California Unclaimed Property: How to Search and Claim for Free

How to search for California unclaimed property

The official search is at claimit.ca.gov/app/claim-search.¹

Which names and places to try: how to search well.

Fast-track and automatic payments

• Expedited pay ('proactive payment'): SCO matches its records with Franchise Tax Board data and mails letters with a unique claim code. Recipients do not search or file a traditional claim; they enter the code at the URL on the letter and receive a check in about two weeks. SCO does not publish dollar limits or eligibility criteria for this program.⁸

Property the state program does not hold

These official bodies keep their own records, searched separately:

• County probated estates of deceased persons: county treasurers remit these to the SCO, which publishes them in a separate downloadable Estates of Deceased Persons File (updated the first business day of April and October). Unlike regular unclaimed property, these estates permanently escheat after set periods.⁹
• Local agency and court-held funds that may go to the agency's general fund (Government Code section 50050-50053) or the Trial Court Operations Fund are outside the state program. Search the county, city or court directly.³
• CalSTRS (California State Teachers' Retirement System) holds its own unclaimed property: uncashed checks, survivor benefits, dormant accounts.¹⁰
• Unclaimed criminal restitution is held by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR Victim Restitution).¹¹
• Orange County Auditor-Controller: an address-based search tool built on the SCO database (announced October 2025).¹²

How to claim unclaimed property in California, step by step

Claims are filed through claimit.ca.gov; SCO does not provide blank paper claim forms.² Cost: Free. SCO charges no fee to claim.⁵

1. Search claimit.ca.gov by last name or business name (add first name, city or ZIP to narrow; a Property ID returns one result).¹³
2. Click CLAIM next to each property that is yours, then CONTINUE TO FILE CLAIM.¹³
3. Choose your relationship: 'Myself' (listed owner or legal guardian of a minor owner) or 'Heir' (heir, trustee, executor or estate administrator).¹⁴
4. Enter your information, including the current mailing address where the check will be sent.¹⁴
5. Sign electronically and submit to create the claim and get a claim number.¹⁴
6. Check the email sent to you: the claim form attachment lists the documents your claim needs.¹⁵
7. Upload documents through the secure link (faster) or mail them to the Unclaimed Property Division.¹⁵
8. Track the claim online with the claim number.¹⁶

• Notary: Notarization is required when total cash claimed is $10,000 or more, and always for securities and safe deposit box claims. This is the current claimit.ca.gov guidance (investigator FAQ and July 2025 handbook). An older SCO page gives a $1,000 threshold.¹⁷
• Interest: No interest is paid on claims (Code of Civil Procedure section 1540(c)). Dividends or interest that the SCO actually receives on securities before they are sold are credited to the owner (Code of Civil Procedure section 1562).³
• Property of a minor: A minor's legal guardian files as 'Myself' for property listed in the minor's name. Under Code of Civil Procedure section 1540(d), a guardian or conservator counts as an 'owner' who may claim.¹⁴
• If a claim is denied: If SCO denies a claim, or does not decide within 180 days, the claimant may sue the Controller in superior court in a county where the Attorney General has an office. Deadline: 90 days after the decision, or 270 days after filing if no decision is made. The case is tried without a jury (Code of Civil Procedure section 1541).³

The general process is in our how to claim guide.

Documents you need, by situation

These are the official requirements. The claim form for a specific property can ask for more.

Claiming your own property

• Individual owner (baseline, per the SCO claim guidelines): the claim form, a copy of a driver's license, DMV ID card or passport, and proof of SSN or federal tax ID.¹⁸
• What the current system asks for: a document showing you got mail at the reported address (or proof the property is yours if no address was reported), proof of current address, proof of SSN or tax ID, and photo ID. The exact list is printed on the claim form you receive.¹⁹
• Non-U.S. residents: in place of an SSN or tax ID, a temporary SSN, IRS Form W-8 BEN or an ITIN is accepted.¹⁹

A former address or a name change

• Former address / no account paperwork: if you have no passbook or statement, you must prove you lived at the address shown on the account.¹⁸
• Name change: a marriage certificate or court documents.²

The owner has died (estate)

