Unclaimed stocks and securities: how states hold and sell shares

How shares become unclaimed property

Shares become unclaimed property when the company’s transfer agent or your broker loses contact with you and cannot find you.¹ Under the SEC’s lost securityholder rule (Rule 17Ad-17), you are a “lost securityholder” when mail sent to your address on file comes back undeliverable and the firm has no new address for you.⁶

Transfer agents and brokers must then run two database searches for you: the first between 3 and 12 months after you became lost, the second 6 to 12 months after the first.⁶ These searches must be free to you.⁶ They are not required if the account is worth less than $25 in total,⁶ and the rule states that it has no effect on state escheatment laws.⁶ The SEC describes the same step in plain terms: before an account is considered abandoned, firms make diligent efforts to locate the owner.¹

The state’s dormancy period decides when the shares, and any dividends you never cashed, must be reported. In Alabama, for example, the clock runs from the earlier of the most recent dividend or stock split you did not claim, or the second mailing returned as undeliverable.¹⁸

The SEC puts the usual period at around five years;¹ the dormancy table compares the states.

Which state gets your shares

The holder reports to the state of your last known address in its records. If it has no address for you, the property goes to the state where the holder is incorporated.¹² So property can sit in a state where you used to live; the which-state tool covers this.

When the state sells the shares

Some states keep the shares for a while; others sell them almost at once. Pennsylvania must sell all stocks and bonds on receipt,² and Alabama sells marketable securities on receipt.¹⁹

Kansas advises owners to file promptly for stock that has not yet been sold, to prevent the sale.²⁹

What you get if the shares were sold

In several states, a claim after a sale pays the proceeds, with no later rise in the share price. Alaska rules out any claim for appreciation after delivery.⁷ For claims after the first year, Maine pays the shares if it still holds them, or the net sale proceeds, without later appreciation.⁸ Pennsylvania’s law says the Treasurer is not liable for any loss or gain the shares would have had if held.²

Some states protect owners who claim soon after an early sale:

• Iowa: if shares are sold within the first year, a claim made in that year gets the greater of the sale proceeds or the market value at the time of the claim, less fees.⁹
• Maine: if shares are sold within one year of delivery, a claim made in that year gets the greater of the proceeds or the market value at the time of the claim, plus dividends, less sale expenses.⁸
• New Mexico: if shares are sold within three years of delivery, a claim made during those three years gets the greater of the proceeds or the current market value, plus dividends, less sale expenses.¹⁰
• Utah: if shares are sold within three years, the owner chooses between replacement shares, current market value or the net proceeds.²⁴
• Delaware: a claim made within 558 days of the state’s notice gets replacement shares or their market value when the claim is filed, at the state’s option, plus dividends received.⁴

Dividends are handled differently too. Iowa pays dividends received up to the sale.⁹ North Dakota pays dividends for as long as it holds the shares, if more than $5 is due.²⁵ South Dakota pays nothing that accrues after delivery.²⁶ The how states pay table compares interest and payment rules.

Getting the shares back instead of cash

If your state has not sold them, you may be able to take the shares themselves:

• California returns securities by transfer or as net sale proceeds.³
• Maine’s claim form asks whether you want reissued stock or cash.¹³
• Minnesota transfers shares to an account you set up if you claim within the year it holds them; after that it sells them at market value and pays cash, a 2018 state report says.²⁷
• Delaware needs the name, DTC number and account number of a US brokerage account (not a transfer agent) to return shares.¹⁴
• Oklahoma may sell the shares and pay cash if you do not transfer them into your name within 90 days of approval.²⁸

In Florida, when a representative files the claim under a recovery agreement, fees can be deducted from cash payments, but shares must be delivered directly to the claimant.¹⁶

Documents for a securities claim

Each state sets its own list. California accepts an original stock certificate, an original dividend check or an account statement, among others.³⁰ Oklahoma accepts a copy of the certificate, correspondence about it or a broker statement showing the purchase or sale.³¹

If you no longer have the original certificate, Iowa may ask for a surety bond or an affidavit of lost certificate,³² Florida may require an indemnity bond equal to the claim,¹⁶ and West Virginia uses a notarized Lost Instrument Affidavit.³³ California requires every securities claim to be notarized,³⁰³⁴ and Arkansas requires notarization for any claim that includes shares of stock.³⁵ When the owner has died, Delaware pays only the estate, by check;¹⁴ see also claiming for a deceased relative. The claim documents tool and each state’s page list what that program asks for.

