How To Find Pay Stubs From Old Job (2026 Guide)

If you want to know how to find pay stubs from old job, it boils down to getting them from your previous employer one way or another. You may need these old pay stubs to file taxes, prove that you worked somewhere, or even get loans. In a nutshell, they are important financial records.

While trying to get their stubs, former employees may need to contact the payroll department. They may also need to use payroll systems and work with the human resources department of the previous employer. In case you aren’t able to get those stubs from an old job, you can create pay stubs with a reliable paystub generator.

In this article, we break down how to find pay stubs from old job, including what to do if your former employer can’t help. You’ll also learn what to do if you need to request physical copies. 

Why You Need Pay Stubs From Your Previous Employer

 Pay stubs serve several purposes in your day-to-day life. Here’s why you may need to get pay stubs from your old job:

Tax Filing

Pay stubs show you your total earnings, deductions, and hours worked during each pay period. When preparing for tax filing, you can use the details you get from them to verify your income. If you're unable to get your W-2, pay stubs can also give you an idea of the total amount you earned.

Proof of Income and Employment Verification

You may find yourself in situations where you have to prove what you earn or where you work. For example, getting loans, renting an apartment, or getting government benefits. Pay stubs serve as official documents that confirm your work history and wage details.

Personal Records

It’s a good idea to keep personal and financial records to track your career history. Pay stubs help maintain accurate records from each employer. So, you should know how to find pay stubs from old job for your own records.

Read more: The Differences Between a Pay Stub vs Payslip: Everything You Need To Know

Step-by-Step Guide on How To Find Pay Stubs From Old Job

Whichever way you go, you need to follow the right steps. Here’s a guide for how to find pay stubs from old job:

1. Determine Your Needs

The first thing to do is to find out what pay stubs you need and why you need them. Maybe you are filing tax returns, proving your income to a financial institution, or you just want to have a record of things yourself. Note down the specific time period that you require to be covered.

2. Identify Contact Person

Then the next step is to identify the person to speak to. Most times, it’s someone from the payroll department or HR department of your employer. Check the company website for any contact. If you don’t see any number, call the main phone number and ask about payroll.

3. Prepare Your Request

Gather all the necessary paperwork you’ll need ready. It’s likely that you may need your full name, employee ID and Social Security number. Also, have your dates of employment and the specific pay periods handy.

4. Make Your Request

Reach out to the department and make your request. Be polite and clear. Give them all the details that they need to verify your identity and locate your records.

5. Follow Up

If you don’t get a response within a week, follow up. Keep records of all the times you tried to contact the company.

6. Seek Further Assistance

If your employer can't help, reach out to your state labor office for assistance. They can let you know the next steps for how to find pay stubs from old job. They can also let you know the legal options available to you.

Also read: How To Access Workday Pay Stubs for Current and Former Employees

Ways To Get Pay Stubs From a Previous Employer

There are several ways to find your pay stubs from old job. Let’s start with the most direct ones.

1. Contact Your Payroll Department or Human Resources Department

The first method for how to find paystubs from old job is a direct one. The most straightforward way for employees is to contact their previous employer directly. The employer’s payroll department handles wage records for employees and can easily access your pay stubs. Contact them by phone, email, or in person.

You may need to give them your full name, employee ID, date of employment, and Social Security number to verify your identity. Be specific about the pay stubs you need. Also, provide the time period or pay period. If the payroll department can't help, contact the human resources department or HR department. Human resources maintains employee records. So, they may also be able to help you retrieve pay stubs.

2. Try Your Online Payroll System

Another option to find pay stubs from an old job is to go the online route. Many employers use digital payroll systems that allow employees to access their pay stubs online. Even after termination, you may still be able to access these systems for a short while. This allows employees to obtain pay stubs without waiting for the employer to send them.

Try logging into your former employer's payroll system. Many companies maintain employee access for a time period after employment comes to an end. Examples of those payroll system providers are ADP, Paychex, and Gusto.

If you can access your account, view your pay stubs and download electronic copies. It is highly recommended that employees print these documents immediately. You should print multiple copies. One for your taxes and another for your personal records. Being able to print directly from the portal is the fastest way for employees to get access to their data.

3. Request Physical Copies

The third option for how to find pay stubs from old jobs is the physical copies. You may prefer physical copies, or online access may not be available. In such cases, you can request physical copies from your previous employer. Contact the payroll department or HR department and request physical copies of your pay stubs. Provide the dates or pay periods. Ask them if there are any fees.

Be prepared to verify your identity with your full name, date of birth, partial Social Security number, and dates of employment. When requesting mail delivery, employees should provide their current mailing address. Many employees forget that the employer might still have an old address on file.

Employees should also ask if the employer provides tracking for the documents. This can help employees know exactly when to expect their records.

Check out: Get started with our ready-made pay stub templates

How Do I Get My Pay Stubs After Termination If My Former Employer Won't Respond?

If you need pay stubs post-employment, you may have situations where the previous employer isn't responding. Terminated employees and former employees have options:

1. Send a Written Request

Write an email to the company to make a formal request. This is important, especially if you haven’t sent one already. Give them your full name, dates of employment, employee ID, and specific pay periods. Written requests are important because they create legal records.

2. Contact the State Labor Office

The state labor office can assist when employers don't provide wage records. Contact your state labor office and explain the situation. They can help you understand your legal rights and may contact the employer for you.

They can also explain how far back employers must maintain records. This helps you understand your legal rights to access your pay stubs better.

How To Get Pay Stubs After Termination From a Closed Company

If your previous employer went out of business, it may be a bit more challenging to obtain pay stubs. However, there’s still an answer for how to find pay stubs from old job.

1. Check With the Payroll Service

If the company used a payroll service, they likely still have your records. Contact them directly and explain that your former employer has closed. They may be able to help with getting pay stubs or wage records.

Payroll services maintain records for years after companies close. Some of them also have procedures in place for former employees.

2. Contact the Bankruptcy Trustee

If the company filed for bankruptcy, then reach out to the trustee managing the company's affairs. They may have access to employee records. You can find the trustee's contact information by checking the bankruptcy court records.

3. Check With the State Labor Office

Your state labor office may also have records. If not, they can, at least, help find records from closed companies. Certain states have their companies file wage records that can still be accessed even if they close down.

Further reading: Is a Pay Stub Proof of Residency? A Guide To Proving Your Address

Alternative Methods If You Can’t Obtain Pay Stubs

If you're unable to obtain pay stubs through normal channels, then your “How to find pay stubs from old job” may be different. Here are some alternatives that can help:

Use Bank Statements as Proof

If you get paid with direct deposit, bank statements show deposits from your employer. Even though it’s not as detailed, bank statements can verify your income and payment dates. You may be able to use them for some employment verification situations.

Request Wage Statements

Request W-2 forms from the employer or IRS. In some cases, you can also request a wage statement from your state labor office. These give you your total earnings even without individual pay stubs.

Create Your Own Records

If you keep personal records of hours worked, pay rate, and dates, you can create an estimated record by yourself. However, keep in mind that some places may not accept records you created yourself.

Check out: Create pay stubs instantly with our online paystub maker

Final Thoughts

Now, you know the different answers to how to find pay stubs from old job. Try the different methods in this guide to obtain pay stubs from your previous employer. Beyond that, always keep records to ensure that you have the right documents whenever you need them.

If you’re not sure how to find pay stubs from old job in your case, you can always create your own. Our online paystub creator tool can help you create your professional pay stubs in minutes. With the right details and our tool, you won’t be left stranded.