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Unclaimed property auctions: how states sell safe deposit box contents

When a bank cannot find the owner of an abandoned safe deposit box, the contents can end up with the state as unclaimed property; Florida, for example, receives them from banks and credit unions.11 The state keeps looking for the owner; under the model act it may later sell the items to the highest bidder at a public sale or on the internet.2 The money from each sale is kept for the owner: Missouri's Treasurer holds the proceeds of every item it sells for the owner or heirs to claim at any time.1 The item itself is gone, because a buyer at a state sale takes it free of the owner's claims.2

Updated · Facts checked against official sources November 3, 2026

On this page
  1. How a safe deposit box ends up at auction
  2. How long states hold items before selling
  3. States where the bank sells instead
  4. What states do not sell
  5. How state auctions work
  6. If your item has already been sold
  7. Claiming the items before a sale
  8. Questions people ask
  9. Sources
  • Box contents are presumed abandoned a set time after the box lease ends, such as more than 3 years in Florida3 or more than 5 years in Kansas.4
  • States hold items before selling: Florida may auction them two years after it receives them,5 Pennsylvania keeps them about three years.6
  • Sale proceeds stay credited to the owner and can be claimed later, for example in Florida5 and West Virginia.7
  • Several states do not sell military medals, among them Iowa,8 Missouri9 and Pennsylvania.6
  • Sales are public: Kansas auctions items on eBay,10 and Florida's in-person auctions are open to anyone.11

How a safe deposit box ends up at auction

After a set period with no activity or contact, property becomes unclaimed and by law must be turned over to the state.17 For a safe deposit box, the states in the table below count that period from the end of the box lease. Florida’s program describes the path: the bank tries to reach the owner, and if it cannot, the contents go to the state as unclaimed property;11 the safe deposit box guide covers that path in detail. The state then keeps looking for the owner. Iowa, for example, mails letters, publishes names in a newspaper in the county of the last known address, lists them online and takes them to the Iowa State Fair.12

If nobody claims the items, the state may sell them, and the money is kept for the owner. West Virginia, for example, holds all auction proceeds in accounts under the name of the original owner.7

When safe deposit box contents are presumed abandoned (counted from the end of the box lease unless noted)
State Period
Alabama 3 years18
Alaska 1 year19
Arkansas 5 years20
California 3 years21
Connecticut 5 years22
Florida 3 years3
Iowa 3 years23
Kansas 5 years4
Maine 3 years24
Maryland 3 years25
Minnesota 5 years14
New Mexico 5 years26
North Dakota 3 years, from the earlier of the dates set in the statute16
Oklahoma 5 years27
Pennsylvania 3 years28
South Dakota 3 years29
Utah 5 years, from the earlier of the dates set in the statute45
Virginia 5 years31
West Virginia 5 years32
Wyoming 5 years33

The dormancy table covers other property types.

How long states hold items before selling

After the contents arrive, states wait before they sell, and the wait differs. The model act says the administrator may sell property no earlier than three years after receiving it.2 Some states use a shorter period and some set a deadline instead:

Holding periods before a state sale
State Rule
Alabama Contents held at least one year from the attempted notice to the owner15
Alaska Sold within three years after receipt19
Florida May be auctioned if unclaimed two years after the state receives them5
Iowa Held at least one year8
Kansas Valuable contents sold within three years of receipt34
Maine Not earlier than one year after receipt35
Maryland Offered for sale within one year after delivery36
Missouri Sold within two years after delivery37
North Dakota Not earlier than three years after receipt16
Pennsylvania Kept about three years6
Utah Not earlier than three years after receipt30
West Virginia Sold within three years after receipt38
Wyoming Sold within three years after receipt33

States where the bank sells instead

In some states the state never takes the items at all. Connecticut requires banks to liquidate or auction tangible contents and send the proceeds in the owner’s name.39 Delaware does not accept tangible property, so holders must liquidate it and report the proceeds.40 Mississippi does not accept physical property either: box contents must be auctioned for cash and the cash reported with a brief description of the items.41 In these states the bank, not the state, sells the box contents, and the owner claims the cash proceeds from the state.

