How to Sell Old Stock
A stock is an investment that demonstrates ownership in a company. Stock purchases were originally transacted and the stock owner was given a certificate that noted the number of shares of stock he owned. As computers became more prominently used, issuing stock certificates become obsolete and only done upon request. Old stock certificates are sometimes found, whether by the owner or an heir, cleaning out old safe deposit boxes, closets or desks. These can be sold if the company is still a viably traded entity.
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Instructions
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Read the information on the stock certificate including the company name and CUSIP number. A CUSIP number is the identification number for a company registered for securities sales.
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Contact a brokerage firm and provide them with the company name and CUSIP number. You can use a firm you already have a relationship with; ask for a referral from a tax adviser or bank or do an online search for "stock broker."
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Ask whether a search for the CUSIP provides results of a company that is still trading stock. If the company no longer exists, the certificate is worthless. If there is a record and the stock is still trading, you should be able to liquidate the certificate.
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Make a copy of the certificate for your records.
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Submit the stock certificate into a brokerage account. If you don't have a brokerage account, request an account application from the brokerage firm that did the research for you. Open the account and send the certificate in.
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Confirm that the stock is recorded in the account by calling the firm. Once it is in the account, put a "sell order" in, meaning instruct the brokerage firm to liquidate the stock. Write down the date and confirmation order of the sale.
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Tips & Warnings
Some old stock may not have enough value to be worth the commission you pay to sell it.
