Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
How to find unclaimed money or missing assets you’re due
State governments and treasuries are holding billions of dollars that just might be yours.
Updated
About 1 in 10 people have unclaimed, missing or forgotten assets waiting for them, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators. Each state has a system to reunite unclaimed property with its rightful owners. And you can search these government databases for free.
What is unclaimed property?
Unclaimed property is cash and other assets held by a financial institution or company and considered abandoned by the owner after a year or longer. After the state’s designated period of inactivity or no contact from the owner, the property is turned over to state treasurers and other officials.
Types of unclaimed property include:
- Account overpayments
- Checking or savings balances
- Credit unions deposits
- Dividends or payroll checks
- FHA-insured mortgage refunds
- Life insurance policies and payments
- Royalty payments
- Tax and other refunds
- Utility and other security deposits
How to file a claim for unclaimed property
You can search for and claim unclaimed property for free in most states, starting with unclaimed property sites:
- Go to your state’s unclaimed property site. If you’ve lived in multiple areas, check each state’s site too.
- Enter your last name and search for unclaimed property or cash. If you’re married, search your maiden name as well.
- Confirm your identity. Verify your name, address and other identifying information to prove your ownership.
- File a claim. Each state has its own process but generally allows you to initiate a claim online and then mail in a completed, notarized claim form, if needed.
- Submit documentation. Most states require:
- A signed and notarized paper claim form
- A copy of your driver’s license
- A copy of your Social Security card
- Proof of address to show the property belongs to you
Can I claim someone else’s unclaimed property?
Yes, in rare circumstances that involve loved ones or businesses you might’ve owned.
Expect to provide additional personal, financial and other details that depend on the ownership situation:
- Property on behalf of a minor. You may need to provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate when attempting to claim property on behalf of a minor.
- Property on behalf of a deceased relative. Submit a copy of the property owner’s death certificate, will or trust to claim the property.
- Property on behalf of an estate. Court-appointed estate representatives can submit a claim with the owner’s Social Security number and other identifying details.
- Property on behalf of a business owner. Typically, proof of company incorporation or a DBA showing ownership is needed to establish ownership.
How to find unclaimed money by state
In addition to hosting designated unclaimed property websites, most states participate in multistate databases that house collective records.
Two sites endorsed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators are Unclaimed.org and MissingMoney.com.
Tips for finding unclaimed money
Follow these pointers to help you track down your unclaimed property:
- Keep a list of your accounts and assets. A list can help you keep tabs on your property to avoid the chance for states to take over an inactive account. It’s also a handy overview for any heirs to know what to look for when you die.
- Extend your search across states. It’s good to start with the states you’ve lived in, but it doesn’t hurt to enter your info in all 50 states and DC. Sometimes unclaimed money is held in the state in which a creditor or account is based, rather than where you lived.
- Think about unclaimed money belonging to deceased relatives. It might take special keywords to unearth money owed to your relatives if they’re not alive. Experts say to enter such terms as “payable on death,” “beneficiary” or “estate of” in the last name field before searching.