• Heirs, trustees and personal representatives can claim. Without probate, heirs use the Declaration Under Probate Code 13101 (at least 40 days after death). The estate-value limit depends on the date of death: $166,250 (before April 1, 2022), $184,500 (on or after April 1, 2022), $208,500 (on or after April 1, 2025). A Table of Heirship is also used.²⁰

You are an heir

• Deceased owner / heir: the owner's death certificate plus one of: certified letters (dated within 6 months) appointing the executor or administrator; a court-ordered distribution; for estates under the small-estate limit, the will and/or trust with a Declaration Under Probate Code 13101; a Table of Heirship; the final decree of distribution for larger estates; a community property order (Probate Code section 13656); or a trustee certificate (Probate Code section 18100.5).¹⁸
• Heirs: certified copies of documents that prove entitlement (such as a will or trust); if there is no will or trust, extra forms are required.²¹

A business or government agency

• Business (corporation, partnership): proof of good standing with the Secretary of State, a tax return, letterhead or a business card of an authorized officer, and merger or dissolution papers if they apply.¹⁸
• Government agency: letterhead or a business card of an authorized officer, plus proof of the federal tax ID. Many agency properties are paid automatically, with no claim needed.¹⁸

Securities, safe deposit boxes and other cases

• Safe deposit box: an account statement or the box key; otherwise proof of residence at the account address, or proof of a link to the reporting company.¹⁸
• Securities (stocks, dividends, bonds): the original certificate, dividend check, bond or debenture, or an account statement. Other evidence may be accepted, and a lost instrument bond may be required.¹⁸
• Uncashed cashier's checks, money orders, traveler's checks: send the original instrument.²
• Life insurance: the policy or an insurance statement; otherwise proof of residence at the reported address.¹⁸
• Escrow: the buyer's or seller's closing statement. If the account lists both buyer and seller, the escrow agreement is needed.¹⁸
• Joint / multiple owners: every owner must sign, or each owner files a separate claim for their share.²
• Power of attorney: not accepted in place of the claimant's signature, except when a medical condition prevents signing (with a physician's verification; the SCO legal office decides).²

See also: claiming for a deceased relative and the claim documents tool.

How long it takes, how you are paid and the deadline

Processing time

• By law, up to 180 days after SCO receives a complete claim package. Cash-only owner claims can take as little as 30 to 60 days. Heir, multi-owner and business claims generally take up to 180 days. Securities need extra time after approval (most paid within 120 days). Expedited-pay letters: a check in about two weeks.²

How you are paid

California pays by check and does not offer direct deposit, so keep the mailing address on your claim current.

• Paper check (state warrant) mailed to the claimant. No direct deposit. Unsold securities may be returned as shares; otherwise you get the sale proceeds.²

Deadline

Owners and heirs in California generally have no deadline, but the rule has exceptions.

• No time limit. Property is held indefinitely and never permanently escheats (Code of Civil Procedure section 1501.5). Exception: county probated estates of deceased persons, which do permanently escheat after set periods.²

Contact the California unclaimed property office

When property becomes unclaimed: dormancy periods

In California most property is presumed abandoned after 3 years without owner contact.²⁵ Wages move faster: 1 year.²⁵ More on how this works: what happens after the dormancy period.

Other states: dormancy periods table.

• Minimum amounts: No minimum value for reporting; items under $25 may be reported in aggregate without owner names (Code of Civil Procedure section 1530(b)). Holder due-diligence letters and SCO's pre-transfer notices are required only for property of $50 or more, plus all securities and safe deposit boxes.²⁶
• Gift cards: Most gift certificates/gift cards are not reportable. Code of Civil Procedure section 1520.5 excludes gift certificates covered by Civil Code 1749.45 et seq., but gift certificates that have an expiration date and were sold for value are reportable after 3 years.³
• Published lists of owners: Within one year after property is delivered, the Controller must publish a notice in any reasonable medium (newspapers, websites, radio, TV; no photographs or elected officials' names). Within 165 days after the report deadline, SCO mails a pre-transfer notice to each owner of property worth $50 or more, using a current address from the Franchise Tax Board where one is available (Code of Civil Procedure section 1531). The full database is also searchable online and downloadable as CSV, updated weekly.³