Taxes on securities claims

States handle tax forms differently. Delaware sends Form 1099-B for securities it sold,¹⁴ and Maine sends a 1099B for cash from a securities claim and a 1099DIV for dividends.³⁶ California does not issue a Form 1099 for securities paid in cash or for their dividends.³ This guide does not cover how the payment is taxed; our tax guide sets out what official sources say.

Old and lost stock certificates

An old certificate may still be worth something even if the company’s name has changed or it has merged.³⁸ The SEC suggests contacting the transfer agent printed on the certificate. If that agent no longer exists, the state agency that handles incorporations where the company was incorporated may help.³⁸

If a certificate is lost or stolen, the SEC says to ask the transfer agent to place a “stop transfer” at once.³⁷ A replacement usually needs an indemnity bond, which typically costs two to three percent of the shares’ current market value.³⁷ Certificates found in an abandoned safe deposit box can follow a different path: Connecticut, for example, lets the holder send them in, records them as safekeeping items and returns the certificate on claim.³⁹ See safe deposit boxes.

How to claim

1. Find the property through the official program of the state that holds it, using the list of states and the tips on how to search well. Searching and claiming there is free.¹¹
2. File the claim with the documents the state asks for. Where shares are still held, some states let you choose between shares and cash.¹³
3. After a sale the claim is generally for cash, with the exceptions above. The SEC says owners and heirs can claim in perpetuity;¹ the claim deadlines table shows each state’s rule.

Questions people ask

What happens to stock that is unclaimed property?

The broker or transfer agent reports it to the state of your last known address,¹² which takes custody. Some states sell the shares; Pennsylvania must sell stocks on receipt,² while Iowa generally holds them at least one year.⁹ The SEC says owners and heirs can claim in perpetuity, and that if the state sold the shares it pays the cash equivalent.¹

If the state sold my shares, do I get today's value?

Often not. Alaska and Pennsylvania exclude any gain after the shares were delivered or sold, and so does Maine for claims after the first year.⁷²⁸ Exceptions exist for early sales: in Iowa, if shares are sold within the first year, a claim made in that year gets the greater of the sale proceeds or the current market value, less fees.⁹

Can I get the actual shares back instead of cash?

It depends on the state and on whether it still holds them. California returns securities either by transfer or as net sale proceeds;³ Maine's claim form asks whether you want reissued stock or cash;¹³ Delaware needs the details of a US brokerage account to return shares.¹⁴ After an early sale, Delaware may replace the shares at its option,⁴ and in Utah the owner can choose replacement shares.²⁴

How long before stock is considered abandoned?

It depends on the state: 3 years in California, Delaware and Pennsylvania, 5 years in Virginia, 7 years in Arkansas.^1542175 In Florida the period can be 2, 3 or 5 years depending on the trigger.¹⁶ The dormancy table lists each state.

What is the SEC lost securityholder rule?

SEC Rule 17Ad-17 treats you as a lost securityholder when mail sent to your address comes back undeliverable and the firm has no new address. Transfer agents and brokers must then run two database searches for you, free of charge.⁶

Sources

Footnote numbers point here. Open "Quoted text" for the exact words relied on ("[…]" marks words left out).

1. Escheatment by Financial Institutions (glossary) U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Investor.gov) · investor.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (4)

   As part of the escheatment process, the state holds the account as a bookkeeping entry, and former account owners or their heirs can make claims in perpetuity to retrieve their property.