State | Website | Phone number | Claim process | Processing time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Alabama | https://alabama.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/ | 888-844-8400 | Start your claim online and mail your notarized form and documentation to: Unclaimed Property Division Office of the State Treasurer PO Box 302520, Montgomery, AL 36130-2520 You can also deliver your claim and information in person. | 6–8 weeks |
Alaska | https://treasury.dor.alaska.gov/Unclaimed-Property.aspx | 907-465-3726 | File a claim through the state's MissingMoney page. You'll receive an email outlining your next steps in the claim process. | Varies by claim |
Arizona | https://www.azunclaimed.gov | 602-364-0380 | File a claim through MissingMoney.com, and you'll receive instructions on how to proceed. | 2 weeks |
Arkansas | https://portal.arkansas.gov/pages/claim-your-property/ | 501-682-6000 | Submit a claim online and upload your documents on its website. | Varies by claim |
California | https://sco.ca.gov/upd_msg.html | 800-992-4647 | Some claims can be filed electronically, while others, such as claims totaling $1,000 or more, must be signed and notarized. Send your documents and claim form to: State Controller’s Office Unclaimed Property Division PO Box 942850 Sacramento, CA 94250-5873 | 30-60 days for claims that involve cash only. 180 days for complex cases, such as those involving multiple owners. |
Colorado | https://colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/ | 303-866-6070 | Start your claim online and upload or mail your documents to: The Great Colorado Payback Office 1580 Logan Street Suite 500 Denver, CO 80203 | Varies by claim |
Connecticut | https://www.ctbiglist.com/index.asp | 800-833-7318 | Start your claim online and then mail your completed form to: Office of the State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Division PO Box 5065, Hartford CT 06102 | Varies by claim |
Delaware | https://unclaimedproperty.delaware.gov/ | 855-505-7520 | Submit your claim on its website. You can upload your documents, mail them to: State of Delaware Unclaimed Property Office PO Box 8140 Wilmington, DE 19803-8140 You can also fax your black and white documentation to 302-622-4115. | Varies by claim |
Florida | https://fltreasurehunt.gov/ | 888-258-2253 | Initiate your claim online and then send your completed application to: Florida Department of Financial Services Division of Unclaimed Property PO Box 8599 Tallahassee, FL 32314-8599 | 90 days |
Georgia | https://dor.georgia.gov/unclaimed-property-program | 855-329-9863 | Follow the prompts on the state's Department of Revenue's website to create a claim. You'll receive additional instructions if you need to mail a printed form and submit required documentation. | Varies by claim |
Hawaii | https://www.ehawaii.gov/lilo/app | 808-586-1589 | Sign and mail a claim form to: State of Hawaii Unclaimed Property Program PO Box 150 Honolulu, Hawaii 96810 You'll need a notarized signature if the claim is valued at $50 or more, consists of stock or mutual funds or is regarding the contents of a safe deposit box. | Varies by claim |
Idaho | https://yourmoney.idaho.gov/ | 208-332-2942 | Initiate a claim online to receive a form with your claim number. Upload required documents on its website. | 90 days |
Illinois | https://icash.illinoistreasurer.gov/ | 800-961-8303 | Start a claim on its website. Mail your notarized claim form and documentation to: Office of the Illinois State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Division PO Box 19495 Springfield, IL 62794-9495 | 90 days |
Indiana | https://www.indianaunclaimed.gov/ | 866-462-5246 | Create a claim on Indiana's Unclaimed Property Division website. Submit documentation online or mail them to: Office of the Indiana Attorney General Unclaimed Property Division PO Box 2504 Greenwood, IN 46142 | 90 days |
Iowa | https://www.greatiowatreasurehunt.gov/ | 515-281-5367 | Initiate a claim on the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt website. Upload your documents in the portal or mail them to: Great Iowa Treasure Hunt Lucas State Office Building 321 E 12 th Street, 1st Floor Des Moines, IA 50319 | 4-6 weeks |
Kansas | https://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/up_search.php | 785-296-4165 | Submit a paperless claim on its website. Requests for additional documents will be sent to your email. | 2 weeks |
Kentucky | https://treasury.ky.gov/unclaimedproperty/Pages/Unclaimed-Property-Search.aspx | 800-465-4722 | Create a claim at Missingmoney.com. Mail your paper claim form to: Kentucky State Treasury Unclaimed Property Division 1050 U.S. Highway 127 South, Suite 100 Frankfort, KY 40601 | Varies by claim |
