Michigan Unclaimed Property: How to Search and Claim for Free

How to search for Michigan unclaimed property

The official search is at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov/app/claim-search.¹

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

Michigan's records can also be searched through MissingMoney.com.⁷

How to claim unclaimed property in Michigan, step by step

Claims can be filed online on the official site.² Cost: Free — no fee to inquire or file a claim.⁴

1. Search: enter a last or business name (optionally first name, city or ZIP) on the Property Search page.¹
2. Select properties, click CLAIM, then CONTINUE TO FILE CLAIM.¹
3. Choose your 'Claimant Relationship' to each property (this determines the instructions you receive).³
4. Enter your claimant information, including the current mailing address where the check will be sent.³
5. Preview and SUBMIT to create the claim and get a claim number.³
6. Watch for the email (from [email protected]) listing what documentation, if any, is required.²
7. Sign the claim form and send it with the required documents, either by secure upload or by mail to PO Box 30756, Lansing, MI 48909.⁸
8. Track the claim online with the claim number.⁹

• Notary: The program FAQ tells claimants where to find a notary public; none of the pages read states which claims require notarization (requirements are listed on the claim form emailed to the claimant).⁴
• Interest: Paid only on property that was interest-bearing to the owner when the holder surrendered it (on or after March 28, 1996): 6% a year or any lesser rate it earned at the holder. Interest runs from delivery to Treasury until payment or 10 years, whichever comes first.¹⁰
• If a claim is denied: A claimant may sue in circuit court, naming the administrator (the state treasurer) as defendant: within 90 days after the decision, or within 180 days after filing if Treasury has not acted. A claimant who wins is awarded costs and reasonable attorney's fees.¹⁰

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 (most claims): signed claim form + copy of photo ID + copy of a legal document showing Social Security number⁸
• Individual (inquiry form 3433): copy of photo ID and Social Security card; death certificate or power of attorney if applicable; photocopies unless originals requested (not returned)¹¹
• Specific requirements per claim: listed on the claim form attached to the confirmation email⁸

A former address or a name change

• Former address / ownership proof: list all past addresses; proof via utility bill, bank statement, tax record or credit report⁴
• Property reported without name/address/SSN/DOB: proof of ownership, e.g. the original uncashed check or an account statement with owner and company name⁴
• Name change: marriage certificate, divorce decree or court document⁴

The owner has died (estate)

• Eligible claimants when the owner has died: biological heir or devisee, beneficiary, or personal representative (if the estate is in probate). Small-estate affidavit thresholds are not cited on the program site.⁴
• Deceased owner: Form 3433 asks relationship to decedent, whether estate was probated and is still open, and whether there was a will or trust; include death certificate¹¹

Securities, safe deposit boxes and other cases

• Some claims need originals: original documents (cannot be uploaded) when the claim form says so¹²
• Gift card/certificate, bond, money order, or name not found: call (517) 636-5320 or send Form 3433 with supporting documentation²
• Securities (unexchanged stock): Treasury will request the old unexchanged certificates before releasing successor shares⁶

Not listed in the official sources we checked: a business or government agency. The claim form shows what to send.

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

• Allow 90 days for processing; payment about 6 weeks after the claim begins the approval process⁴

How you are paid

Michigan pays by check, so keep the mailing address on your claim current.

• Check mailed to the claimant's mailing address³

Deadline

There is no deadline for owners and heirs in Michigan.

• No time limit; held in perpetuity⁴

Contact the Michigan unclaimed property office

When property becomes unclaimed: dormancy periods

In Michigan most property is presumed abandoned after 3 years without owner contact.⁶ Wages move faster: 1 year.⁶ More on how this works: what happens after the dormancy period.

Other states: dormancy periods table.