What states do not sell

  • Military medals. The model act forbids selling medals awarded for U.S. military service.2 Alabama will not auction military items,15 Iowa will not auction military medals,8 Missouri will not auction or sell them,9 and Maine,42 North Dakota16 and West Virginia43 bar selling them. Pennsylvania never auctions military decorations6 and has run an online military decoration database since 2018.44 In Connecticut, banks send military medals from abandoned boxes to the state Department of Veterans Affairs,22 and Kansas publishes a list of military items with the owners’ names.46
  • Historical items. Minnesota gives the Minnesota Historical Society an inventory before each sale, and the society may select items of historical value.14 Alabama may let the Alabama Historical Commission, the Department of Archives and History or a similar state organization display property not available for auction that has historical, artistic or literary value, if the organization asks in writing.15
  • Items with no market value. California sells contents that appear to have monetary value and destroys the rest, such as wills, letters and deeds.47 Maryland need not sell property that has no commercial value or would cost more to sell than it is worth.36
  • Firearms. In Florida, firearms and ammunition found in an abandoned box go to a law enforcement agency.3

How state auctions work

States run sales in different ways, and many use outside auctioneers:

How some states sell unclaimed tangible property
State How sales are held
Alabama May offer box contents and other tangible items for sale through a public auction48
Arkansas Links an “Unclaimed Property Auction” from the Auditor’s site49
Florida Two-day public events: a Friday preview and a Saturday auction11
Iowa Auctions hosted by Lone Star Auctioneers on an auction website12
Kansas Online on eBay10
Maine Online bi-weekly auctions, announced as going live on July 16, 202650
Maryland An Auction Marketplace linked from its unclaimed property site51
Missouri A public auction to the highest bidder under state law;52 the 2026 auction was held August 27 to 28 in Columbia1
Pennsylvania Online through Pook & Pook; bidders register at its site53
West Virginia Periodic online auctions of safe deposit box contents7

Figures from 2026: Missouri’s auction raised $674,342, a record that beat the previous $319,712.1 Pennsylvania sold more than 4,000 items online on March 25, with gross sales of $523,873,54 and called its October sale of over 6,600 items its largest ever.53

Bidding. Florida’s auctions are open to anyone. To preview or bid you register with photo ID and a refundable $100 deposit, and a 12% buyer’s premium is added to each lot, with no sales tax.11 Iowa’s auctioneer accepts anyone registered and approved with a valid U.S. mailing address,12 but Treasurer employees, relatives in their household and the auction and appraisal contractors may not bid.8 On Nov. 3, 2026, Iowa’s page said there were no auctions at that time.12

Public notice. Under the model act the state must announce the date and describe the property before a sale; it may sell to the highest bidder in person or on the internet, and an in-person sale needs a newspaper notice three to five weeks ahead.2 Missouri (except for marketable securities),37 Oklahoma27 and Wyoming33 require a newspaper notice at least three weeks before a sale; Oklahoma’s must run in the county of the sale, the holder’s county and the county of the owner’s last known address.27

What the buyer gets. A buyer at a state sale takes the property free of all claims of the owner and the former holder.2 Maine13 and Minnesota14 say the same in their statutes, and Missouri’s auction terms say the buyer receives title free from all claims of the owner.52

If your item has already been sold

The sale does not end your claim. The money is credited to the owner’s account:

  • Florida: the state does not keep the value of auctioned property, and owners and heirs may claim the proceeds at any time.5
  • Missouri: the money from each item is kept for the owner or heirs to claim at any time.1
  • Pennsylvania: auction proceeds are kept in perpetuity.6
  • Kansas10 and Alaska:55 the proceeds remain claimable by the owner or heirs.
  • West Virginia: auction proceeds are held in accounts under the name of the original owner.7

The claim pays the sale proceeds. Maryland pays the price obtained at the public sale;56 Alabama pays the proceeds of the sale, less any fees and expenses of the sale if deducted.57