Louisiana | https://louisiana.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/ | 888-925-4127 | Start a claim on its website. Mail your documentation and notarized claim form (for claims $1,000 or more) to: PO Box 91010 Baton Rouge LA 70821-9010 | 90 days |
Maine | https://www.maineunclaimedproperty.gov/ | 207-624-7470 | Create a claim on its website and mail your documentation and notarized claim form (for claims valued over $1,500) to: Office of the State Treasurer Attn: Unclaimed Property 39 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0039 | Varies by claim |
Maryland | https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/unclaimed-property/index.php | 410-767-1700 | Mail a claim form with supporting documentaiton to: Comptroller of Maryland Unclaimed Property Unit 301 West Preston Street, Room 310 Baltimore, MD 21201-2385 | 6-8 weeks |
Massachusetts | https://www.findmassmoney.com/ | 617-367-0400 | Initiate an online claim. Eligible claims are fast-tracked. If you receive a paper claim form, upload the requested documents to its website or send them to: Office of the State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Division One Ashburton Place, 12th Floor Boston, MA 02108 | Varies by claim |
Michigan | https://unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov/ | 517-636-5320 | Start a claim on its website. Upload the requested documents, including a notarized claim form, or mail them to: Unclaimed Property Michigan Department of Treasury PO Box 30756 Lansing, MI 48909 | 120 days |
Minnesota | https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/your-money/find-missing-money/ | 651-539-1545 | Print and mail your notarized claim form and requested documents to: Minnesota Commerce Department 85 7th Place East, Suite 500 St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-2198 | 90 days |
Mississippi | https://www.treasury.ms.gov/UnclaimedProperty/Pages/default.aspx | 601-359-3534 | Submit your claim online or by mail. Send your notarized form and documentation to: Office of the State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Division PO Box 138 Jackson, MS 39205 | 8 weeks |
Missouri | https://treasurer.mo.gov/unclaimedproperty/ | 573-751-0123 | Follow the prompts to file a claim on Missouri's unclaimed property website. | Varies by claim |
Montana | https://tap.dor.mt.gov/_/ | 406-444-6900 | Add a property to your cart and click "Proceed" to start the claim process. Follow the instructions to submit specific documentation. | Varies by claim |
Nebraska | https://treasurer.nebraska.gov/up/ | 402-471-8497 | Download, print and mail your notarized claim form to: State Treasurer John Murante 809 P Street Lincoln, NE 68508-1390 | Several weeks |
Nevada | https://claims.nevadaunclaimedproperty.gov/Property/SearchIndex | 702-486-4140 | Submit a claim form to: Nevada Unclaimed Property 555 E. Washington Avenue Suite 5200 Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Your form must have a notarized signatture if the claim is valued at $500 or more. | 90 days |
New Hampshire | https://newhampshire.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/ | 603-271-2619 | Search and start the claim process on its website. You can also upload documents online. | Varies by claim |
New Jersey | https://unclaimedproperty.nj.gov/ | 609-292-9200 | File a claim on its website and the application should instruct you on your next step. | Varies by claim |
New Mexico | http://www.tax.newmexico.gov/Individuals/search-unclaimed-property.aspx | 505-827-0700 | New Mexico directs its residents to file a claim on MissingMoney.com. | 90 days to approve a claim, and an additional 30 days to pay the claim. |
New York | https://www.osc.state.ny.us/unclaimed-funds | 800-221-9311 | File and submit your claim and documentation online. Or mail your claim packet to: Office of the State Comptroller Office of Unclaimed Funds 110 State Street Albany, NY 12236 | For online claims, you'll get a check in two weeks. If you submited your claim by mail, you'll get a confirmation letter within 30 days and a check in an additional four to six weeks. Complicated claims may take longer. |
North Carolina | https://www.nccash.com/ | 866-622-2741 | Begin your claim online, but you'll still need to mail a claim form and documentation to: Unclaimed Property Division PO Box 20431 Raleigh, NC 27619-0431 | 90 days |
North Dakota | https://unclaimedproperty.nd.gov/ | 701-328-2800 | You can initiate a claim online, but most applications also require a signed claim form. Upload documentation in the portal or mail everything to: Unclaimed Property Division 1707 N 9th Street Bismarck, ND 58501-1853 | Varies by claim |
Ohio | https://www.com.ohio.gov/unfd/ | 614-466-4433 | Kick off the process and initiate a claim online. Mail the signed claim form with documentation to: Ohio Division of Unclaimed Funds 77 S. High Street, 20th Floor Columbus, OH, 43215-6108 Your form must be notarized for claims $1,000 or more. | 120 days |
