How to claim unclaimed property, step by step

The short version

1. Find the property on the official site of each state where it may be held,³ searching under every name you have used.⁷
2. Start the claim with the state that holds it. In most cases this is done online, as part of the search.¹
3. Send the proof the state asks for: often ID, your Social Security number and a link to the reported address or account.⁵⁶
4. Wait for the review. The state verifies your ownership and processes the claim.¹
5. Get paid, usually by check for money, or the item itself for tangible property.¹

Step 1: find what is yours

Property usually goes to the state of your last known address in the business’s records.³ Most states also take part in MissingMoney.com, which searches participating states at once;² our MissingMoney guide explains how it works. The list of states links each official site, and the multi-state checklist lists the official search sites for the states you pick.

How to search well

Run a separate search on each official site for each of these:

• Every name you have used, including maiden and former married names. Florida, for example, advises searching current, previous, maiden, married and business names, and common variations.⁷
• Business names, for any business you have owned or run.⁷
• Relatives’ names. A legal heir may be able to claim property that was owed to a deceased relative;³⁶ see the guide for a deceased relative.
• Every state you have lived in. NAUPA says it is common to have property in several states, especially after a move.⁴

Check the address before you file. Louisiana says if you have never lived at the address listed, there is a very good possibility the money is not yours.¹⁴ Alaska notes that some false claims come from people with a similar name, or a relative with one.²²

Step 2: start the claim

Follow the instructions of the state that holds the property; in most states you can start online from the search results.¹ What happens next differs:

• Some claims are approved online. In Pennsylvania, many online claims need no claim form if they qualify for its online approval process.¹⁵
• Some need paperwork by mail. In Florida, creating a claim online does not complete it;⁷ a claim counts as filed only once the signed form and all documents arrive.⁷
• Joint owners. In California, each owner must sign the claim form or file a separate one to receive their share.¹¹

Step 3: gather the documents

Every state sets its own evidence rules, and they also depend on whether you claim as an individual, a business, a joint owner or someone else.¹ For an individual owner, three kinds of proof are common:

• Photo ID. Iowa’s rule may require a copy of a driver’s license or other government ID.⁵
• Your Social Security number. Iowa lists, for example, a Social Security card or a Form W-2.⁵
• A link to the reported address or account. New Mexico asks original owners for proof that they lived or received mail at the address listed.⁶ South Dakota accepts an old utility bill, a tax return, mortgage or lease papers or a postmarked letter showing your name with that address.⁹

If you cannot prove an old address, some states still let you try. Mississippi accepts a short note explaining the home and the approximate dates,⁸ and Maine says to file anyway, noting that you cannot prove it.¹² Florida does not accept handwritten letters, letterhead, business cards or internet printouts as proof.⁷ Iowa may ask for proof of the reported address if the business did not report a Social Security number.⁵

The claim documents tool lists each state’s requirements, by situation.

Do you need a notary?

It depends on the state, the amount and the type of property.

If your name has changed

Send proof of the change along with the claim. Arkansas accepts a copy of a marriage certificate or a court document showing the change;¹⁰ California asks for documents such as a marriage certificate or court papers;¹¹ Maine may ask for a marriage certificate, divorce decree or court order.¹² Iowa’s rule may require copies of documents showing the change,⁵ and Kansas asks for official proof of it.²¹

If the property is in another state

Claim it from the state that holds it, whatever state you live in now. Property usually goes to the state of your last known address in the business’s records, and to the business’s state of incorporation if the address is unknown or that state has no law letting it take the property.³ Each state program runs its own site³² and decides its own claims, so a second state means a second claim, with that state’s forms and document rules.¹ The which-state tool helps work out where to look.