Claiming the items before a sale

If the contents have not been sold yet, the owner can claim the items themselves. Kansas says claims for box contents not yet sold should be filed promptly to prevent liquidation,34 and Utah will not sell property while a claim is on file.30 In Florida, an item due to be auctioned can be claimed with documented proof that the claimant is the person named on the box account, until the item is sold.11 In Iowa, a claimant can take physical custody of contents that have not been sold.8

Each state’s official search is linked from its page in the list of states, the claim guide walks through filing, and the deceased relative guide covers claims by heirs. Searching and claiming through the official program of the state holding the property is free.58

Questions people ask

How do I find state unclaimed property auctions?

States that hold auctions post information on their own unclaimed property sites, among them Florida,11 Iowa,12 Kansas10 and West Virginia.7 Each state's page in the list of states links its official site.

Can anyone buy at an unclaimed property auction?

Florida says its auctions are open to the public and anyone can participate.11 Iowa's auctioneer accepts anyone registered and approved with a valid U.S. mailing address.12 Some people cannot bid: in Iowa, Treasurer employees, relatives in their household and the auction and appraisal contractors are barred.8

What happens to the money from an unclaimed property auction?

It is credited to the owner. Florida says the state does not keep the value of auctioned property and owners and heirs may claim the proceeds at any time;5 Missouri1 and Kansas10 say the same.

Can I get an item back after the state sold it?

No. Under the model act, a buyer at a state sale takes the property free of the owner's claims,2 and Maine13 and Minnesota14 have the same rule. You can still claim the sale proceeds.

Are military medals auctioned?

Several states do not sell them. The model act bars the sale of medals awarded for U.S. military service,2 and Alabama,15 Missouri9 and North Dakota16 are among the states that do not auction or sell them.

Sources

Footnote numbers point here. Open "Quoted text" for the exact words relied on ("[…]" marks words left out).