   Although the state may sell the securities in escheated accounts, they will provide the former owner with the cash equivalent to the value of the account.

   All states have established unclaimed property programs to safeguard funds that have been abandoned or left unclaimed for a specified period of time, usually around five years, which require financial institutions like brokerage firms and transfer agents to report such assets.

   Before an account is considered abandoned, firms make diligent efforts to locate the account owner.

2. The Fiscal Code, Act of Apr. 9, 1929, P.L. 343, No. 176, Article XIII.1 (72 P.S. § 1301.1 et seq.) Pennsylvania General Assembly · palegis.us · text displayed Nov. 3, 2026; latest Article XIII.1 amendment shown: July 17, 2024, P.L.910, No.81 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   The State Treasurer shall be required to sell all stocks, bonds and other negotiable financial instruments upon receipt of such items. The State Treasurer shall not be held liable for any loss or gain in the value that the financial instrument would have obtained had the financial instrument been held instead of being sold.

   Any certificate of stock or participating right in a business association, for which a certificate has been issued or is issuable but has not been delivered three (3) years after the holder has lost contact with the owner, unless the owner has within that three (3) year period:

3. FAQ: Claiming Property California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   The State Controller’s Office is required to sell securities no sooner than 18 months and no later than 20 months after the due date for reporting the securities to the State.

   The State returns securities to an owner or their heir by transferring the securities to the owner or by providing the net proceeds from the sale of the securities.

   The State Controller’s Office does not issue IRS Form 1099 for unclaimed property securities paid in cash or for dividends earned on securities.

4. Delaware Code Title 12, Chapter 11, Subchapter II. Unclaimed Property (§§ 1130-1191) Delaware General Assembly / Delaware Code Online · delcode.delaware.gov · current Delaware Code Online text (latest session law cited: 84 Del. Laws c. 368, 2024) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   (13) A security 3 years after the last indication of interest in the property.

   (2) If the claim is made within 558 days from the date notice was mailed by the State Escheator to the rightful owner under § 1150 of this title or the date notice was otherwise provided as required by the law in effect at the time the property was delivered to the State Escheator, the replacement of the security or the market value of the security at the time the claim is filed, at the option of the State Escheator, plus any dividends, interest, and other increments on the security paid to the State Escheator.

5. Holder Seminar Sept. 2025 Session 1 – Review of Arkansas statute regarding presumptions of abandonment Arkansas Auditor of State · auditor.ar.gov · September 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   (3) Stock or other equity interest in a business association or financial organization, including a security entitlement under the Uniform Commercial Code -- Investment Securities, § 4-8-101 et seq., seven (7) years after the earlier of:

6. 17 CFR 240.17Ad-17, Lost securityholders and unresponsive payees U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Electronic Code of Federal Regulations) · ecfr.gov · eCFR up to date as of Oct. 30, 2026; last amended 78 FR 4784, Jan. 23, 2013 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (8)

   In exercising reasonable care to ascertain such lost securityholders' correct addresses, each such recordkeeping transfer agent and each such broker or dealer shall conduct two database searches using at least one information database service.

   Such database searches must be conducted without charge to a lost securityholder and with the following frequency:

   (i) Between three and twelve months of such securityholder becoming a lost securityholder; and

   (ii) Between six and twelve months after the first search for such lost securityholder by the transfer agent, broker, or dealer.

   (i) To whom an item of correspondence that was sent to the securityholder at the address contained in the transfer agent's master securityholder file or customer security account records of the broker or dealer has been returned as undeliverable;

   (ii) For whom the transfer agent, broker, or dealer has not received information regarding the securityholder's new address.

   (ii) The aggregate value of assets listed in the lost securityholder's account, including all dividend, interest, and other payments due to the lost securityholder and all securities owned by the lost securityholder as recorded in the master securityholder files of the transfer agent or in the customer security account records of the broker or dealer, is less than $25; or

   (5) The requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall have no effect on state escheatment laws.

