Search & tracing of lost shares · India and abroad
Forgotten shares in the family? We'll find them, even with just a name.Unclaimed shares search by name
Many shares bought in the 1980s and 1990s were never converted to demat. Give us the investor's name and an old address, and we'll search the records for you.
- Free search, reply within 24 hours
- No certificates needed to start
- We check company, registrar and IEPF records
Good to know
How old shares get lost
Shares are rarely lost for good. Usually the family simply doesn't know they exist: the certificates sat in a locker, the address changed and letters stopped arriving, or the investor passed away without telling anyone.
Unclaimed shares stay on the company's register, or move to the government's IEPF after seven years of unclaimed dividends. Either way, the owner or the legal heirs can still claim them.
Clues that help us search
- Old share certificates or dividend warrants
- Old bank passbooks showing dividend credits
- Annual reports or letters from companies
- Old income tax returns or wealth statements
- Just a name and an old address
How we do it
How We Trace Lost Shares, in Four Steps
- 01Gather cluesYou tell us what you know: a name, an old address, any papers.
- 02Search recordsWe check company, registrar and IEPF records, including mergers and name changes.
- 03ReportWe tell you what we found and roughly what it's worth today.
- 04RecoverWe recommend the right route: IEPF claim, transmission, demat, or a mix.
What you'll need
The investor's full name as it may appear on old records, and any old address.
Anything else, like a certificate or dividend letter, is a bonus.
Honest timeline
A search usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on what you know. Recovery takes longer, and we give you a clear plan.
Clear quote, no surprises
Free check. You'll get a clear written quote before any work begins, with no obligation.
Found them?
What Happens After the Search
If the shares have moved to IEPF, they are claimed with Form IEPF-5. If they are still with the company on paper, the next steps are KYC with ISR-1 and, for lost certificates, Form ISR-4.
FAQ
Common Questions About Tracing Lost Shares
I have no certificates at all. Can you still search?
Yes. A name and an old address are often enough to start.
How do I know if my father's shares went to IEPF?
We check the IEPF records and each company's list of shares transferred to IEPF. If they're there, we can file the claim. See recovery from IEPF.
The company changed its name or merged. Are the shares lost?
No. We trace the holding through mergers, demergers and name changes to the company that holds it today.
Is the search really free?
Yes. You pay only if you decide to go ahead with recovery, after a written quote.
I live abroad. Can you still help?
Yes. We handle the work in India and guide you on getting documents signed, notarised and apostilled where you live. You don't need to travel. See share recovery for NRIs.
Reviewed by Dinesh Gupta, Compliance Officer (12+ years in securities markets) · Last updated
Find out what your family may have.
Tell us a name. We'll search for free and call you within 24 hours.