How long it takes

NAUPA says some states complete the process in less than 30 days.¹ Claims by heirs or businesses can take longer, as Wyoming and California note.²⁰¹¹

The processing times table compares the states. To avoid delays, NAUPA advises sending every document the state requests.¹

Some states pay without a claim

Some states can now pay certain owners they are able to verify without a claim being filed. Each program has its own limits:

How you are paid

Money is usually paid by check, and tangible property is returned as the item itself.¹ Since September 12, 2026, Louisiana has offered ACH payment to eligible claimants, and those who do not select it get a paper check.³¹ California mails a state check and cannot transfer funds to a bank account,¹¹ and Arkansas does not offer direct deposit.¹⁰ In Kansas, a payment can be held and applied to debts you owe, such as unpaid taxes or child support.²¹ The how states pay table compares the states.

Is there a deadline?

Usually not: NAUPA and the state treasurers’ association say owners have the right to reclaim in perpetuity.³² There are exceptions. In Puerto Rico, funds reported by banks must be claimed within three years of reaching the Commissioner,³³ and in Mississippi, uncashed checks issued by the state itself become unclaimable after six years.³⁴ The claim deadlines table lists each state’s rule.

If the state asks for more, or says no

Alaska, for example, drops a claim from its tracking system if you do not reply to a request for documents within 90 days.²² If a claim is denied, the state’s law sets out what can happen next: in Iowa, a person whose claim is denied, or not acted on within 90 days, can go to the district court.²³ Each program’s phone and address are on the contacts page.

Claiming for someone else

Businesses, joint owners and others can claim too, and the evidence required differs.¹ Iowa’s rule, for example, lists separate documents for guardians, executors and heirs.⁵ See the guides for a deceased relative and for businesses.

You do not need to pay a finder

Private finders may offer to claim for you. NAUPA says they are legal in most cases but not required,³⁵ and it recommends contacting the state program before signing any contract.³⁵ Some states cap the fee; in California, for example, investigators cannot charge more than 10% of the property returned.¹¹ The finders guide explains how they work, and the finder fees table compares the states.

Next step

Open the list of states, go to the state that may hold your property and use its official search. If anyone asks you to pay to get it back, read the scam guide first. Not sure what counts as unclaimed property? Start with what it is and how it works.

Questions people ask

How do I claim unclaimed property?

Search the official program of the state that holds it, follow that state's instructions to start the claim, usually online, and send the documents it asks for.¹ The state then verifies your ownership and pays you.¹

How long does it take to get unclaimed property?

It varies by state and by claim: about two to three weeks in South Dakota,⁹ 6 to 8 weeks on average in Alabama,¹⁹ and up to 90 days in Arkansas.¹⁰ In California, claims by heirs, multiple owners or businesses are generally processed within 180 days.¹¹

What documents do I need to claim unclaimed property?

Commonly a copy of a photo ID, proof of your Social Security number and proof of the address the business reported; Iowa and New Mexico, for example, ask for these.⁵⁶ The claim documents tool lists each state's requirements.

What if my name has changed?

Send proof of the change. Arkansas, for example, accepts a copy of a marriage certificate or a court document showing the name change.¹⁰

Can I claim unclaimed property from another state?

Yes. You file with the state that holds it, wherever you live now; property usually goes to the state of your last known address in the business's records.³

Do I need a notary?

It depends on the state and the amount. Arkansas requires one from $1,000¹⁰ and Louisiana from $5,000.¹⁴ In California, claims filed through an investigator need a notarized signature when the cash totals $10,000 or more.¹³ Maryland's claim form is signed under penalties of perjury.¹⁸

Sources

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

1. Claim Your Found Property National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Both searching for and claiming your unclaimed property are free, provided you go through the official government program of the state holding the property.

   Follow the instructions provided by the state holding the property for initiating the claim. In most cases, this can be done online and as part of the online property search.

   You will be asked to provide proof of ownership of the unclaimed property, which may consist of several documents. Be sure to provide all requested materials to avoid a delay in processing.

   Once you have submitted your claim, the unclaimed property department for the state will verify your ownership and process the claim. Some states complete this process in less than 30 days.