7. Alaska Statutes AS 34.45, Uniform Unclaimed Property Act Alaska State Legislature (akleg.gov) · akleg.gov · 2025 statutes as served by the site · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   A person does not have a claim under this section or AS 34.45.380 against the state, the holder, a transfer agent, a registrar, or other person acting for or on behalf of a holder for appreciation in the value of the property occurring after delivery by the holder to the department.

   Stock or other equity interest in a business association is presumed abandoned five years after the earliest of the date

8. 33 M.R.S. §2133 Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes · legislature.maine.gov · current through Second Regular Session, 132nd Legislature · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   If securities or virtual currency are sold by the administrator before the expiration of one year after delivery of the securities or virtual currency to the administrator, a person making a claim under this Act before the end of the one-year period is entitled to the proceeds of the sale of the securities or virtual currency or the market value of the securities or virtual currency at the time the claim is made, whichever is greater, plus dividends, interest and other increments thereon up to the time the claim is made, less any deduction for expenses of sale.

   A person making a claim under this Act after the expiration of the one-year period is entitled to receive the securities or virtual currency delivered to the administrator by the holder, if the securities or virtual currency remain in the custody of the administrator, or the net proceeds received from sale and is not entitled to receive any appreciation in the value of the property occurring after delivery to the administrator, except in a case of intentional misconduct or malfeasance by the administrator.

9. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 556 – Disposition of Unclaimed Property Iowa Legislature · legis.iowa.gov · Iowa Code 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   Unless the treasurer of state considers it to be in the best interest of the state to do otherwise, all securities presumed abandoned under section 556.5 and delivered to the treasurer of state must be held for at least one year before the treasurer of state may sell them.

   any person making a claim pursuant to this chapter before the end of the one-year period is entitled to either the proceeds of the sale of the securities or the market value of the securities at the time the claim is made, whichever amount is greater, less any deduction for fees pursuant to section 556.18, subsection 2.

   When property other than money is paid or delivered to the treasurer of state under this chapter, the owner is entitled to receive from the treasurer of state any dividends, interest, or other increments realized or accruing on the property at or before liquidation or conversion into money.

10. NMSA 1978 Chapter 7, Article 8A, Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (1995) New Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource.com) · nmonesource.com · Current NMSA 1978 as published on NMOneSource; latest Article 8A amendment shown: Laws 2021, ch. 65 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    If securities are sold by the administrator before the expiration of three years after their delivery to the administrator, a person making a claim under the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (1995) before the end of the three-year period is entitled to the proceeds of the sale of the securities or the market value of the securities at the time the claim is made, whichever is greater, plus dividends, interest and other increments thereon up to the time the claim is made, less any deduction for expenses of sale.

    (3) stock or other equity interest in a business association or financial organization, including a security entitlement under Article 8 [55-8-101 NMSA 1978] of the Uniform Commercial Code, five years after the earlier of:

11. Claim Your Found Property National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Both searching for and claiming your unclaimed property are free, provided you go through the official government program of the state holding the property.

12. Delaware v. Pennsylvania, 598 U.S. 115 (2023), opinion Supreme Court of the United States · supremecourt.gov · Feb. 28, 2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    To resolve the competing claims, we established that, as the primary (default) rule, the proceeds of abandoned financial products should escheat “to the State of the creditor's last known address as shown by the debtor's books and records.”

    adopted a secondary rule to apply in those circumstances; namely, that the proceeds should escheat to the debtor's State of incorporation.

13. Mail-In Claim Form & Instructions Office of the Maine State Treasurer · maineunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Indicate your preference of how you want the stock returned to you—either by reissued stock or cash

14. FAQs: Claiming Property Delaware Department of Finance, Office of Unclaimed Property · unclaimedproperty.delaware.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    If applicable, and you elect to be reunited with your shares, you will be required to provide the name, DTC number, account number, direct contact name, direct contact phone number, and direct contact e-mail address of a U.S. Brokerage firm (not a transfer agent) where you maintain a current and active account.

