Trace Company Certificate For Free

In most cases, share certificates will remain valid until the shareholdings are sold or transferred. However, if the company merges or sells, the certificates may become invalid. If the company is known, the relevant share registrar can be contacted to check if the Deceased's share certificates are still valid.

There are many resources on the internet. Some resources will trace the history of stock certificates and companies to determine whether or not the stock certificate has any value. Some resources provide research services for a fee.

The communication of the information of the share certificate being lost or misplaced can be done by posting a letter to the company's address or by emailing the company. The shareholder must provide the details of the lost or misplaced share certificate, like name, folio number, address and share certificate number.

You can cash them in through the transfer agent of the company with which the stock is owned. Or, you can work with a broker to sell the stock. Research the value of the stock to know whether you are holding on to fortune in cash or simply a pretty, collectible piece of paper.

Your local library may have print and online sources that will help you find out, in what form, and if its stock still has value. You can do a quick check on free stock market quote services, such as: Big Charts. Over the Counter Bulletin Board (OTCBB)

By law, every valid stock certificate must have a CUSIP number. The number is issued by the Committee on Uniform Security Identification Procedures. The CUSIP number is very important. It's used to track every company reorganization as well as stock changes and splits.

If you buy stock from a specific company, you can reach out to that company and ask that it mail you a physical stock certificate. If you are unable to find contact information for the company, you can visit the Secretary of State website in the state where the business operates.