   Once your claim has been processed successfully, you should receive a check for the unclaimed property amount (if monetary) or the actual property (if tangible).

   Each state is unique in what types of evidence they will require to process a claim. In addition, requirements can vary depending on if the claim is for an individual, business, joint owner, or other.

2. Search for your unclaimed property (it's free) National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Most states participate in MissingMoney.com—a free website, sponsored by NAUPA, from which you can search participating state’s databases for unclaimed property.

3. Delaware v. Pennsylvania, 598 U.S. 115 (2023), opinion Supreme Court of the United States · supremecourt.gov · Feb. 28, 2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   To resolve the competing claims, we established that, as the primary (default) rule, the proceeds of abandoned financial products should escheat “to the State of the creditor's last known address as shown by the debtor's books and records.”

   adopted a secondary rule to apply in those circumstances; namely, that the proceeds should escheat to the debtor's State of incorporation.

   or because the State that is entitled to escheatment under the primary rule did not have a law empowering it to take custody of the proceeds.

4. Who We Are National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Unclaimed property is reported to the state in which the company or organization resides. Therefore, it’s common to have unclaimed property in multiple states, especially if you have moved to another state.

5. Iowa Administrative Code 781—Chapter 9, Unclaimed Property Iowa Legislature · legis.iowa.gov · rule 781—9.26 dated 02-05-2025 (Iowa Administrative Code as of 04-15-2026) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   A claimant may be required to provide the following supporting documentation with claims, as applicable, if the claim is being made by the person that is set forth as the apparent owner of the unclaimed property in the report filed with the division:

   9.26(1) A copy of the claimant’s driver’s license or other government-issued identification. 9.26(2) A copy of a document verifying the claimant’s social security number. Examples include a social security card and a federal Form W-2.

   9.26(3) A document showing the claimant’s address as it was reported to the division may be required if the holder did not report the social security number to the division.

   9.26(4) If the claimant’s name has changed, copies of supporting documentation showing the name change.

   9.26(6) If the property subject to claim is being claimed in the capacity of a guardian or conservator or under a power of attorney, the claimant may be required to provide:

   a. If the property subject to claim is being claimed in the capacity of an executor or administrator, the claimant may be required to submit evidence as outlined in the Affidavit of Administration as provided by the treasurer of state.

   b. If the property subject to claim is being claimed by an heir (either under a valid will or under Iowa probate law), the claimant(s) may be required to submit evidence outlined in the Affidavit of Administration as provided by the division.

6. File a Claim New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department · tax.newmexico.gov · Sept. 15, 2022 (page modified) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   If you are the original owner, please submit the following evidence to support your claim: a signed and notarized claim form; a clear copy of your government-issued photo identification and proof of your Social Security Number, and proof that you lived or received mail at the address as listed;

7. Frequently Asked Questions Florida Department of Financial Services · claimyourcashfl.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   For the best results, search using all names that may be associated with the property, including current names, previous names, maiden names, married names, business names, and common name variations.

   Important: Creating a claim online does not complete the claims process.

   A claim is not considered filed until you submit the signed claim form and all required supporting documentation, and the Division receives them.

   We process claims in the order they are received. As a result, we cannot provide an exact timeframe for when we will complete your claim.

   Examples of unacceptable documentation are: handwritten letters, letterhead and business cards, printouts from the Internet and telephone directories.

8. Unclaimed Money: Learn (What is Unclaimed Money, FAQ, Required Documentation) Office of the Mississippi State Treasurer · treasury.ms.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Copies of old bills (such as a utility bill), tax returns, school records, birth or death certificates, or credit reports will suffice. Any official document listing your previous address is sufficient. If you can't submit proof of address, write a simple note explaining this was a house or apartment that you or someone else owned or rented and during what approximate period of time.

9. FAQs – Claiming Property South Dakota State Treasurer – Unclaimed Property Division · southdakota.findyourunclaimedproperty.com · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   You can provide our department with an old utility bill, tax return, mortgage or lease documentation, a postmarked letter, anything showing your name in association with the address.