    The cash value of securities liquidated by the OUP: the claimant will receive an IRS Form 1099-B listing the stock name, CUSIP, number of shares, and amount of the proceeds for each security payment.

    Unclaimed property for decedents will be reunited with their respective estates via check only. All checks will be paid to the estate only. Checks will not be paid directly to any individual or estate representative.

15. Dormancy Periods for Most Frequently Reported Unclaimed Property Type (PDF) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · Rev. 07/2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Stocks and Bonds 3 CCP 1516

16. Chapter 717, Florida Statutes (2026), Florida Disposition of Abandoned Personal Property Act The Florida Legislature · leg.state.fl.us · 2026 Florida Statutes · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (7)

    Stock, other equity interests, or debt of a business association is presumed abandoned on the date of the earliest of any of the following:

    Three years after the date a communication, other than communications required by s. 717.117, sent by the holder by first-class United States mail to the apparent owner is returned to the holder undelivered by the United States Postal Service.

    Two years after the date of the death of the apparent owner, as evidenced by:

    Payments of approved claims for unclaimed cash accounts must be made to the owner after deducting any fees and costs authorized by the claimant under an Abandoned Property Recovery Agreement.

    Five years after the most recent of any account activity or communication initiated by the apparent owner or authorized representative which demonstrates continued interest in the account, as recorded and maintained by the holder.

    A claim for a cashier’s check or a stock certificate without the original instrument may require an indemnity bond equal to the value of the claim to be provided prior to issue of the stock or payment of the claim by the department.

    The contents of a safe-deposit box or shares of securities must be delivered directly to the claimant.

17. Code of Virginia Title 55.1 Chapter 25, Virginia Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (full chapter) Commonwealth of Virginia, Legislative Information System (Code of Virginia) · law.lis.virginia.gov · Code as published Nov. 3, 2026; includes 2026 c. 669 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Any intangible interest in a business association, as evidenced by the stock records or membership records of the association, is presumed abandoned five years after the date of the most recent dividend or other distribution unclaimed by the apparent owner with respect to the stock or other interest or, if a dividend or other distribution has not been paid on the stock or other interest, or the stock or other interest is held pursuant to a plan that provides for the automatic reinvestment of dividends or other distributions, five years after the date of the second mailing of a statement of account or other notification or communication that was returned as undeliverable or five years after the date the holder discontinued the mailings to the apparent owner, whichever occurs earlier.

    Unless the administrator deems it to be in the best interest of the Commonwealth to do otherwise, all securities and digital assets delivered to the administrator shall be held for at least one year before the securities or digital assets may be sold.

18. Code of Alabama § 35-12-72 Alabama Legislature (ALISON) · alison.legislature.state.al.us · current code as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (7) Stock or other equity interest in a business association or financial organization, including a security entitlement under Article 8 of Title 7, the Uniform Commercial Code, three years after the earlier of: (i) the date of the most recent dividend, stock split, or other distribution unclaimed by the apparent owner; or (ii) the date of the second mailing of a statement of account or other notification or communication that was returned as undeliverable or after the holder discontinued mailings, notifications, or communications to the apparent owner.

19. Ala. Admin. Code ch. 892-2-1, Alabama Unclaimed Property Program Rules Office of State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division (Alabama) · unclaimed.alabama.gov · rules effective Feb. 3, 2015 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Marketable securities delivered to the Treasurer’s Office will be sold upon receipt at prices prevailing at the time of sale.

20. Act 492 of 2019 (HB 1427) – sale of securities Arkansas General Assembly · arkleg.state.ar.us · approved March 15, 2019 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    The administrator may sell securities upon receipt of the securities from the holder.