• Minimum amounts: Not required to be reported: property of $25 or less (except dividends/stock-related); wages of $50 or less unclaimed more than 1 year. Holder liability remains.⁶
• Gift cards: Not reportable if no inactivity fee and no expiration (or expiration more than 5 years); otherwise reportable after 3 years⁶
• Published lists of owners: Treasury must publish a notice every 6 months in a statewide newspaper, giving the number of new properties added to its website and the website address and phone number. Items under $50 need not be listed on the website unless Treasury considers it in the public interest.¹⁰

Finder fees and heir finders in Michigan

The official sources we checked do not confirm a finder-fee cap for Michigan, so none is shown here. You never need a finder: claiming directly is free.⁴

• Are finders allowed? Allowed with a time limit: an agreement to pay someone to recover reported property is unenforceable if made within 24 months after the property was paid or delivered to the state. Treasury says owners are not required to use such companies.¹⁰
• Contract rules: An agreement to pay compensation for recovery is unenforceable if made within 24 months after the property was paid or delivered to the state. Written agreements between a locator and an apparent owner are subject to the same rule.¹⁰
• The law: MCL 567.256 (agreements), MCL 567.256a (locator registration and account information), MCL 567.222(m) (definition of locator); 1995 PA 29 as amended by 2016 PA 312¹⁰ (read the text)

Before signing with a finder, read how finders work.

How to spot Michigan unclaimed property scams

Michigan's official search is on unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov, a .gov address.¹

What Michigan warns about

• You do not need to pay a finder's fee; you can file yourself for free.⁴
• Treasury does not endorse finders/locators.⁴
• Official claim emails come only from [email protected].⁴
• Legitimate Treasury postcards: if there's a claim number call (517) 636-5320; otherwise search the official site.⁴

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

Michigan unclaimed property in numbers

For businesses: reporting unclaimed property to Michigan

• Report due: First business day of July (on or before July 1) for property reaching dormancy as of March 31¹⁶
• Due diligence letters to owners: Written notice to last known address if address appears accurate and value is $50 or more; sent 60–365 days before the report⁶
• Where to report: unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov/…⁶
• File format: NAUPA II electronic format (.hrs or .txt); .hde and .pdf files not accepted⁶
• Penalties: Interest at 1 point above adjusted prime; $100/day up to $5,000 for willful failure to report; 25% of value for willful failure to pay/deliver; misdemeanor $500–$25,000 fine and/or up to 6 months for willful refusal after written demand⁶
• Voluntary disclosure: Voluntary Disclosure Program (Form 4869): report current year + previous 4 years within 6 months; no penalties or interest; not available if under audit⁶

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

Other rules specific to Michigan

• Law: Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, 1995 PA 29, MCL 567.221 et seq. legislature.mi.gov/…⁶
• Uniform act: Michigan Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Public Act 29 of 1995⁶
• Online search only shows items of $50 or more (plus stock proceeds and tangibles); staff add smaller items once you file a claim.²
• The online list shows only owner name, reporting company and Michigan city.⁴
• Safe-deposit-box items held at least 2 years are auctioned periodically; proceeds stay claimable.⁴
• Gift cards from closed businesses: call staff for a manual search with card details.⁴
• Treasury mails postcards to possible owners.⁴
• Abandoned-vehicle auction proceeds (Vehicle Code §252g) are reported by police departments to Unclaimed Property.⁶
• Recently reported property may take time to appear; reports are due July 1 each year.⁴
• Site available in multiple languages.⁶
• Treasury also points to the DIFS life insurance & annuity search, PBGC pensions and TreasuryDirect savings bonds.¹⁷
• Military owners get a longer period: 5 years instead of 3 for most property types, if on active duty or on active reserve orders.¹⁰
• Claimants do not get any rise in a security's value after the holder delivers it to the state.¹⁰

Michigan unclaimed property: questions people ask

Where do I search for Michigan unclaimed property?

On the official search at unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov.¹ Searching and claiming there is free.⁴

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

Eligible claimants when the owner has died: biological heir or devisee, beneficiary, or personal representative (if the estate is in probate).⁴ Details above.

Which law governs unclaimed property in Michigan?

Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, 1995 PA 29, MCL 567.221 et seq. legislature.mi.gov/…⁶

When is the Michigan unclaimed property report due?