  1. Treasurer Vivek Malek Announces Record-Breaking Year at Unclaimed Property Auction (press release) Missouri State Treasurer's Office · treasurer.mo.gov · undated on the page; reports the 2026 auction of August 27-28 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)
    The money received for each item sold during the auction is retained by the Treasurer’s Office and may be claimed by the rightful owner or their heir at any time through the Unclaimed Property program.
    The event resulted in a major achievement, breaking the previous sales record of $319,712 with this year’s total of $674,342.
    This year's auction was held August 27-28 in Columbia, Missouri.
  2. Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (2016), text with comments (PDF) Uniform Law Commission · uniformlaws.org · 2016-07 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (7)
    property at a sale conducted by the administrator under this [act] takes the property free of all claims of the owner, a previous holder, or a person claiming through the owner or holder.
    (a) Subject to Section 702, not earlier than [three] years after receipt of property presumed abandoned, the administrator may sell the property.
    (a) The administrator may not sell a medal or decoration awarded for military service in the armed forces of the United States.
    (b) Before selling property under subsection (a), the administrator shall give notice to the public of:
    (c) A sale under subsection (a) must be to the highest bidder:
    (e) If a sale held under this section is to be conducted other than on the Internet, the administrator must publish at least one notice of the sale, at least [three] weeks but not more than [five] weeks before the sale, in a newspaper of general circulation in the [county] in which the property is sold.
    (2) on the Internet; or
  3. Chapter 717, Florida Statutes (2026), Florida Disposition of Abandoned Personal Property Act The Florida Legislature · leg.state.fl.us · 2026 Florida Statutes · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    717.116 Contents of safe-deposit box or other safekeeping repository.—All tangible and intangible property held by a banking or financial organization in a safe-deposit box or any other safekeeping repository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder’s business, and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by law, that has not been claimed by the apparent owner or authorized representative for more than 3 years after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired are presumed abandoned.
    (b) Any firearm or ammunition found in an abandoned safe-deposit box or any other safekeeping repository shall be delivered by the holder to a law enforcement agency for property handling or disposal pursuant to s. 705.103(2)(b).
  4. K.S.A. 58-3949. Contents of safe deposit box Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes · ksrevisor.gov · K.S.A. current as published Nov. 3, 2026; last amended L. 1999 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.
  5. Frequently Asked Questions Florida Department of Financial Services · claimyourcashfl.gov · undated live page (2026) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    If the property remains abandoned for two years after the Division receives it, the items may be sold through a public auction.
    The State does not keep the value of auctioned property. The State credits sale proceeds to the owner’s abandoned property account. Owners and heirs may claim those proceeds at any time.
  6. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Encourages Pennsylvanians to Make Financial Resolutions for the New Year Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Jan. 2, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Treasury keeps tangible property for about three years before it is auctioned. Auction proceeds are kept in perpetuity for owners to claim. Military decorations and memorabilia are never auctioned.
  7. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: FAQs: General West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · undated page; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)
    Our office holds periodic online auctions of safe deposit box contents held in unclaimed property accounts.
    All proceeds from the auction are held in accounts under the name of the original property owner.
    Information about open auctions is posted on our website.
  8. Iowa Administrative Code 781—Chapter 9, Unclaimed Property Iowa Legislature · legis.iowa.gov · rules dated 02-05-2025 (listing pubDate 04-15-2026) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)
    9.24(1) Except as stated in subrules 9.24(2) and 9.24(3), the contents of safe deposit boxes and other tangible property received by the division shall be held by the division for not less than one year, after which time the property may be sold, held, or destroyed.
    No employee, person related to an employee of the Iowa treasurer of state living in the same household, or contractor that provided auction or appraisal services may directly or indirectly bid on safe deposit box contents or other tangible property offered for sale by the division.
    9.24(2) Medals awarded for military service in the armed forces of the United States shall not be auctioned.
    9.35(2) In the case of safe deposit box contents that have not been liquidated, the claimant may assume physical custody of the contents from the division.
  9. Frequently Asked Questions About Unclaimed Property Missouri State Treasurer's Office · treasurer.mo.gov · undated (live page) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    As of August 28, 2010, no military medal or honor held by Unclaimed Property will be auctioned or sold.
  10. Kansas Unclaimed Property – home page Kansas State Treasurer · missingmoney.ks.gov · undated; counter read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    We are utilizing eBay to auction these items. The proceeds are available to be claimed by the rightful owner or heir.
