Cryptocurrency as unclaimed property: how states treat dormant crypto

When crypto becomes unclaimed property

Unclaimed property laws apply to crypto that a business holds for you, such as an exchange or custodian. Florida’s law, for example, covers virtual currency “held or owing by a banking organization, corporation, custodian, exchange, or other entity engaged in virtual currency business activity”,³ and Connecticut’s covers businesses that facilitate “the purchase, storage or transfer of virtual currency through a secure system”.¹⁰

The clock is the dormancy period: the time an account can go without any sign of interest from you. What counts as a sign of interest is set by each law. In Connecticut it is whether you accessed the platform within the preceding three years;¹⁰ in California, electronically accessing the account is one of the acts that counts.² Virginia’s holder instructions list logging in to or accessing the account as an event that resets the clock.²⁰

The 2016 model law

The Uniform Law Commission’s Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act of 2016 (RUUPA) lists “virtual currency” in its definition of property¹ and defines it as “a digital representation of value used as a medium of exchange, unit of account, or store of value, which does not have legal tender status”.¹ RUUPA sets no separate dormancy period for virtual currency; property it does not specify falls under a catch-all period of three years.¹

States that name crypto in their own laws have set their own periods and rules, as the table below shows.

Dormancy periods for crypto by state

Virginia’s Treasury has delayed holder compliance for digital assets until the November 1, 2027 reporting period.²⁰ The dormancy table compares other property types.

Sold first or kept as coins: the big difference

States split on what happens to the crypto itself.

The business sells it before reporting. Delaware requires the holder to liquidate within 90 days before filing the report and send the proceeds.⁴ Florida,³ Maryland,⁵ Minnesota,⁶ North Dakota⁷ and South Dakota⁸ set a 30-day window. In these states you generally claim dollars, not coins; Minnesota and South Dakota set separate steps for crypto that cannot be sold.⁶⁸ Delaware, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota also state that the owner cannot recover any gain in value after the sale.⁴⁵⁶⁷⁸ Florida requires the holder’s notice to the owner to say that only the proceeds of the liquidation will be transferred.³

The state receives the coins. California requires the holder to transfer “the exact digital financial asset type, private keys, and amount, unliquidated” to the Controller’s crypto custodian.² The Controller converts them no sooner than 18 months and no later than 20 months after the report is filed. A claimant gets the coins if they are still held, otherwise the proceeds.² Utah has holders that can transfer digital assets deliver them to the state’s designated custodian in their own form within 30 days of reporting,¹⁸ and the state may not sell them until three years after the custodian receives them and the state has notified the owner.¹⁸ Virginia requires delivery in native form when the holder controls the private keys¹⁹ and generally holds digital assets for at least one year before any sale.¹⁹ From January 1, 2027, Louisiana may not sell a digital asset until three years after receiving it, and an approved claimant can ask for it to be sold and paid in cash.¹⁷

Coins or proceeds, whichever is left. In Alabama a claimant receives the property if the Treasurer still holds it, otherwise the sale proceeds,¹⁵ with no claim for value changes after liquidation.¹⁵ Maine’s rule is similar.¹³

Coinbase accounts and unclaimed property

Some Coinbase accounts went to Wyoming. Its Treasurer runs a separate FAQ for “owners of Coinbase accounts that were sent to Wyoming in a custodial capacity”.²² That FAQ says:

• holdings worth $5 or less were grouped into a mass report without owner names and are not claimable for now;²²
• the office understands that Coinbase paid a tax to the Kenyan government when the accounts were liquidated, deducted before the net amount was reported;²²
• proof of ownership can be screenshots or Coinbase emails, which must show the email address as Coinbase reported it to Wyoming;²²
• payment is not made in crypto.²²

How to claim crypto from a state

1. Search the official unclaimed property site of the state that holds the property. In California, that is decided by the owner’s last known address;² the which-state tool explains how the state is chosen for other property.
2. File the claim, as the claim guide explains, and send proof that the account was yours. Wyoming, for example, asks for documents that show the email address the exchange reported.²²
3. Expect cash in states where the holder sold the crypto, and coins or proceeds in states that hold it in kind, as described above.

Searching and claiming through the official state program is free.²³ The finder fees table shows what finders may charge in each state, and the scams guide lists warning signs.

This guide does not cover how crypto or its proceeds are taxed. The taxes guide explains how unclaimed property is treated in general.

