
How many ticker symbols are there in stocks?
Most stocks can be identified by three or four letters in their ticker symbol, such as INTC for the chip maker Intel, and there are usually around 20,000 unique ticker symbols for these publicly traded companies.
Why do I need a CUSP number?
The primary reason for looking up a CUSIP number is for information on a stock or bond. To access the entire CUSIP database requires a subscription through Standard & Poor's or a similar service or organization that provides the access to the CUSIP database.
Who is Tim Fisher?
Tim Fisher has 30+ years' professional technology experience. He focuses on support and Microsoft topics but is an expert in all areas of tech. He's also the GM & VP of Lifewire.
What happens if you lose a stock certificate?
Whether you have misplaced or accidentally destroyed a certificate for stock you know you own, or are dealing with an estate that you believe owned shares of stock that can't be located, a few steps may lead to recovery of the missing shares. The Social Security number or tax ID and name of the registered owner – and in some cases ...
Can you find a deceased relative's stock?
Sometimes you know a deceased relative held a position in a stock he swore never to sell, but you can't find the certificates or evidence of a current position in that stock at his brokerage firm. If your lost shares are long-term stock holdings, check to see if the company you remember was acquired or changed its name.