Finder fees and heir finders in California

The legal limit in California: 10% of the recovered property (Code of Civil Procedure section 1582(a)(2)(C)). There is no fee cap for county probated estate claims.³ You never need a finder: claiming directly is free.⁵

• Are finders allowed? Yes, but only after the property has been delivered to the SCO. Agreements signed between the holder's Notice Report filing and delivery to the state are invalid. No license is required.²
• Contract rules: The agreement must be in writing and disclose the nature and value of the property, that the Controller holds it, and the address where the owner can claim it directly. The owner must sign after receiving that disclosure. The agreement is invalid if it requires payment before the claim is approved and paid. SCO also requires disclosure of the holder's name and address, among other items, and recommends its Standard Investigator Agreement. The owner may challenge an excessive or unjust fee at any time.³
• The law: Cal. Code of Civil Procedure section 1582² (read the text)

Before signing with a finder, read how finders work.

How to spot California unclaimed property scams

California's official search is on claimit.ca.gov, a .gov address.¹

What California warns about

• Generic postcards asking you to call a toll-free number about unclaimed property are not from SCO.²⁷
• Official-looking letters or emails urging you to hire a private attorney or pay upfront fees: you can claim without fees or lawyers.²⁷
• Don't share personal information with non-government senders; forward suspicious solicitations to [email protected].²⁷
• Real SCO letters point to ClaimIt.ca.gov. Never pay a fee to claim from SCO.⁸
• A notice with a Claim ID you didn't start is legitimate if it comes from the Unclaimed Property Division: it's the expedited pay process.²⁸
• Holders: fraudulent emails claiming to be from UPD ask businesses to resubmit documents by email.²⁹
• Investigators can't contract with you before your property reaches the state. Before transfer, you can recover it free from the business.²

Unsure about a letter, text or call? Try the scam check or read how to spot a fake notice.

California unclaimed property in numbers

For businesses: reporting unclaimed property to California

• Report due: Notice Report: due before November 1 (as of June 30 or fiscal year-end); life insurers before May 1 (as of December 31). Remit Report and payment: June 1-15 (life insurers December 1-15), i.e. 7 months to 7 months 15 days after the report deadline. Extension requests are due at least 30 days before the report due date.³
• Due diligence letters to owners: Holders must mail (or email, with the owner's consent) a notice 6 to 12 months before property becomes reportable, for property worth $50 or more and for all securities and safe deposit boxes. The notice must carry the statutory heading 'THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA REQUIRES US TO NOTIFY YOU THAT YOUR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY MAY BE TRANSFERRED TO THE STATE IF YOU DO NOT CONTACT US'. Holders may charge up to $2 for it (Code of Civil Procedure section 1513.5, 1514, 1516, 1520).³⁰
• Where to report: claimit.ca.gov/app/submit-a-report (holder reporting portal; free manual reporting at claimit.ca.gov/mor)³⁰
• File format: NAUPA II format, with a Universal Holder Face Sheet (UFS-1) on every report. Email submissions are not accepted. Cash remittances of $2,000 or more must go by EFT.³⁰
• Penalties: Interest of 12% a year on property reported, paid or delivered late, unless there was reasonable cause (Code of Civil Procedure section 1577). Willful failure to report: $100 per day, up to $10,000. Willful refusal to pay or deliver: $5,000 to $50,000 (Code of Civil Procedure section 1576).³
• Voluntary disclosure: California Voluntary Compliance Program (Code of Civil Procedure section 1577.5): approved holders that complete training and meet assigned deadlines get the Code of Civil Procedure section 1577 interest waived. Not available to holders under examination or prosecution, or with an interest assessment or VCP waiver in the past five years. Apply any time with form VCP-01.³¹

New to this? See who must report. Other states' dates are in the holder reporting deadlines table.