Questions people ask

Can a state take my cryptocurrency?

When crypto at an exchange or other business has been inactive for the state's dormancy period, the business must deliver it to the state, either as coins or as the money from selling it, depending on the state.²⁴ The state holds it for the owner: Wyoming describes the Coinbase accounts it received as sent "in a custodial capacity".²²

How long before crypto becomes unclaimed property?

It depends on the state: 3 years in California,² Minnesota,⁶ North Dakota,⁷ South Dakota⁸ and West Virginia;⁹ 5 years in Delaware,⁴ Maryland⁵ and Virginia;¹⁹ 7 years in Florida.³

Will I get my coins back or cash?

In states where the business must sell the crypto before reporting, such as Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, you generally claim the cash proceeds.⁴³⁵⁶⁷⁸ In California the Controller holds the coins and converts them 18 to 20 months after the report; a claimant gets the coins if they are still held, otherwise the proceeds.²

Coinbase says my crypto was escheated. Where is it?

Some Coinbase accounts were sent to Wyoming, which runs a separate FAQ for their owners.²² Otherwise it depends on the state's rules; in California, for example, the state is decided by the owner's last known address.²

Can I get paid in crypto by Wyoming?

No. Wyoming's Treasurer says: "Our government does not allow us to make payment with crypto/virtual currency."²²

Sources

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

1. Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (2016), with prefatory note and comments (PDF) Uniform Law Commission (National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws) · uniformlaws.org · Approved July 2016; PDF dated May 26, 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   (i) money, virtual currency, interest, or a dividend, check, draft, deposit, or payroll card;

   “Virtual currency” means a digital representation of value used as a medium of exchange, unit of account, or store of value, which does not have legal tender status recognized

   (13) property not specified in this section or Section 202 through [207][208], the earlier of three years after the owner first has a right to demand the property or the obligation to pay or distribute the property arises.

2. Unclaimed Property Law and Regulations (official 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 (7)

   (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:

   transfer the exact digital financial asset type, private keys, and amount, unliquidated, to the Controller’s cryptocurrency custodian or as the Controller by regulation may designate.

   The Controller shall convert such digital financial assets no sooner than 18 months, but no later than 20 months, after the actual date of filing of the report required by Section 1530.

   If digital financial assets delivered to the Controller remain in the custody of the Controller, a person making a valid claim for those assets under this chapter shall be entitled to receive the digital financial assets from the Controller.

   (2) Electronically accessing the digital asset account.

   If the digital financial assets have been converted, the person shall be entitled to receive the net proceeds received by the Controller from its sale.

   (1) The last known address of an apparent owner, for the purpose of determining the jurisdiction over property subject to escheat pursuant to this section, is either of the following:

3. Chapter 717, Florida Statutes (2026), Florida Disposition of Abandoned Personal Property Act The Florida Legislature · leg.state.fl.us · 2026 Florida Statutes · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   (1) Any virtual currency held or owing by a banking organization, corporation, custodian, exchange, or other entity engaged in virtual currency business activity is presumed unclaimed unless the owner, within 7 years, has communicated in writing with the banking organization, corporation, custodian, exchange, or other entity engaged in virtual currency business activity concerning the virtual currency or otherwise indicated an interest as evidenced by a memorandum or other record on file with the banking organization, corporation, custodian, exchange, or other entity engaged in virtual currency business activity.

   The holder shall liquidate the virtual currency and remit the proceeds to the department. The liquidation must occur within 30 days before the filing of the report.

   (g) If the property is virtual currency, a statement that the virtual currency will be liquidated by the holder before it is remitted to the department and that only the proceeds of the liquidation will be transferred.

4. Delaware Code Title 12, Chapter 11, Subchapter II. Unclaimed Property (§§ 1130-1191) Delaware General Assembly / Delaware Code Online · delcode.delaware.gov · current Delaware Code Online text (latest session law cited: 84 Del. Laws c. 368, 2024) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   (18) Virtual currency, 5 years after the owner’s last indication of interest in the property.

   the holder shall liquidate the virtual currency within 90 days prior to the filing of the report and remit the proceeds to the administrator.

   The owner shall not have recourse against the holder or the State Escheator to recover any gain in value that occurs after the liquidation of the virtual currency under this subsection.

