How to Recover Stock Payouts From Old Oil Companies

Finding stocks from an oil company you may not recognize may be worth a lot more than the paper it was printed on.  Companies may merge with another or may close due to the death of the owner.  Many times these stocks become quite valuable.

1. Look at the name of the company.  Even if you don't recognize it, you can look up the stock symbol on any stock exchange website.


2. Look at the number of shares on the stock certificate.  The number of shares printed is what you own.


3. Find the Committee on Uniform Securities Identification Procedures number.  This number is issued by the SEC identifying all stocks.  This number is vital to transfer ownership of the stock into your name.


4. Contact the company or the SEC regarding transferring the stock into your name.
   
   
   
   
   • If the company is closed, this may have to be done through the SEC.  If the company was bought out by another, you will need to speak to the stock transfer agent or the individual who is responsible for issuing stocks.
   
   
   
   


5. Have the will or other official documentation that you own the stock ready to present. You must prove through a legal document that the stock is yours. 


6. Take the documents permitting transfer of title to a notary for signing.


7. Send the notarized stock certificate to the corporation's stock agent by certified mail or overnight certified mail.


8. Wait to receive re-issued stock in your name.


9. The decision to liquidate the stock or to keep it as an investment is now yours.