Other rules specific to California

• Law: California Code of Civil Procedure, Part 3, Title 10, Chapter 7, sections 1500-1582 (Unclaimed Property Law); regulations at Cal. Code Regs., Title 2, Div. 2, Ch. 2, Subchapter 8 (sections 1150 et seq.). Official legislature text: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/… (values taken from SCO's February 2026 official compilation).³²
• Uniform act: California's law descends from the Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act, enacted by Chapter 1809, Statutes of 1959, and later amended and revised. California has not adopted the 1981, 1995 or 2016 uniform acts as such (the official sources reviewed name only the 1959 act).³
• Holders can ask for a reporting extension, but the request is due at least 30 days before the report deadline.³³
• Real estate and vehicles are not unclaimed property under California's program.³⁴
• Banks must notify owners of inactive accounts worth $50 or more at least six months before reporting. Answering that notice keeps the account out of state custody.³⁵
• No permanent escheat: by statute, property never permanently becomes the state's.³
• Two-step reporting: holders file a Notice Report, SCO mails owners a pre-transfer notice telling them to contact the business, and holders remit only what's still unclaimed months later in a Remit Report.³⁶
• SCO's pre-transfer notice doesn't show the dollar value; it's disclosed only after transfer to the state.²
• SCO posts an Updated Business Contact Information list for when the business named in a notice can't be reached.³⁷
• Securities are sold 18 to 20 months after the report filing date. Owners claiming later get the sale proceeds, not today's value, and SCO won't buy shares back.²
• Safe deposit box contents of value are sold. Items with no apparent value (wills, letters, deeds) may be destroyed. Statute requires at least seven years after delivery before no-value property is disposed of (Code of Civil Procedure section 1501.5(c)(3)).¹⁸
• Claim payments can be intercepted (offset) by the Franchise Tax Board for debts owed to state or local agencies.³⁸
• No taxes are withheld, and SCO doesn't issue a Form 1099 for securities paid in cash or for dividends.²
• Government agencies are paid automatically without filing a claim (since January 1, 2020; AB 1637 of 2019, expanded by AB 3364 of 2020). Typical timing is 60-90 days after SCO's search.³⁹
• The entire public database can be downloaded as CSV, updated every Thursday.⁴⁰
• System change: California moved to the Kelmar Abandoned Property System (KAPS) on September 3, 2025, with fully digital claims and document upload.⁶
• County probated estates are the exception to 'no deadline': estates with named heirs can be claimed for 10 years after remittance to SCO; estates with no named heirs for 5 years from the probate date.¹⁹
• Claimants may donate recovered property to a state fund of their choice. Undesignated gifts go to the education fund.²
• California law covers digital financial assets (crypto) under its own section (Code of Civil Procedure section 1516.5), with a 3-year dormancy.³
• February 2026 was declared Unclaimed Property Month in California (Assembly House Resolution 79).⁷
• When an owner and an investigator both file, SCO processes the claim received and contracted first. Otherwise the owner chooses through a Competing Claim Designation Letter.²
• Holder help lines: Outreach and Compliance Unit (916) 464-6088, [email protected], Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m; report questions go to the Reporting Unit, (916) 464-6284, [email protected].³⁶
• Government agency auto-pay questions: (916) 464-4477 or [email protected].³⁹

California unclaimed property: questions people ask

Where do I search for California unclaimed property?

On the official search at claimit.ca.gov.¹ Searching and claiming there is free.⁵

What is the California unclaimed property phone number?

(800) 992-4647 (nationwide); (916) 323-2827 (outside the U.S.).⁴ Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays⁴

How do I claim unclaimed property in California?

Claims are filed through claimit.ca.gov; SCO does not provide blank paper claim forms.² First step: Search claimit.ca.gov by last name or business name (add first name, city or ZIP to narrow; a Property ID returns one result).¹³ All the steps.

Which law governs unclaimed property in California?

California Code of Civil Procedure, Part 3, Title 10, Chapter 7, sections 1500-1582 (Unclaimed Property Law).³²

When is the California unclaimed property report due?

Notice Report: due before November 1 (as of June 30 or fiscal year-end); life insurers before May 1 (as of December 31).³ Details above.

How do I claim a deceased relative's unclaimed property in California?

Heirs, trustees and personal representatives can claim.²⁰ Details above.

Is it free to claim unclaimed property in California?