Oklahoma | https://www.oktreasure.com/ | 405-521-4273 | Get your claim underway by filing online. Mail a claim form with additional documents to: Office of the State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Division 9520 N. May Ave., LL Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73120. | Varies by claim |
Oregon | https://unclaimed.oregon.gov/ | 503-986-5200 | File a claim online. Upload the requested documents or mail your signed claim form with supporting evidence to: Unclaimed Property Section Department of State Lands 775 Summer Street NE, Suite 100 Salem, OR, 97301-1279 | 120 days |
Pennsylvania | https://www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/ | 800-222-2046 | Begin your claim online. Mail your claim form and documents to: Bureau of Unclaimed Property PO Box 1837 Harrisburg PA 17105-1837 | Varies by claim |
Rhode Island | https://findrimoney.com/ | 401-462‑7676 | Submit a claim on Rhode Island's Unclaimed Property website. Upload the remaining documents or mail them to: Rhode Island Unclaimed Property Division PO Box 1435 Providence, RI 02901-1435 | Varies by claim |
South Carolina | https://southcarolina.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/ | 803-737-4771 | Open a claim on its website. Submit your documentation online or mail them to: South Carolina State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Program 1200 Senate Street, Suite 214 Wade Hampton Building Columbia, SC 29201 | 4-12 weeks |
South Dakota | https://southdakota.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/ | 605-773-3379 | After initiating a claim on its website, either email your signed claim form and documents to unclaimed@sdtreasurer.gov, or mail your application to: SD State Treasurer - UCP 124 E Dakota Ave Pierre, SD 57501 | Varies by claim |
Tennessee | https://treasury.tn.gov/Unclaimed-Property/Claim-Unclaimed-Property/Find-Your-Missing-Money | 866-370-9429 | Start you claim online, and follow the prompts on your next steps. | Varies by claim |
Texas | https://claimittexas.org/ | 800-321-2274 | Initiate a claim on its website. Submit additional documentation based on your confirmation email or letter. Upload the requested documents in the portal or mail them to: Comptroller of Public Accounts Unclaimed Property Claims Section PO Box 12046 Austin, TX 78711-2046 | Varies by claim |
Utah | https://mycash.utah.gov/ | 801-715-3300 | Submit a claim on Utah's Unclaimed Property website. Upload a signed claim form and additional documents or mail them to: Unclaimed Property Division PO Box 140530 168 N 1950 W Suite 102 Salt Lake City, UT 84116 | 90 days |
Vermont | https://www.vermonttreasurer.gov/content/unclaimed-property | 802-828-2407 | Print and send a signed claim form with documentation to: Vermont Unclaimed Property Division State Treasurer's Office 109 State Street Montpelier, VT 05609-6200 Claims valued at $200 or more must be notarized. | Express claims are processed within five days. |
Virginia | https://vamoneysearch.org/ | 800-468-1088 | Initiate a claim and mail your claim form and evidence to: Virginia Department of the Treasury Unclaimed Property Division PO Box 2485 Richmond, VA 23218-2485 | 6-8 weeks |
Washington | https://ucp.dor.wa.gov/ | 360-534-1502 | File your claim and upload supporting evidence on the website. You can also mail your claim by choosing the mail in option from the Provide Proof page after your search. | 60 days. Claims involving stocks or mutual funds may take longer. |
Washington D.C. | dc.findyourunclaimedproperty.com | 202-727-2476 | Submit a claim online and then upload your documents. You can also mail you signed claim form and requested documentation to: D.C. Office of Finance and Treasury Unclaimed Property Unit 1101 4th St. SW, Suite 800W Washington, DC 20024 | Varies by claim |
West Virginia | https://wv.findyourunclaimedproperty.com/ | 800-642-8687 | Kick start the claim procedure online. Either upload your documents or mail your signed claim form with additional documentation to: Office of State Treasurer Unclaimed Property Division PO Box 4228 Charleston, WV 25364 | 90 days |
Wisconsin | https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/UnclaimedProperty/Home.aspx | 608-264-4594 | Claim your property on the Department of Revenue's website. Submit the required documents online, but mail the Transfer By Affidavit form and the notarized claim form to: Unclaimed Property PO Box 8982 Madison, WI 53708-8982 | 8 weeks |
Wyoming | https://statetreasurer.wyo.gov/UnclaimedProperty.aspx | 307-777-5590 | File a claim and submit documents through the Wyoming State Treasurer Unclaimed Property website. | 2 weeks. A claim specialist with work with complex claims, which take more time. |
Where else can I find unclaimed property?