  11. State of Florida Unclaimed Property Auction Florida Department of Financial Services · portal.claimyourcashfl.gov · undated live page · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (8)
    The Florida Department of Financial Services periodically holds Unclaimed Property Auctions, where abandoned safe deposit box contents are auctioned by the Division of Unclaimed Property.
    If the financial institution cannot locate and reinstate the account with the owner, or return the items, the contents are sent to the Department as unclaimed property.
    Each auction is a two-day event. The first day, lasting all day on a Friday, is "Preview Day."
    Registration requires a photographic identification and payment of a 100%, instantly-refundable $100 deposit.
    Yes. All auctions are open to the public and anyone can participate.
    Sales taxes are not charged on any purchases. However, a 12% "buyer's premium" is added to the final sale price of any lot.
    You can claim it by filing a claim and providing documented proof that you are the same individual whose name is on the safe deposit box account.
    This can be done until the time an item is sold.
  12. Auction – Official Publication of Safe Deposit Box Properties Treasurer of State of Iowa · iowatreasurer.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)
    Letters are mailed to the last known address; names are published in a newspaper in the county of the last known address; names are posted on the GreatIowaTreasureHunt.gov website; names are taken to the Iowa State Fair and other events around the state
    Auctions are hosted by Lone Star Auctioneers, which specializes in selling unclaimed safe deposit box contents from state unclaimed property programs.
    Bidding is open to anyone registered and approved on Lone Star Auctioneers with a valid U.S. mailing address.
    There are no auctions at this time.
  13. 33 M.R.S. §2134 Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes · legislature.maine.gov · current through Second Regular Session, 132nd Legislature (current through October 1, 2026 per chapter notice) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    A purchaser of property at a sale conducted by the administrator under this Act takes the property free of all claims of the owner, a previous holder or a person claiming through the owner or holder.
  14. Minnesota Statutes chapter 345, Unclaimed Property (full chapter) Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · revisor.mn.gov · 2026 Minnesota Statutes · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)
    that have been unclaimed by the owner for more than five years from the date on which the lease or rental period expired.
    The purchaser at any sale conducted by the commissioner pursuant to sections 345.31 to 345.60 and the Minnesota Historical Society under subdivision 5 shall receive title to the property purchased or selected, free from all claims of the owner or prior holder thereof and of all persons claiming through or under them.
    The commissioner shall provide the Minnesota Historical Society with an inventory of abandoned property, other than money, six months prior to public sale. The society may select for its collections any items it finds of historical value.
  15. Ala. Admin. Code ch. 892-2-1, Alabama Unclaimed Property Program Rules Office of State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division · unclaimed.alabama.gov · rules effective Feb. 3, 2015 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)
    Prior to public auction, Contents will be held for a minimum of one year from the date of the attempted notification by the Treasurer’s Office to the reported owner.
    Military items will not be auctioned.
    The Treasurer may allow property not available for public auction to be displayed by the Alabama Historical Commission, Department of Archives and History, or similar state organization, if the request is made in writing by the organization and in its opinion, the property has historical, artistic or literary value worthy of preservation.
  16. N.D.C.C. chapter 47-30.2, Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act North Dakota Legislative Branch · legis.nd.gov · PDF created June 30, 2025 (after 2025 HB 1149); same file the program site links as /docs/ND_Revised_Uniform_UCP_Act.pdf · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)
    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box is presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the apparent owner three years after the earlier of the:
    Subject to section 47-30.2-41, not earlier than three years after receipt of property presumed abandoned, the administrator may sell the property.
    The administrator may not sell a medal or decoration awarded for military service in the armed forces of the United States.
  17. What is unclaimed property? National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    After a designated period of time (called the dormancy period) with no activity or contact, the property becomes “unclaimed” and—by law—must be turned over to the state.
  18. Code of Alabama § 35-12-72 Alabama Legislature (ALISON) · alison.legislature.state.al.us · current code as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    (4) Tangible and intangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder’s business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, three years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.
  19. Alaska Statutes AS 34.45, Uniform Unclaimed Property Act Alaska State Legislature (akleg.gov) · akleg.gov · site serves the 2025 statutes (page script year=2025) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    All tangible and intangible personal property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping repository in a financial organization in the state in the ordinary course of the holder's business, and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, that remain unclaimed by the owner for more than one year after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired, are presumed abandoned.