   It generally takes about two to three weeks to process a claim.

10. Search for Property (claimant FAQ) Arkansas Auditor of State · auditor.ar.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    A copy of a marriage certificate or a court document showing the name change is sufficient.

    A notarized claim form is required for claims valued at or higher than $1,000, or if your claim contains shares of stock or contents of safe deposit boxes.

    Depending on the complexity of the claim and our office’s claim volume, it could take up to 90 days to process your claim.

    No, currently we do not offer direct deposit.

11. FAQ: Claiming Property California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    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.

    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. 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.

    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.

    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.

12. FAQs: Claiming Property Office of the Maine State Treasurer · maineunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    If your name is now different from what appears on our list, you may be asked to provide some legal documentation to verify the name change (e.g., marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order, etc.).

    If you then conclude that you cannot prove the address of record, file the claim anyway, noting your conclusion.

    In most cases, the claims process can be completed within a few weeks of receipt.

13. FAQ: Investigators California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · claimit.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    If the total value of the cash properties is $10,000 or more, the claimant’s signature must be notarized.

14. FAQ: claiming property Louisiana Department of the Treasury, Unclaimed Property Division · unclaimedproperty.la.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Yes, if the value of your claim is $5,000.00 or more, you must provide a notarized claim form.

    If you have never lived at the address listed, there is a very good possibility this money does not belong to you.

15. FAQs: Claims Process Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Notarization is only required for claims $5,000 or greater.

    Many claims filed online do not require a completed claim form if they are eligible for our online approval process.

16. Mail-In Claim Form & Instructions Office of the Maine State Treasurer · maineunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    IF THE PROPERTY IS VALUED OVER $1500.00, YOUR SIGNATURE MUST BE WITNESSED BY A NOTARY PUBLIC

17. Celebrate Unclaimed Money Day by Searching Office of the Mississippi State Treasurer (Treasurer's column) · treasury.ms.gov · Jan. 30, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    For instance, we’ve switched to an eClaims system, eliminating the need for a notary in many cases.

18. Unclaimed Property Claim Form & Checklist (ST912) Comptroller of Maryland · claimitmd.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Under penalties of perjury, I (we) hereby certify that the foregoing information is true and correct.

19. FAQs: Claiming Property Alabama Unclaimed Property · unclaimed.alabama.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    On average, the process usually takes 6 to 8 weeks.

20. Unclaimed Property (claim and holder reporting page) Wyoming State Treasurer's Office · statetreasurer.wyo.gov · page shows "(Updated October 29, 2026)"; WordPress modified Oct. 29, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Estimated claims processing time: Based on the number of claims in our system, standard/owner claims are taking around 3-4 weeks at this time.

    Heir and dissolved business claims may take longer, depending on the complexity.

21. FAQs – Claiming Property Kansas State Treasurer · missingmoney.ks.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Claims are processed in the order received. Processing can take up to 90 days, depending on the claim's complexity.

    If you have an outstanding debt (e.g., unpaid taxes, child support, court fines), some or all of your payment will be held and applied directly to that debt.

    To help us confirm your identity and process your claim, please provide official proof of your name change.

22. FAQs: Claiming Property Alaska Department of Revenue, Treasury Division · unclaimedproperty.alaska.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Any claim where a claimant has not responded to requests for documentation within the 90-day period will be dropped from our claim tracking system.

    There are instances when claimants submit false claims because they have a similar name or a relative with a similar name.

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
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    Any person aggrieved by a decision of the state treasurer or as to whose claim the treasurer has failed to act within ninety days after the filing of the claim, may commence an action in the district court to establish that person’s claim.