Free. SCO charges no fee to claim.⁵

How long does a California unclaimed property claim take?

By law, up to 180 days after SCO receives a complete claim package.² Details above.

What is the dormancy period for unclaimed property in California?

3 years for most property;²⁵ other types differ (see the table).

Does unclaimed property in California expire?

No time limit. Property is held indefinitely and never permanently escheats.² Details above.

Is the California unclaimed property site legitimate?

Yes, if it is claimit.ca.gov:¹ the program is run by the California State Controller's Office (SCO), Unclaimed Property Division (UPD).⁶ What the program warns about.

Where are the California unclaimed property claim forms?

claimit.ca.gov/app/forms²³

Moved? Neighboring programs

• Oregon unclaimed property
• Nevada unclaimed property
• Arizona unclaimed property

See which state holds your property, or list every search with the multi-state checklist.

Sources

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

1. Search for Unclaimed Property California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   To begin your search, enter your last name, or the name of your business. To better refine your results, you may also enter your first name. Exact name matches will be shown first.

2. FAQ: Claiming Property California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (16)

   No. In order to process claims more efficiently and faster, claims are processed securely through our website.

   No. The State Controller’s Office cannot transfer funds to your bank account. Warrants (state checks) are mailed to the address provided on the claim form.

   Property owner claims that involve cash only may be processed in as little as 30 to 60 days. More complex claims, such as those filed by heirs, involving multiple owners, or involving businesses are generally processed within 180 days.

   No, there is no time limit for filing a claim. You can file a claim at any time after the unclaimed property has been transferred to the State Controller’s Office.

   You will need to provide documents, such as a marriage certificate or court documents, that establish that you are the person entitled to the unclaimed property.

   You will be asked to send the original cashier’s check, money order, or check.

   If there are multiple owners for any property, then each owner must either sign the claim form or file a separate claim form to receive their share of the property.

   A Power of Attorney (POA) cannot be accepted instead of a claimant’s signature on the claim form or investigator agreement.

   Investigators are not allowed to contract with a property owner to help the owner recover unclaimed property until after the property is transferred to the State Controller’s Office for safekeeping.

   It is against the law for investigators to charge a fee greater than 10% of the value of the property that is returned to you. (California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1582

   Before the property has been transferred, a property owner may reactivate the account or recover the property free of charge from the business.

   To protect the privacy of potential property owners and give them an opportunity to claim their property from the business, the specific value of the property reported by the business will not be disclosed until it is turned over to the state.

   The State Controller’s Office is required to sell securities no sooner than 18 months and no later than 20 months after the due date for reporting the securities to the State.

   The State Controller’s Office does not issue IRS Form 1099 for unclaimed property securities paid in cash or for dividends earned on securities.

   Upon approval of the claim, the claimant may by law designate the fund they wish the money to be gifted to. If the claimant fails to designate a particular fund, the law requires that any donations and gifts received by the State be credited to the education fund.

   If we receive a claim for property from both the owner and from the investigator, we will process the claim that was received first and contracted first.

3. Unclaimed Property Law and Regulations (official SCO compilation of Code of Civil Procedure section 1500-1582 and 2 CCR 1150 et seq.) (PDF) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · February 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (14)

   (C) The fee or compensation agreed upon is not in excess of 10 percent of the recovered property.

   (2) Any property in the official custody of a local agency if such property may be transferred to the general fund of such agency under the provisions of Sections 50050-50053 of the Government Code.

   (c) Interest shall not be payable on any claim paid under this chapter.

   The action shall be brought within 90 days after the decision of the Controller or within 270 days from the filing of the claim if the Controller fails to make a decision.

   held for the owner by any government or governmental subdivision or agency, that has remained unclaimed by the owner for more than three years escheats to this state.

   (a) Pursuant to Section 1510, any digital financial asset held or owing by a business association escheats to the state if unclaimed by the owner for more than three years from either of the following:

   Section 1520 does not apply to gift certificates subject to Title 1.4A (commencing with Section 1749.45) of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code. However, Section 1520 applies to any gift certificate that has an expiration date and that is given in exchange for money or any other thing of value.