21. SDCL 43-41B-23 South Dakota Legislature (Legislative Research Council) · sdlegislature.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (c) The state treasurer shall sell all stocks, bonds, and other negotiable instruments within one hundred eighty days of confirmed receipt of such instruments, unless the property is on an open claim.

22. K.S.A. 58-3955. Public sale of abandoned property Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes · ksrevisor.gov · last amended L. 2000 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    All securities presumed abandoned and delivered to the administrator shall be held for at least six months before they may be sold. All securities must be sold within one year after they are delivered to the administrator.

23. Minnesota Statutes chapter 345, Unclaimed Property (full chapter) Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · revisor.mn.gov · 2026 Minnesota Statutes · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    The commissioner may proceed with the liquidation after holding for one year, with the exception of securities being held as the result of an insurance company demutualization, these types of securities may be sold upon receipt.

    if a dividend distribution or other sum payable as a result of the interest has remained unclaimed by the owner for three years

24. Utah Admin. Code R966-1, Unclaimed Property Act Rules Utah Office of Administrative Rules · adminrules.utah.gov · effective 09/09/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Unless the administrator reasonably determines it would be in the best interests of the owner for the sale to occur sooner, the administrator may not sell or otherwise liquidate a security until 3 years after the administrator receives the security.

    (a) If the administrator sells a security before the expiration of 3 years after delivery of the security to the administrator, an apparent owner that files a valid claim under the Act for the security before the 3-year period expires is entitled, at the option of the owner, to receive: (i) Replacement of the security; (ii) The market value of the security at the time the claim is filed, plus dividends, interest, and other increments on the security up to the time the claim is paid; or (iii) The net proceeds of the sale of the security, plus dividends, interest, and other increments on the security up to the time the security was sold.

25. N.D.C.C. chapter 47-30.2, Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act North Dakota Legislative Branch · ndlegis.gov · PDF created June 30, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Subject to section 47-30.2-12, a security is presumed abandoned three years after:

    If property in the form of a security is paid or delivered to the administrator under this chapter, the owner is entitled to receive any dividends or other increments realized or accruing on the security for as long as the security is held by the administrator, if the total amount of cash due the owner exceeds five dollars.

26. SDCL 43-41B-25 South Dakota Legislature (Legislative Research Council) · sdlegislature.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    When property is paid or delivered to the administrator under this chapter, the owner is not entitled to receive income or other increments accruing thereafter.

27. Unclaimed Property Process Report (under 2017 Minn. Laws ch. 94, art. 8, sec. 15) Minnesota Department of Commerce (archived by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library) · lrl.mn.gov · Feb. 15, 2018 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    If claimed within the year, the State transfers the securities to an account established by the owner. If not claimed within one year, the State liquidates the security at full market value. At that point, the owner can claim the cash proceeds from the State.

28. Oklahoma Statutes Title 60 (Property), Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, 60 O.S. §§651-688 Oklahoma Legislative Service Bureau · oklegislature.gov · compiled title; latest amendments shown Laws 2025, c. 421, eff. Nov. 1, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Stock or other equity interest in a business association is presumed unclaimed three (3) years after the earliest of:

    D. If a claimant under the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act makes a verifiable and proper claim, but fails to properly transfer securities into the claimant's name within ninety (90) days of claim approval by the State Treasurer, the State Treasurer may, upon notice to claimant, sell and convert such securities to cash for the benefit of the claimant.

29. FAQs – Claiming Property Kansas State Treasurer · missingmoney.ks.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    For claims involving stock shares or safe deposit box contents that have not yet been liquidated or sold, it is advisable to submit the claim promptly to prevent liquidation.

30. Guidelines for Claiming Unclaimed Property (PDF) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · January 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)

    Original stock certificate;

    Original dividend check;

    Account statement.