24. Public Act No. 26-94 (Substitute Senate Bill No. 488), An Act Implementing the Treasurer's Recommendations for Revisions to the Unclaimed Property Program and Second Injury Fund Connecticut General Assembly · cga.ct.gov · Public Act signed June 4, 2026; effective July 1, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (f) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, where the amount of a property reported or transferred to the Treasurer under this part is at least fifty dollars and less than two thousand five hundred dollars, the Treasurer shall pay such amount to an individual if the Treasurer has determined (1) that such individual is the sole owner of such property, and (2) to the Treasurer's satisfaction, the current address of such individual.

25. 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)

    The administrator shall also be authorized to make payments pursuant to this chapter without having received a claim, provided that (i) the property is cash property, (ii) the apparent owner is a natural person and is the sole owner of such property, (iii) the identity of such apparent owner has been verified by the administrator, and (iv) the amount to be paid does not exceed $5,000.

26. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: WV Cash Now West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    The West Virginia Cash Now program only applies to certain single-owner properties valued at less than $5,000 that can be verified by the Treasurer’s Office databases without the need for additional documentation.

27. Press Release: North Dakota Unclaimed Property Division will be automatically returning verified single-owner properties up to $1,000 ND Department of Trust Lands · land.nd.gov · Nov. 7, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Under the new program, the Unclaimed Property Division can automatically return single-owner property with a value up to $1000.

28. Unclaimed Property Data Match (FAQ) Arkansas Auditor of State · auditor.ar.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    It allows me to send checks to individuals who have unclaimed funds valued at up to $5,000, provided the owners’ information is validated through multiple identity-verification processes.

29. Maryland Code, Commercial Law § 17-318 Maryland General Assembly (mgaleg.maryland.gov) · mgaleg.maryland.gov · current text as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    The Administrator may waive the filing requirement under subsection (a) of this section if:

    (i) The person receiving the property or payment is the apparent owner included in a report filed under § 17–310 of this subtitle;

    (iii) The property or payment has a value of $5,000 or less.

30. Money Match Program Details Delaware Department of Finance, Office of Unclaimed Property · unclaimedproperty.delaware.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    MONEY MATCH compares the state's unclaimed property database with verified address information provided in your most recent Delaware state income tax filing. Upon verification, the Delaware Office of Unclaimed Property mails a check for qualified unclaimed property to the taxpayer’s address.

31. Louisiana's Unclaimed Property Program #1 In The Country Louisiana Department of the Treasury · treasury.la.gov · September 23, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Starting on September 12, the Louisiana Department of the Treasury offered ACH payment services, giving eligible claimants a faster, more convenient way to receive approved unclaimed property funds electronically.

    Claimants who do not select ACH will automatically receive a paper check.

32. NAST and NAUPA Relaunch MissingMoney.com National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · Nov. 1, 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Though held by each state, owners have the right to reclaim their money in perpetuity.

    Each unclaimed property department maintains their own website to search, but MissingMoney.com is the only website endorsed by States and Provinces working together to create a national database to help reunite owners with their missing funds.

33. Inactive Accounts, Abandoned and Unclaimed Property (FAQ, English) Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico (OCIF) · ocif.pr.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Funds reported by banks in Puerto Rico will have a term of three (3) years from the date of delivery of such funds to the Commissioner, as provided for by Act 55-1933.

34. It's Your Check. Cash it. Office of the Mississippi State Treasurer (Treasurer's column) · treasury.ms.gov · Oct. 24, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    While most unclaimed money remains claimable forever, checks that were issued to you by the state such as tax refunds, payments for a good or service or even payroll checks that go uncashed, become unclaimable after six years, reverting to the state's general fund.

35. Is it really free to search? National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    IMPORTANT: There are, however, third-party “finders” that may offer to locate and claim your unclaimed property for you. While not required to obtain your unclaimed property, these third-party services are in most cases legal.

    Before signing any contract from a firm of this type, we recommend that you be cautious and contact the unclaimed property office in your state for more information.

36. How to find unclaimed money from the government USAGov · usa.gov · Sept. 24, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    You may be able to file for unclaimed money owed to you, or that was owed to a deceased relative if you are their legal heir.