5. Maryland Code, Commercial Law § 17-307.2 Maryland General Assembly (mgaleg.maryland.gov) · mgaleg.maryland.gov · current text as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   (a) Virtual currency is presumed abandoned if it remains unclaimed 5 years after the last indication of apparent owner interest in the property.

   (b) Within 30 days before the filing of the report required under § 17–310 of this subtitle, the holder of abandoned virtual currency shall liquidate the virtual currency.

   (d) Notwithstanding any other provision under this subtitle, an owner has no right of recourse against a holder or the Administrator to recover any gain in value to the virtual currency that occurs after the liquidation described under subsection (b) of this section.

6. Minnesota Statutes chapter 345, Unclaimed Property (full chapter) Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes · revisor.mn.gov · 2026 Minnesota Statutes · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (5)

   Virtual currency is presumed abandoned three years after the apparent owner's latest indication of interest in the virtual currency.

   (a) If property reported to the commissioner is virtual currency, the holder must liquidate the virtual currency and remit the proceeds to the commissioner.

   (b) The liquidation must occur any time within 30 days before filing the report under section 345.41.

   The owner does not have recourse against the holder or the commissioner to recover any gain in value that occurs after the liquidation of the virtual currency under this subdivision.

   If a holder cannot liquidate virtual currency and cannot otherwise cause virtual currency to be liquidated, the holder must promptly notify the commissioner in writing and explain the reasons why the virtual currency cannot be liquidated.

7. N.D.C.C. chapter 47-30.2, Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act North Dakota Legislative Branch · legis.nd.gov · PDF created June 30, 2025 (after 2025 HB 1149) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   Virtual currency, three years after the apparent owner's last indication of interest in the property;

   If property reported to the administrator is virtual currency, the holder shall liquidate the virtual currency and remit the proceeds to the administrator. The liquidation must occur anytime within thirty days before the filing of the report under section 47-30.2-21.

   The owner may not have recourse against the holder or the administrator to recover any gain in value occurring after the liquidation of the virtual currency under this subsection.

8. SDCL 43-41B-45 South Dakota Legislature (Legislative Research Council) · sdlegislature.gov · current codified text as served Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (4)

   Virtual currency is deemed abandoned three years after the latest indication of interest.

   a holder of unclaimed virtual currency shall liquidate the virtual currency within thirty days prior to the filing of the report required by § 43-41B-18 and remit the proceeds to the administrator.

   An owner does not have recourse against the administrator or the holder to recover any gain in value that occurs after the liquidation of the virtual currency pursuant to this section.

   If the holder is unable to liquidate the virtual currency, or reasonably believes the virtual currency cannot be liquidated, the holder must promptly provide written notice to the administrator explaining why the virtual currency

9. W. Va. Code §36-8-2. Presumptions of abandonment. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   (17) Any virtual currency held or owing by any banking organization, corporation, custodian, exchange, or other entity engaged in virtual currency business activity, three years after the owner’s last indication of interest in the property; and

10. Connecticut General Statutes, Chapter 32 (Treasurer), Part III Escheats, secs. 3-56a to 3-76 Connecticut General Assembly · cga.ct.gov · General Statutes revised to January 1, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Any virtual currency held by a business association, banking organization or financial organization that facilitates the purchase, storage or transfer of virtual currency through a secure system is presumed abandoned under this part unless the owner of such virtual currency has accessed such secure system within the preceding three years

11. 33 M.R.S. §2067-A Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes · legislature.maine.gov · page data extracted 10/05/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Subject to subsection 2, virtual currency is presumed abandoned 5 years after the last indication of interest by the apparent owner.

12. Dormancy table Office of the Maine State Treasurer · maineunclaimedproperty.gov · page undated; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    VC02 VIRTUAL CURRENCY - LIQUIDATED 3

13. 33 M.R.S. §2133 Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes · legislature.maine.gov · page data extracted 10/05/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    A person making a claim under this Act after the expiration of the one-year period is entitled to receive the securities or virtual currency delivered to the administrator by the holder, if the securities or virtual currency remain in the custody of the administrator, or the net proceeds received from sale and is not entitled to receive any appreciation in the value of the property occurring after delivery to the administrator, except in a case of intentional misconduct or malfeasance by the administrator.

14. Code of Alabama § 35-12-72 Alabama Legislature (ALISON) · alison.legislature.state.al.us · current code as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (18) Property held within a digital asset account where the last known address of the apparent owner is located in this state, three years after the last activity by the apparent owner.