   (b) Within 165 days after the final date for filing the report required by Section 1530, the Controller shall mail a notice to each person having an address listed in the report who appears to be entitled to property of the value of fifty dollars ($50) or more escheated under this chapter.

   (A) The agreement is in writing and includes a disclosure of the nature and value of the property, that the Controller is in possession of the property, and the address where the owner can directly claim the property from the Controller.

   (d) The report shall be filed before November 1 of each year as of June 30 or fiscal yearend next preceding, but the report of life insurance corporations, and the report of all insurance corporation demutualization proceeds subject to Section 1515.5, shall be filed before May 1 of each year as of December 31 next preceding.

   shall pay to the Controller interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum on that property or value thereof from the date the property should have been reported, paid, or delivered.

   sets forth the intent of the Legislature regarding the Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (Chapter 1809, Statutes of 1959) and all amendments thereto and revisions thereof.

   (a) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, property received by the state under this chapter shall not permanently escheat to the state.

   §1516.5. When Digital Financial Assets Escheat to State; Notice to Owner That Digital Financial Asset Will Escheat

4. Contact Us California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   (800) 992-4647 (Nationwide) (916) 323-2827 (Outside of U.S.)

   8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays

5. FAQ: Claiming Property California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   No. The State Controller's Office processes unclaimed property claims free of charge. Owners or heirs can claim their property directly from us without any service charges or fees.

6. California's Unclaimed Property System Upgrade: What You Need to Know California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · 2025 (describes Sept. 3, 2025 KAPS go-live); checked Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   The Unclaimed Property Division (UPD) of the California State Controller’s Office (SCO) is upgrading its system to better serve the public.

   On September 3, 2025, California will adopt the Kelmar Abandoned Property System (KAPS), the industry leading system for unclaimed property management.

7. PR26:04 February as Unclaimed Property Month in California California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · Feb. 5, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   California’s Unclaimed Property program is administered by the State Controller’s Office (SCO), which currently safeguards unclaimed property valued at more than $15 billion.

   My office is safeguarding more than $15 billion in unclaimed property, representing over 84 million individual properties waiting to be returned to nearly 39 million Californians.

   State Controller Malia M. Cohen, together with Assemblymember Valencia, today announced the adoption of Assembly House Resolution (HR) 79

8. PR26:14 Controller Cohen Announces Mailing of Notices to Californians Who May Be Owed Unclaimed Property California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · June 4, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   Recipients do not need to search the unclaimed property database or submit a traditional claim. Instead, eligible individuals can use a unique claim code included in the letter to verify their information and complete a streamlined online process.

   Californians should also know that they never have to pay a fee to claim property directly from the State Controller’s Office.

   During that initial effort, the SCO mailed more than 100,000 letters to Californians and helped reunite property owners with more than $30.4 million in unclaimed property.

9. Estates of Deceased Persons File California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   Click the link to download the Estates of Deceased Persons File updated the first business day of April and October each year.

10. FAQ: Searching for Property California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) Examples of unclaimed property held by CalSTRS include uncashed and returned checks, unclaimed survivor benefits, or dormant accounts.

    Searching and claiming property through the State Controller’s Office’s website is always free at claimit.ca.gov

11. Unclaimed Criminal Restitution California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    However, state law provides that victims can come forward at anytime to claim restitution collected on their behalf.

12. PR25:32 Controller Reunites Orange County and 12 Cities with Unclaimed Property Checks California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · Oct. 29, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    During today’s press conference, Orange County Auditor-Controller Hamilton unveiled a new website that combines the State Controller’s Office (SCO) unclaimed property database with county mapping data, allowing residents to easily search for unclaimed property linked to any address in Orange County — making it easier than ever for them to claim what’s rightfully theirs.

13. How to Claim: 1. Search for Property California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Type your name or business name in the first field and click SEARCH. To narrow your results, include the city or zip code. Entering a Property ID (if available) will generate one result.

    If you find properties that belong to you, click the CLAIM button next to each property. Select the CONTINUE TO FILE CLAIM button to start the claim process.

14. How to Claim: 2. Submit Claim California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)

    Select your relationship to the property. If you are the listed owner, or the legal guardian of a minor listed as the property owner, select “Myself.” If you are an heir, trustee, executor, or estate administrator for the listed owner, select “Heir.”