First business day of July (on or before July 1) for property reaching dormancy as of March 31¹⁶ Details above.

Is the Michigan unclaimed property site legitimate?

Yes, if it is unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov:¹ the program is run by the Michigan Department of Treasury, Unclaimed Property.⁶ What the program warns about.

How long does a Michigan unclaimed property claim take?

Allow 90 days for processing; payment about 6 weeks after the claim begins the approval process⁴ Details above.

Is it free to claim unclaimed property in Michigan?

Free — no fee to inquire or file a claim⁴

What is the Michigan unclaimed property phone number?

Claims: (517) 636-5320.⁵ Hours: Reporting (holder) line: weekdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.⁶

How do I claim unclaimed property in Michigan?

Claims can be filed online on the official site.² First step: Search: enter a last or business name (optionally first name, city or ZIP) on the Property Search page.¹ All the steps.

What is the dormancy period for unclaimed property in Michigan?

3 years for most property;⁶ other types differ (see the table).

Where are the Michigan unclaimed property claim forms?

unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov/app/claim-forms¹³

Moved? Neighboring programs

• Ohio unclaimed property
• Indiana unclaimed property
• Wisconsin 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. How to Claim Unclaimed Property – 1. Search for property Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   You can access the Property Search page by simply entering a name in the search field at the top of the page, or hovering over CLAIMING PROPERTY > "Search for Unclaimed Properties"

   Type your name (first name, last name or both) into the Last Name/Business Name field and click SEARCH. If you receive too many results, try to narrow down the search by entering a city or zip code.

   Once you've found the properties that may belong to you, click the CLAIM button, and then click CONTINUE TO FILE CLAIM button to begin the claims process.

2. Search for Unclaimed Property Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Use this free and secure service to claim your lost funds.

   You should receive an email within 24 hours of submitting your claim online, which will notify you of what (if anything) is required.

   If you are unable to locate your name or you have a Gift Card, Gift Certificate, Bond, or Money Order, call our office at (517) 636-5320 or submit form 3433 (Unclaimed Property Inquiry)

   Once your claim is submitted, our staff will search for and add to your claim all properties that may belong to you, including those under $50.

3. How to Claim Unclaimed Property – 2. Submit a claim Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   This is to ensure we are sending your check to a valid mailing address.

   After choosing all of the properties you wish to claim, select your 'Claimant Relationship' for each property listed. Refer to the descriptions to determine the correct relationship; this will ensure you receive the appropriate instructions to claim each property.

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

   If correct, click SUBMIT to officially create your claim and generate your claim number.

4. FAQs – Claiming Property Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Claims are processed in the order they are received. Please allow 90 days for processing.

   There is no time limit for filing a claim.

   Neither the State of Michigan nor the Department of Treasury charge a fee to inquire or file a claim.

   Notary public services are commonly offered at libraries, banks, credit unions, city hall, mail stores, and more.

   Previous addresses can be found in these common records:

   An example of proof is the original, uncashed check or an account statement that includes the original owner's name and the company name.

   Provide proof of the name change such as:

   Biological heir, or devisee of the original owner.

   NO, you do not need to pay a finder's fee.

   Disclaimer: The Michigan Department of Treasury does not endorse any finders/locators

   A confirmation email will be sent to you typically within the hour from Michigan Unclaimed Property [email protected].

   You received a postcard because our team believes that we may be holding unclaimed property belonging to you.

   To ensure your privacy, our website limits identifying information to the owner's name(s), the reporting company, and the Michigan city on record for the owner (if provided to us).

   Auctions typically include a variety of collectibles retrieved from abandoned safe deposit boxes including jewelry, coins, stamps, and other items.

   Please call our office and one of our customer services representatives can perform a search for you.

   If there is a claim number on the postcard (see below) call our office at (517)636-5320 to reclaim your unclaimed property.

   There is a processing period between the time we receive a transfer of abandoned property and when it is on our system and the website.

5. FAQs – General Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Claims Phone: 517-636-5320 Reporting Phone: 517-636-6940 Fax: 517-763-0420

   If shipping via courier, use the following: Michigan Unclaimed Property Operations Center 7285 Parsons Dr Dimondale, MI 48821

6. Manual for Reporting Unclaimed Property (Form 2013, Rev 03-26) Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · Revised February 2026 (Form 2013 Rev 03-26) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   The program is administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, and it serves as the State of Michigan's central depository for abandoned and unclaimed property.

   If there is a claim. UP will request the 100 unexchanged shares of XYZ from the owner before releasing the 25 shares of ABC.

   The Michigan State Treasurer is the administrator of the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act and acts as custodian of the property on behalf of the owner.

   Visitors to our website, unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov, can now view the content in several different languages.

   517-636-6940 (weekdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.)

   The dormancy period for most property types is three years.

   1 MS01 WAGES, PAYROLL, SALARY

   3 AC01 CHECKING ACCOUNTS

   3 AC02 SAVINGS ACCOUNTS

   The dormancy period for a matured CD is three years.

   An automatically renewable CD is considered unclaimed after 15 years.

   1 MS02 COMMISSIONS

   3 CK 01 CASHIERS CHECKS

   3 CK07 MONEY ORDERS

   15 CK08 TRAVELER'S CHECKS

   3 CK13 VENDOR CHECKS

   The dormancy period for securities and securities-related cash is three years.

   1 SC15 US GOVERNMENT SECURITIES

   Insurance-related property is considered unclaimed after three years.

   2 IN77 LIMITING AGE POLICIES

   All other gift certificates or gift cards should be reported after three years of dormancy.

   1 UT01 UTILITY DEPOSITS

   Municipal Utility Refunds UT03 1 years Service address, account number

   Non-municipal Utility Refunds UT03 3 years Service address, account number

   3 SD01 SAFE DEPOSIT BOX CONTENTS

   The three-year dormancy period begins at the point when an IRA (Individual Retirement Account), Keogh or 401K account becomes mandatorily distributable under the terms of the account or plan.

   The dormancy period for Health Savings Accounts is three years after the account is abandoned.

   The dormancy period for Education Savings Accounts is three years after the account is abandoned.

   Accounts held in trust for a minor or accounts opened under the Uniform Gift to Minors Act (MCL 554.451 et seq.) are considered unclaimed after three years.

   The dormancy period for cryptocurrency is three years.

   Escrow accounts are considered unclaimed after three years.

   1 MS15 DISSOLUTION OR LIQUIDATION

   1 CT06 CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS

   3 M102 ROYALTIES

   3 MS03 WORKERS COMPENSATION BENEFITS

   The dormancy period is one year for any type of unclaimed property held by a court, state, municipality, or other government, governmental subdivision or agency, public corporation, or public authority.

   Properties with a value of $25.00 or less, with the exception of dividends or stock-related properties.

   A gift certificate or gift card that does not charge an inactivity fee and either does not expire or has an expiration date greater than five years is not subject to report.

   Must be sent not less than 60 days, nor more than 365 days, before the filing of the report.

   Holder Reports should be filed through the Unclaimed Property website .

   Reports must be in the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA II) electronic reporting standard format.

   An entity willfully failing to render any report or perform other duties required under the Act shall pay a civil penalty of $100 for each day the report is withheld, or the duty is not performed, but not more than $5,000.

   Treasury offers an opportunity for holders, not under audit, to avoid penalty and interest charges on past due property remitted through the Voluntary Disclosure Program.

   fails to file a report of unclaimed property may be subject to the following fines and penalties as provided in the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Public Act 29 of 1995 (Michigan Compiled Law (MCL) 567.221 et seq.):

   Michigan's Unclaimed Property (UP) program is governed by the Michigan Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Public Act 29 of 1995.

   Net proceeds from the sale of abandoned vehicles in accordance with Section 252g of Michigan Vehicle Code (Public Act 300 of 1949) are to be reported to UP.