15. Code of Alabama § 35-12-80 Alabama Legislature (ALISON) · alison.legislature.state.al.us · current code as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Any person making a claim pursuant to this section is entitled to receive either the property delivered by the holder, if it still remains in custody of the State Treasurer, or the proceeds received from sale, less any fees and expenses incurred from the sale if deducted.

    No person has any claim under this article against the state, the State Treasurer, the holder, any transfer agent, any auctioneer, or any person acting for or on behalf of the holder or State Treasurer for any appreciation or depreciation in the value of property occurring after its liquidation.

16. La. R.S. 9:154 Louisiana State Legislature · legis.la.gov · code text as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 (Act 891 of 2026, effective January 1, 2027) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (19) A digital asset account, after three years if the owner has not shown any activity or interest.

17. La. R.S. 9:160.3 Louisiana State Legislature · legis.la.gov · code text as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    A. The administrator shall not sell or liquidate a digital asset until three years after the digital asset is received by the administrator.

    B. Upon approval of a claim, the claimant may request the administrator to dispose of a digital asset by sale or liquidation and remit the net proceeds to the claimant.

    Acts 2026, No. 891, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2027.

18. Utah Code Title 67 Chapter 4a, Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (chapter PDF) Utah Legislature · le.utah.gov · chapter PDF as served Nov. 3, 2026; shows amendments through the 2026 General Session · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (5)

    (1) three years after the apparent owner's last indication of interest in the digital asset; or

    if property reported to the administrator under Section 67-4a-401 is a digital asset and the digital asset holder has the ability to transfer the digital asset, the digital asset holder shall:

    deliver to the administrator's designated custodian the digital asset, in the form of the digital asset, within 30 days from the date on which the digital asset is reported under Section 67-4a-401; and

    (1) The administrator may not sell or otherwise liquidate a digital asset until three years after:

    (a) the administrator's designated custodian receives the digital asset; and (b) the administrator provides notice to the apparent owner under Section 67-4a-503 that the administrator holds the digital asset.

19. 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 (3)

    B. Any property held within a digital asset account shall be presumed abandoned after five years in accordance with § 55.1-2501.

    If the digital asset account that is subject to reporting to the Commonwealth pursuant to this section contains any digital asset and the holder has full control of the private keys required to transfer such digital asset, the holder shall report and deliver such digital asset in its native form to the administrator, and such placement with the administrator shall constitute delivery.

    Unless the administrator deems it to be in the best interest of the Commonwealth to do otherwise, all securities and digital assets delivered to the administrator shall be held for at least one year before the securities or digital assets may be sold.

20. Holder Reporting Instructions: Unclaimed Digital Assets in Virginia (PDF) Virginia Department of the Treasury · vamoneysearch.gov · undated PDF; Last-Modified Oct. 28, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    COMPLIANCE DELAYED UNTIL NOVEMBER 1, 2027 REPORTING PERIOD

    Owner logs in to or accesses the account

21. Property Type Table With Dormancy Period in Parentheses (PDF) Wyoming State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · statetreasurer.wyo.gov · uploaded 2025-02 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    VIRTUAL CURRENCY (5 YEARS)

22. FAQs for COINBASE account owners Wyoming State Treasurer's Office · statetreasurer.wyo.gov · undated · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (8)

    The following are some typical questions and answers we hear regarding owners of Coinbase accounts that were sent to Wyoming in a custodial capacity.

    If you believe you had additional cryptocurrencies in addition to the ones you have located on our website, any specific property you had that was valued at $5 U.S. or less was grouped into a mass report without listing the specific owners.

    We are working with Coinbase to get information on the individual owners for this, but at this time they are not claimable.

    It is also our understanding that Coinbase was required to pay a tax to the Kenyan government when the accounts were liquidated.

    This tax would have been deducted from your account before the net amount was reported to Wyoming.

    Examples include, but not limited to, pictures/screenshots of your account (either an error message when you now try to log in, or possibly past pictures/screenshots that showed account balance), or if you have any email confirmations from Coinbase whenever you made a transaction in the past.

    It is important that these images/documents clearly shows your email address as it was reported to Wyoming by Coinbase.

    Our government does not allow us to make payment with crypto/virtual currency.

23. Claim Your Found Property National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Both searching for and claiming your unclaimed property are free, provided you go through the official government program of the state holding the property.