    Complete your information as the claimant*. This should include your current mailing address as it will be the address where the funds are mailed.

    Provide your electronic signature. Click SUBMIT to officially create a claim and generate a claim number.

    If you are the listed owner, or the legal guardian of a minor listed as the property owner, select “Myself.”

15. How to Claim: 3. Submit Documentation California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Many claims require documentation. To determine the specific requirements of your claim, please review the email sent to you. The items required will be listed on the claim form attachment.

    For faster processing, upload your documents via our secure link, OR mail your documentation to the following address:

16. How to Claim: 4. Check Claim Status California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Enter your claim number at any time via our Status Page to receive the most recent status.

17. FAQ: Investigators California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    If the total value of the cash properties is $10,000 or more, the claimant’s signature must be notarized.

18. 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 (10)

    The following three items must be provided: State Controller’s Claim Form ( see Appendix A-2); Copy of a driver’s license, a Department of Motor Vehicles identification card, or a passport; and Documentation verifying the claimant’s social security number or federal tax identification number or (if open estate) federal tax identification number.

    If the passbook or account statement is unavailable, claimants are required to show proof of residence at the address shown on the account as reported to the State Controller.

    If the owner of the account is deceased and an heir or administrator of the estate is claiming the property, the State Controller requires the claimant to provide the death certificate for the deceased owner, plus one of the following documents or groups of documents:

    Evidence that the corporation is in good standing with the Secretary of State’s Office

    Letterhead or a business card for an authorized officer of the agency. Copy of document verifying Federal Tax Identification number.

    Safe Deposit Box Contents Required documentation: Account statement; or Safe deposit box key.

    Required documentation: Original stock certificate; Original dividend check; Original bond; Original debenture; or Account statement.

    Life Insurance Accounts Required documentation: Insurance policy; or Insurance statement.

    The Buyer’s/Seller’s closing statement is required documentation.

    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.

19. Unclaimed Property Investigator Handbook (PDF) California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · Last Updated July 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    3) Reported Address and/or Association to the Reporting Agency – A document to verify that the claimant received mail at the reported address.

    Non-residents of the United States of America may submit a Temporary SSN, an IRS Form W-8 BEN, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in lieu of SSN/Tax Identification Number.

    Estate properties with no named heirs are subject to claim for a period of five years from the date on which the estate is probated.

20. Declaration Under Probate Code Section 13101 (PDF form + instructions) California State Controller's Office · claimit.ca.gov · REV. 9/2022 (table includes April 1, 2025 amount) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    If the Decedent died on or after April 1, 2025 $208,500

21. Filing Instructions For Heir Filing A Deceased Owner Claim California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    If you are the heir of a deceased account owner, you will also be asked to provide certified copies of the official documents, such as a will or trust, that proves that you are entitled to claim the property. If there is no will or trust, additional forms will need to be filled out.

22. Search for Unclaimed Property (SCO unclaimed property landing page) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Controller Malia M. Cohen safeguards this lost or forgotten property for as long as it takes to reunite it with the rightful owners.

23. Forms and Resources California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Additional Claim Filing Forms:

24. Contact the Unclaimed Property Division California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    If you are having trouble verifying the status of your claim, or would like to reach the person who is handling your claim, or have a hardship, you may call the Call Center toll free at (800) 992-4647 or contact them by email

    Unclaimed Property Division P.O. Box 942850, Sacramento, CA 94250-5873

    Public Counter & Overnight Mail Unclaimed Property Division 3301 C Street, Suite 750, Sacramento, California 95816

25. 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
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    Other Tangible and Intangible Property 3 CCP 1520

    Wages or Salaries 1 CCP 1513 (g)

    Demand Deposits (Checking) 3 CCP 1513 (a)(b)

    Savings 3 CCP 1513 (a)(b)

    Matured Time Deposits (CD’s) 3 CCP 1513 (a)(b)