    (a) Except as provided in (c) and (d) of this section, the department, within three years after receiving abandoned property, shall sell it to the highest bidder at public sale
  20. Holder Seminar Sept. 2025 Session 1 – Review of Arkansas statute regarding presumptions of abandonment Arkansas Auditor of State · auditor.ar.gov · September 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five (5) years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.
  21. Dormancy Periods for Most Frequently Reported Unclaimed Property Type (PDF) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · Rev. 07/2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Safe-Deposit Boxes 3 CCP 1514
  22. Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 32 (Treasurer), Part III Escheats, secs. 3-56a to 3-76 Connecticut General Assembly · cga.ct.gov · General Statutes revised to January 1, 2025 · archived copy, captured Sept. 9, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    (5) Any funds or other personal property reposing in or removed from a safe deposit box or any other safekeeping repository in this state on which the lease or rental period has expired owing to nonpayment of rent or other reason, which have been unclaimed by the owner for more than five years from the date on which the lease or rental period expired.
    (j) In the event military medals are presumed abandoned pursuant to subdivision (5) of subsection (a) of section 3-57a, a banking or financial organization shall transmit such medals to the Department of Veterans Affairs in accordance with procedures established by the Treasurer.
  23. Iowa Code 2026, Chapter 556 – Disposition of Unclaimed Property Iowa Legislature · legis.iowa.gov · Iowa Code 2026 (PDF generated Dec. 9, 2025) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    that have been unclaimed by the owner for more than three years from the date on which the lease or rental period expired.
  24. 33 M.R.S. §2065 Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes · legislature.maine.gov · current through Second Regular Session, 132nd Legislature (current through October 1, 2026 per chapter notice) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this State in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law are presumed abandoned if the property and proceeds remain unclaimed by the owner for more than 3 years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.
  25. Maryland Code, Commercial Law § 17-301.1 Maryland General Assembly (mgaleg.maryland.gov) · mgaleg.maryland.gov · current text as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    (4) Any property removed from a safekeeping repository on which the lease or rental period has expired or any surplus amounts arising from the sale of the property pursuant to law, that have been unclaimed by the owner for more than 3 years from the date on which the lease or rental period expired.
  26. NMSA 1978 Chapter 7, Article 8A, Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (1995), Sections 7-8A-1 to 7-8A-31, with annotations New Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource.com) · nmonesource.com · Current NMSA 1978 as published on NMOneSource (site last modified 11/02/2026); latest Article 8A amendment shown: Laws 2021, ch. 65 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.
  27. Oklahoma Statutes Title 60 (Property), Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, 60 O.S. §§651-688 Oklahoma Legislative Service Bureau · oklegislature.gov · compiled title; latest amendments shown Laws 2025, c. 421, eff. Nov. 1, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    All tangible and intangible personal property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping repository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder’s business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, which remain unclaimed by the owner for more than five (5) years after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired, are presumed abandoned.
    Any sale held under this section must be preceded by a single publication of notice, at least three (3) weeks in advance of sale in a legal newspaper of general circulation in the county where the property is to be sold, the county of residence of the holder and the county of the last-known address of the owner.
  28. The Fiscal Code, Act of Apr. 9, 1929, P.L. 343, No. 176, Article XIII.1 (72 P.S. § 1301.1 et seq.) Pennsylvania General Assembly · palegis.us · text displayed Nov. 3, 2026; latest Article XIII.1 amendment shown: July 17, 2024, P.L.910, No.81 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Any funds or other personal property, tangible or intangible, removed from a safe deposit box or any other safekeeping repository in the Commonwealth on which the lease or rental period has expired due to nonpayment of rental charges or other reason, or any surplus amounts arising from the sale thereof pursuant to law, if the same has not been claimed by the owner for more than three (3) years from the date on which the rental period expired.
  29. SDCL 43-41B-17 South Dakota Legislature (Legislative Research Council) · sdlegislature.gov · current codified text as served Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Any tangible and intangible property held in a safe deposit box or any other safekeeping repository or agency or collateral deposit box in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, which remain unclaimed by the owner for more than three years after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired, are presumed abandoned.
  30. Utah Code § 67-4a-701, Public sale of tangible property Utah Legislature · le.utah.gov · Effective 5/6/2026 (amended by Chapter 158, 2026 General Session) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    (1) Subject to Section 67-4a-702, not earlier than three years after receipt of tangible property presumed abandoned, the administrator may sell the property.