    ALL CLAIMS FOR SECURITIES OR SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES MUST BE NOTARIZED

31. OAC Title 735, Chapter 80. Unclaimed Property (administrative rules) Oklahoma State Treasurer · oklahoma.gov · latest amendment shown: 31 Ok Reg 2463, eff 9-12-14 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (5) Stock and/or dividends: Copies of a stock certificate of the business entity reported, correspondence relating to that stock certificate or a statement from the broker showing purchase or sale of that stock;

32. Iowa Administrative Code 781—Chapter 9, Unclaimed Property Iowa Legislature · legis.iowa.gov · rules dated 02-05-2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    9.26(7) If the property subject to claim is a security, in addition to the documentation required by this rule, the claimant may be required to provide the original stock certificate(s), a surety bond that is acceptable to the division, or an affidavit of lost certificate.

33. Lost Instrument Affidavit West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · Revised January 2021 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Under penalty of perjury, I, _________________________ do hereby swear or affirm that the stock or bond certificate(s) or cashier’s check issued by

34. FAQ: Investigators California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    All claims for securities and safe-deposit box properties must be notarized.

35. Search for Property (claimant FAQ) Arkansas Auditor of State · auditor.ar.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    A notarized claim form is required for claims valued at or higher than $1,000, or if your claim contains shares of stock or contents of safe deposit boxes.

36. Frequently Asked Questions (claims) Office of the Maine State Treasurer · maineunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    If you received cash as the result of securities claim, you will receive an IRS 1099B form.

    If your payment included any accrued cash dividends on securities, you will receive an IRS 1099DIV form.

37. Lost or Stolen Stock Certificates (glossary) U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Investor.gov) · investor.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    If your securities certificate is lost, accidentally destroyed, or stolen, you should immediately contact the transfer agent and request a "stop transfer" to prevent ownership of the securities from being transferred from your name to another’s.

    The owner must buy an indemnity bond to protect the corporation and the transfer agent against the possibility that the lost certificate may be presented later by an innocent purchaser. The bond usually costs between two or three percent of the current market value of the missing certificates; and

38. Old Stock and Bond Certificates (glossary) U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (Investor.gov) · investor.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    An old stock or bond certificate may still be valuable even if it no longer trades under the name printed on the certificate. The company may have merged with another company or simply changed its name.

    If the name of the transfer agent is printed on the certificate, contacting the transfer agent is the easiest way to learn about the certificate. If the transfer agent whose name appears on the certificate is no longer in existence, contacting the state agency that handles incorporations in the state in which the company was incorporated may prove useful.

39. Reporting and Delivery of Safe Deposit Box Contents Connecticut Office of the Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division · ctbiglist.gov · Revised: June 2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    If you have securities (stocks or bonds) in the name of the owner(s), you may send the original certificates to the Office of the Treasurer.

    We will record these items as Safekeeping and return the certificate to the rightful owner upon claim.

40. Maryland Code, Commercial Law § 17-304 Maryland General Assembly · mgaleg.maryland.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (b) Any stock or other certificate of ownership, or any dividend, profit, distribution, interest, payment on principal, or other sum held by a business association for or to a shareholder, certificate holder, member, bondholder or other security holder, or participating patron of a cooperative is presumed abandoned 3 years after the later of:

41. W. Va. Code §36-8-2. Presumptions of abandonment. West Virginia Legislature · code.wvlegislature.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (3) Stock or other equity interest in a business association or financial organization, including a security entitlement under article eight of the uniform commercial code, five years after the earlier of:

42. SDCL 43-41B-10 South Dakota Legislature (Legislative Research Council) · sdlegislature.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (e), stock or other intangible ownership interest in a business association, the existence of which is evidenced by records available to the association, is presumed abandoned and, with respect to the interest, the association is the holder, if a dividend, distribution, or other sum payable as a result of the interest has remained unclaimed by the owner for three years and the owner within three years has not:

43. Utah Code § 67-4a-206, When security presumed abandoned Utah Legislature · le.utah.gov · section as re-enacted by Chapter 371, 2017 General Session · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Subject to Section 67-4a-208, a security is presumed abandoned three years after: