My old account is out of time

Q u o t e:
Just click on any of the character services like paid transfer or race change etc. You then chose the realm and it brings up the list of characters on that realm. This is just one simple way…

^This.

As long as you remember the account login details and the realms the characters are on, the above is the easiest way to access the characters on the account. If you find this method tedious, you may wish to have a friend or family member send you a Scroll of Resurrection.

In order to accept the Scroll of Resurrection successfully, the account cannot be upgraded to Wrath of the Lich King and must be inactive for 90 days. Additional stipulations concerning the Scroll of Resurrection can be found here:

Scroll of Resurrection FAQ
http://us.blizzard.com/support/article/SORFAQ