Losing track of shares doesn't always mean the investment has disappeared. A change of address, a new name, a different employer, missing paperwork or an old investment can make a shareholding difficult to identify years later.

If you're searching for lost shares in Australia, here are five things worth checking.

1. Search the Official Unclaimed Money Records

The Australian Government provides a free unclaimed-money search. ASIC holds records for certain unclaimed shares and investments, so this is a sensible place to begin your search.

2. Check Your Previous Addresses

Don't rely only on your current address.

Old shareholdings may be associated with an address you used years ago. ASIC can require evidence showing that you used an address connected with the relevant unclaimed-money record when establishing ownership.

3. Look Through Old Financial Records

Search for:

• Shareholding statements
• Dividend statements
• Tax records
• Previous employer information
• Shareholder numbers
• Previous names
• Old company correspondence

Even one old document can provide an important clue.

4. Investigate Company Changes

An investment can become harder to recognise when a company has merged, changed its name, been acquired or gone through a de-merger.