First, look for any signs that suggest the stock certificate is still valid. A valid stock certificate bears the name of the beneficiary. Also, all seals and signatures should be undamaged. In other words, there should be no hole punches or stamps over any of the seals or signatures on the certificate.
What to do if you find an old stock certificate?
Key Takeaways
- If you find an old certificate, it's important to know where to start looking.
- Look for the company name and location of incorporation, a CUSIP number, and the name of the person with whom the security is registered.
- If you have been successful in finding all this information, you will need to locate the name of the transfer agent.
Can you sell stock without the certificate?
You can sell your shares directly to friends, neighbors or total strangers at the local coffee shop. You’ll need the stock certificates, and the buyer will need cash or a certified check. You might accept a regular check if you’re trusting or if the buyer is willing to accompany you to the local bank branch.
What to do with an old stock certificate?
You'll need to provide them with either:
- the name of the company
- the date of the certificate
- the state of incorporation
How to determine the value of an old stock certificate?
Is It Worth It to Cash in Old Stock Certificates?
- The Key Pieces of Information. Start by looking at a few things on the certificate. ...
- Transfer Agent. If you have been successful in finding all this information, you will need to locate the name of the transfer agent.
- The Importance of Documentation. ...
- Have Someone Else Do the Work for You. ...
How do I know if my old stock certificate is still valid?
You can begin with a quick internet search on the company's name. If this doesn't turn up any information, you may consult the corporate registry where the company was registered. You will find this information on the stock certificate, it will usually state “Incorporated under the laws of…”.
How do I know if a stock certificate is good?
Check your paper certificate for a CUSIP number. This is the identifying number that must be on all paper certificates. You can use this number to check with the secretary of state's office in the state of the company's incorporation. They will be able to tell you information about the company.
How do you cash in old stock certificates?
If you can track down the issuing company and get its CUSIP number, you can reach out to a transfer agent, complete a transfer form and place a sell order to cash in your old stock certificate. Otherwise, you could simply keep the certificate if the company no longer exists.
Do stock certificates expire?
Stock shares do not have an expiration date. There are companies listed on the stock exchanges whose shares have traded for over 100 years. However, there are several circumstances in which the shares of a particular company stop having any value.
What can you do with old paper stock certificates?
So, what can you do with it? If the company (or a company it merged with or purchased it) still exists, you should be able to sell the certificate. You may also be able to collect dividends that were intended for the owner of the certificate, up to seven years' worth.
How do I lookup a stock certificate number?
The easiest way is to contact the company and ask it directly. You can usually find the number of the company or the name of the transfer agent on the company's website; generally, publicly listed corporations have an investor-relations link on their sites.
How do I research old stock certificates for free?
Call a discount or full-service brokerage house and provide the CUSIP number, which is unique to each individual stock certificate, and stock brokerages can use this number to find out exactly the status of the company. Most larger discount brokerage houses will do this search for free, but be sure to ask first.
How do I sell stock certificates without a broker?
One way to avoid a broker is to contact the investor relations department of the corporation whose shares you own and identify the company's transfer agent. You can sell your shares directly to the transfer agent.
How do I trace old shares?
You can trace other lost shares by contacting the three main share registrars: Link Asset Services (Linkgroup.eu or 0371664 0300); Computershare (Computershare.com/uk); and Equiniti (Equiniti.com or 0371 384 2030).
What happens when a stock is expired?
If the stock is above the strike price the put expires without value and any money you paid for the contract is lost. If the stock is below the strike price, the put will be automatically exercised over the weekend.
How do I sell shares with a share certificate?
How to sell your shares onlineComplete an application confirming your personal details.Share the information on your certificate as proof of ownership.Send your certificate and printed application to the broker to confirm the sale.
How much does it cost to replace a stock certificate?
The cost is usually around 3% of the value of the stock on the day the stop was issued, so if the value of the the stock was $100,000, the fee charged by the transfer company for the surety bond would be $3,000.
Getting Started
Company Histories
Corporate Records
What Is Scripophily?
Further Assistance
- These sources report corporate financial events, obsolete securities, or company histories: 1. Capital Changes Reporter 2. Directory of Obsolete Securities 3. Fisher Manuals 4. MERGENT/Moody's Manuals 5. Smythe Manuals 6. Standard and Poor's Manual of Railroads It's a good idea to check business, city, and phone directories and periodical indexes. Consult both current and previous indexes which cover the time period when the company w…