Search a range of official databases to find unclaimed tax refunds, bonds, pension balances and more:
- Internal Revenue Service. Contact the IRS for your undelivered or unclaimed refund.
- Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Find unclaimed deposits if your banking institution has ceased operating.
- Treasury Direct. Track down matured savings bonds.
- National Credit Union Administration. Sniff out unclaimed deposits when a credit union is liquidated.
- HUD. You might be eligible for a mortgage refund if you’ve had an FHA-insured mortgage.
- Department of Labor. The DOL might have your unpaid wages if your employer broke labor laws.
- Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. Take a look if the PBGC has your pension if your previous employer went out of business or ended your defined benefit pension plan.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Check the NAIC or your state’s insurance department website to find out if there’s an unclaimed life insurance payout with your name on it.
How much does it cost to file a claim for unclaimed money?
It’s free to search and initiate a claim online. Most states also require you to mail in a signed and notarized claim form, along with your supporting documents. A notary public may charge a fee for this service, which will likely run about $5 to $10 per signature, though your bank or a public library might do it for free.
Companies that call themselves finders or locators might advertise a finder’s fee to search for unclaimed money on your behalf. While the businesses are legitimate, the wide range of free sites mean you can do it yourself at no cost.
Also be wary of scammers claiming to be from the government and offering to send you unclaimed money for a price. Unlike legitimate locators, they often don’t require a signed contract and may try to get money or personal information up front and quickly before running off with it.
Bottom line
The government holds billions of dollars in unclaimed assets, with states returning an estimated $3 billion in assets and property to their rightful owners annually, according to industry associations. But you don’t need to hire a firm to help you track down what’s yours: It takes minutes to search official databases and file a claim for money — and for free.
Frequently asked questions
More guides on Finder
-
How do life insurance payouts work?
It can be a sticky subject, but it’s important to know where you stand as a beneficiary.
-
How a financial professional can help you
Navigate through your financial goals with this handy guide to financial professionals.
-
How to fill out the CSS Profile
Get the most out of financial aid by submitting this along with the FAFSA.
-
How to find pet-friendly rental properties
Some landlords allow pets, but size, age and breed restrictions can make apartment hunting more difficult.
-
Complete list of FAFSA questions
Find out what information you’ll need before sitting down to complete the form.
-
How to find and claim life insurance you may be owed
There are billions in unclaimed life insurance floating around the US. Here’s how to find out if you’re owed a payout.
-
How to insure and transfer a car in your will
Car insurance doesn’t die with the policyholder. Transfer a willed car the right way.
-
What happens to your bank account when you die?
When someone dies, their account will be closed and their assets will be divided up. Learn what paperwork you’ll need and how it works.
-
What are bonds and how do you buy them?
You could receive a higher return with a government bond compared to a savings account without significantly increasing your risk.
-
How to file a life insurance claim and what to do if you’re rejected
Find out how to file a life insurance claim, how long it takes to be paid out, and the difference between a primary and secondary beneficiary.
Ask an Expert