    Stocks and Bonds 3 CCP 1516

    Dividends 3 CCP 1516

    Life Insurance Funds 3 CCP 1515

    Incorrect address Immediately CCP 1515.5 (a) Returned mail 2 CCP 1515.5 (b) No response 3 CCP 1515.5 (c)

    Gift Certificates With Expiration 3 CCP 1520

    Cashier’s Checks 3 CCP 1513 (d)

    Money Orders 7 CCP 1513 (e)

    Traveler’s Checks 15 CCP 1513 (c)

    Written Instruments (checks) 3 CCP 1513 (d)

    Safe-Deposit Boxes 3 CCP 1514

    IRA’s & Retirement Plans 3 CCP 1513 (f) & 1518

    Employee Benefit Plan 3 CCP 1521

    Escrow Accounts 3 CCP 1518

    Ordered Refunds 1 CCP 1519.5

    Liquidating Distributions 6 Months CCP 1517

    Preneed Funeral Trust Funds 3 CCP 1518.5

26. Holder Due Diligence quick guide (PDF) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Due diligence is not required if the property is under $50.00 in value; however, it is required for all safe deposit boxes and shares regardless of value. There is no minimum value for reporting unclaimed property.

27. Consumer Fraud Alerts California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The State Controller’s Office is not connected with the mailing of these postcards and cautions the public from calling a number from an unknown source.

    You have the right to obtain your unclaimed property without fees or lawyers by working directly with the State Controller’s Office staff.

    Instead forward the solicitation to the State Controller's Office at [email protected] so the Controller's legal team can pursue appropriate action.

28. ClaimIt.ca.gov home California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    If you received an official notice from the California Unclaimed Property Division of the State Controller's Office —by mail or email—that includes a Claim ID you did not initiate, it is legitimate and part of our expedited pay process to reunite owners with unclaimed property.

    WE HAVE RETURNED MORE THAN: $8,543,253,435

29. Submit a Holder Report California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The California State Controller's Office has been made aware of fraudulent email messages claiming to be from the State Controller’s Unclaimed Property Division asking holders to resubmit documents via email.

30. How to Report California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    California Unclaimed Property Law requires businesses to notify property owners by mail if they have property that will become reportable within 6-12 months.

    Submit the Notice Report online before November 1.

    The Notice Report consists of property owner details in standard NAUPA-II format.

31. Voluntary Compliance Program (VCP) California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Approved and enrolled holders that fulfill all program requirements, including completing a training program and meeting reporting deadlines, will be eligible for waived interest on past-due unclaimed property reported under the program.

32. About Holder Reporting California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    California’s Unclaimed Property Law (California Code of Civil Procedure, section 1500 et seq.) was enacted to ensure that property is returned to its rightful owner(s) and to relieve holders of the burden and liability of carrying or maintaining the property.

33. Report Unclaimed Property California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Extension requests due no later than 30 days prior to the report due date.

34. What is Unclaimed Property? California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    It does not include real estate or vehicles.

35. Consumer Information California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Banks and financial institutions are required by law to send owners of inactive accounts, valued at $50 or more, a notice at least six (6) months before they are required to report the property to the state.

36. FAQ: Reporting Property California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    California has a unique reporting process that involves two different reports—the Notice Report and the Remit Report—that are best completed in five steps from start to finish.

    Contact us Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., at [email protected] or (916) 464-6088.

37. Updated Business Contact Information California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · Updated: 05/08/2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    In the event that you cannot reach the business using the contact information in the notice you received, in the table below you may find updated business contact information for the business holding your property.

38. FAQ: For Consumers about Investigators (payment, timing, intercepts, taxes) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    California Government Code Sections 926.8 and 12419, allows the Franchise Tax Board to intercept payments from the state lottery, tax refunds, and unclaimed property funds for debts owed to state, city, or county agencies.

39. FAQ: Unclaimed Property for Government Agencies California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    A California law that took effect January 1, 2020, allows the SCO to automatically pay many types of unclaimed properties held in the name of state and local government agencies.

    Please contact us by phone at (916) 464-4477 or email at [email protected] with questions or concerns about unclaimed property payments to government agencies.

40. Download Unclaimed Property Records California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    On this page, you can download all of the unclaimed property records in the Controller’s public database in .CSV format.