   This is available by selecting the preferred language, from the list of languages, on the bottom right hand corner of the page.

7. MissingMoney.com state index (map and state tiles) MissingMoney.com (NAUPA) · missingmoney.com · archived copy, captured June 16, 2026 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Property for States in green are searchable on MissingMoney.

8. How to Claim Unclaimed Property – 3. Complete your claim Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Either upload your documents via our secure link OR mail your documentation to the following address:

   Most claims require a completed and signed claim form as well as a copy of both photo identification and legal document listing social security number.

   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.

9. How to Claim Unclaimed Property – 4. Track your claim Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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   Enter your claim number at any time via our Status Page to receive the most recent status.

10. Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, Act 29 of 1995 (MCL 567.221 et seq.), full act PDF Michigan Legislature · legislature.mi.gov · archived copy, captured Sept. 3, 2025 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (11)

    If the property claimed was interest bearing to the owner on the date of surrender by the holder, and if the date of surrender is on or after March 28, 1996, the administrator also shall pay interest at a rate of 6% a year or any lesser rate the property earned while in the possession of the holder.

    A person who is aggrieved by a decision of the administrator or whose claim has not been acted upon within 90 days after its filing may bring an action to establish the claim in the circuit court, naming the administrator as a defendant.

    The dormancy period described in sections 3(1), 5(2), 6(1), 7(1) and (5), 8(1), 13(1), 15(1), and 17 is 5 years if the owner of the property is on active duty military service or in the reserve component on active orders.

    that remain unclaimed for a period of 3 years after the death of the contract beneficiary or, if no contract beneficiary has been designated under the prepaid funeral contract, 3 years after the death of the owner of the prepaid funeral contract are presumed abandoned.

    Any funds, 2 years after the date of the demutualization, if the funds remain unclaimed and the owner has not otherwise communicated with the holder or its agent regarding the property as evidenced by a memorandum or other record on file with the holder or its agent.

    any sum that a business association has been ordered to refund by a court or administrative agency that remains unclaimed by the owner for more than 1 year after it became payable in accordance with the final determination or order providing for the refund

    The administrator shall cause a notice to be published once every 6 months in a newspaper that has statewide circulation.

    An agreement to pay compensation to recover or assist in the recovery of property reported under section 18, made within 24 months after the date payment or delivery is made under section 20, is unenforceable.

    A written agreement between a locator and an apparent owner of unclaimed property is subject to subsection (1).

    567.256 Agreement to compensate for recovery of property; enforcement; agreement between locator and apparent unclaimed property owner.

    A person making a claim under this act against the state, the holder, any transfer agent, registrar, or other person acting for or on behalf of a holder is not entitled to any appreciation in the value of the property occurring after delivery by the holder to the administrator.

11. Form 3433 Unclaimed Property Inquiry (Rev. 02-25) Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · Rev. 02-25 (PDF modified Feb. 6, 2025) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Return completed form along with a copy of the claimant's photo ID and social security card. Also include the death certificate or power of attorney papers, if applicable. Send photocopies of all documents unless you are specifically directed to provide an original; what you submit will not be returned to you.

    2. Was the Decedent's Estate ever probated in court?

12. Upload Claim Documentation Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Certain claims require original documents in order to process and therefore cannot be uploaded to the website.

13. Forms and Resources – Claimant Forms Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Unclaimed Property Inquiry Submit this request to have Unclaimed Property staff search the database for properties belonging to the designated owner.

14. Contact Us Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    [email protected]

15. Annual Reminder of Obligation to Report (Treasury bulletin) Michigan Department of Treasury (GovDelivery) · content.govdelivery.com · April 9, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Michigan has returned more than $675 million in unclaimed property to rightful owners over the past 5 years.

16. Reporting Information Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Due Date: The due date for filing the unclaimed property annual report is the first business day of July for property reaching its dormancy period as of March 31 of that year.

17. FAQs – Other Resources Michigan Department of Treasury · unclaimedproperty.michigan.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    DIFS - Life Insurance and Annuity Search