    Property eligible for sale will not be sold if a claim has been filed with the administrator by an apparent owner, heir, or agent.
  31. Code of Virginia Title 55.1 Chapter 25, Virginia Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (full chapter) Commonwealth of Virginia, Legislative Information System (Code of Virginia) · law.lis.virginia.gov · Code as published Nov. 3, 2026; includes 2026 c. 669 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    All tangible and intangible property held in a safe deposit box or any other safekeeping repository in the Commonwealth in the ordinary course of the holder's business and all proceeds resulting from the lawful sale of this property shall be presumed abandoned if unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired.
  32. W. Va. Code §36-8-3. Contents of safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Tangible personal property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.
  33. Wyoming Statutes Title 34, Chapter 24 - Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (W.S. 34-24-101 through 34-24-140) Wyoming Legislature (Legislative Service Office) · wyoleg.gov · PDF compiled May 8, 2026 (PDF creation date; HTTP Last-Modified Fri, 08 May 2026) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)
    which remain unclaimed by the owner for more than five (5) years after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired, are deemed abandoned.
    (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the administrator, within three (3) years after the receipt of abandoned property, shall sell it to the highest bidder at public sale
    Any sale held under this section shall be preceded by a single publication of notice, at least three (3) weeks in advance of sale, in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the property is to be sold.
  34. FAQs – Claiming Property Kansas State Treasurer · missingmoney.ks.gov · undated · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    Safe Deposit Box Contents: Pursuant to K.S.A 58-3955 contents deemed valuable within a safe deposit box will be sold within 3 years of being received by our office.
    For claims involving stock shares or safe deposit box contents that have not yet been liquidated or sold, it is advisable to submit the claim promptly to prevent liquidation.
  35. 33 M.R.S. §2131 Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes · legislature.maine.gov · current through Second Regular Session, 132nd Legislature (current through October 1, 2026 per chapter notice) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Subject to section 2132, not earlier than one year after receipt of property presumed abandoned, the administrator may sell the property.
  36. Maryland Code, Commercial Law § 17-316 Maryland General Assembly (mgaleg.maryland.gov) · mgaleg.maryland.gov · current text as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, within 1 year after delivery under this title of abandoned property other than money, the Administrator shall offer the abandoned property for sale.
    (1) The Administrator need not offer abandoned property for sale if: (i) The probable cost of sale exceeds the Administrator’s estimation of the value of the property; or (ii) The Administrator determines that the property has no commercial value.
  37. RSMo § 447.558 (Revised Statutes of Missouri, current text) Missouri Revisor of Statutes (Joint Committee on Legislative Research) · revisor.mo.gov · 28 Aug 1998 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    shall, within two years after the delivery, be sold by the treasurer to the highest bidder at public sale in whatever manner affords in the treasurer's judgment the most favorable market for the property involved.
    Any sale held pursuant to this section, except for the sale of marketable securities, shall be preceded by a single publication of notice thereof, at least three weeks in advance of sale
  38. W. Va. Code §36-8-12. Public sale of abandoned property. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the administrator, within three years after the receipt of abandoned property, shall sell it to the highest bidder at public sale at a location in the state which in the judgment of the administrator affords the most favorable market for the property.
  39. Reporting and Delivery of Safe Deposit Box Contents Connecticut Office of the Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division · ctbiglist.gov · Revised: June 2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Tangible property and all non-cash safe deposit box contents must be liquidated or auctioned off and proceeds turned over to the Unclaimed Property Division in the name of the owner as cash proceeds
  40. Holder Handbook: Instructions for Preparing Delaware Unclaimed Property Reports Delaware Department of Finance, Office of Unclaimed Property · unclaimedproperty.delaware.gov · August 2026, Version 1 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    note that the State of Delaware does not accept tangible property. Accordingly, such property should be liquidated, and the proceeds reported and remitted
  41. FAQ's: Reporting Property Office of the Mississippi State Treasurer (portal) · ms.findyourunclaimedproperty.com · as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 (one answer refers to 2021) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Mississippi does not accept physical property. Safe Deposit Box content meeting the dormancy box requirements must be auctioned off for cash proceeds. You may then report the cash proceeds along with a brief description of the property.
  42. 33 M.R.S. §2135 Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes · legislature.maine.gov · current through Second Regular Session, 132nd Legislature (current through October 1, 2026 per chapter notice) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    The administrator may not sell a medal or decoration awarded for military service in the Armed Forces of the United States.
  43. 112 CSR 5, Enforcement of the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (legislative rule) West Virginia Secretary of State, Code of State Rules (rule by State Treasurer's Office) · apps.sos.wv.gov · Filing date April 4, 2024; effective date May 1, 2024 (as stated in the rule) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    14.1. The administrator may not sell a medal or decoration awarded for military service in the armed forces of the United States.
  44. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Military Decoration Returns Inspire Other States Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Dec. 29, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Treasury launched its online military decoration database in 2018
  45. Utah Code § 67-4a-205, When contents of safe-deposit box presumed abandoned Utah Legislature · le.utah.gov · Effective 5/9/2017 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Tangible property held in a safe-deposit box and proceeds from a sale of the property by the holder permitted by law of this state other than this chapter are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the apparent owner five years after the earlier of the:
  46. Military Items List Kansas State Treasurer · missingmoney.ks.gov · undated · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Property ID Item Description Name First Name Last City State Zip Code
  47. Guidelines for Claiming Unclaimed Property (PDF) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · PDF cover: January 2022 (index page labels it January 2023) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    California’s Unclaimed Property Law requires the State Controller to sell the contents of safe deposit boxes if the contents appear to have monetary value; all other safe deposit box contents (e.g., wills, statements, letters, deeds) are destroyed.
  48. Unclaimed Property - Office of the Alabama State Treasurer Office of the Alabama State Treasurer · treasury.alabama.gov · page modified June 8, 2026 (WordPress API) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    When safe deposit box contents and other tangible items remain unclaimed after the required holding period, Alabama State Treasury may offer them for sale through a public auction.
  49. Auditor of State home page (footer contact blocks, program description) Arkansas Auditor of State · auditor.ar.gov · undated; news through Sept. 9, 2026; © 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Unclaimed Property Auction
  50. Maine Unclaimed Property home page Office of the Maine State Treasurer · maineunclaimedproperty.gov · read Nov. 3, 2026; page undated; live counter · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    Unclaimed Property Auctions going live on July 16, 2026.
    MAINE STATE TREASURER UNCLAIMED PROPERTY ONLINE BI-WEEKLY AUCTIONS.
  51. Unclaimed Property Homepage (ClaimItMD) Comptroller of Maryland, Unclaimed Property Division · claimitmd.gov · undated; live page · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    BUY UNCLAIMED PROPERTY Click here to visit our Auction Marketplace
  52. Unclaimed Property Auction – Terms and Conditions Missouri State Treasurer's Office · treasurer.mo.gov · undated ('No current auction information at this time') · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    The Unclaimed Property Auction is being held pursuant to Section 447.558, RSMo that provides for the sale of Unclaimed Property to the highest bidder at public auction.
    The buyer will receive title to the property purchased, free from all claims of the owner, prior holder or their successors.
  53. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Treasury's Largest Auction of Unclaimed Property is this Week Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Oct. 26, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that this week’s auction of unclaimed property will be Treasury’s largest ever, featuring over 6,600 items previously safeguarded in Treasury’s vault, including jewelry, currency and collectibles.
    To participate in the online auction, bidders must register at live.pookandpook.com
  54. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: More Than $450,000 Generated During Spring Unclaimed Property Auction Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · June 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)
    Treasury expects to net over $450,000 from total gross auction sales of $523,873.
    More than 4,000 items were sold during the online auction on March 25.
  55. Unclaimed Property liquidation public notice Alaska Department of Revenue, Treasury Division · treasury.dor.alaska.gov · Public Notice Dated February 21, 2020 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    The net proceeds received from any sale of property will be associated with the original unclaimed property owner and all net proceeds from the sale remain claimable by owners and heirs.
  56. Maryland Code, Commercial Law § 17-319 Maryland General Assembly (mgaleg.maryland.gov) · mgaleg.maryland.gov · current text as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    In satisfying a claim the Administrator shall pay the claimant an amount equal to the sales price obtained at the public sale.
  57. Code of Alabama § 35-12-80 Alabama Legislature (ALISON) · alison.legislature.state.al.us · current code as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Any person making a claim pursuant to this section is entitled to receive either the property delivered by the holder, if it still remains in custody of the State Treasurer, or the proceeds received from sale, less any fees and expenses incurred from the sale if deducted.
  58. Claim Your Found Property National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)
    Both searching for and claiming your unclaimed property are free, provided you go through the official government program of the state holding the property.