Abandoned safe deposit boxes: what happens to the contents

From unpaid rent to the state

A box becomes unclaimed property in two steps. First, the fee goes unpaid and the owner does not come back; the OCC says such a box would likely be considered dormant after three to five years with no activity, with the exact period set by state law.¹ Second, if the contents stay unclaimed, the bank may be required to turn them over to the state.¹

Some states require the bank to try to reach the owner first.¹ California requires a due diligence letter for every safe deposit box regardless of value.²³ Kansas asks for letters on all boxes 60 to 120 days before the bank files its report,²⁴ and West Virginia requires a mailing for any property in a safe deposit box.²⁵ In New Mexico the bank must wait 120 days after filing its list of box contents before delivering the items.²⁶

These laws turn on where the box is: Alabama’s and Virginia’s, for example, cover boxes kept in that state.⁹²¹

The dormancy table compares the states.

Some states make the bank sell first

Connecticut requires banks to sell or auction tangible and other non-cash contents and send the cash in the owner’s name.²⁷ Mississippi does not accept physical property, and box contents must be auctioned for cash.²⁸ In Arkansas, a bank that chooses to sell contents must do so at public auction,²⁹ and it may dispose of items that have no commercial value.²⁹

Some items do not go to the state. Arkansas tells banks not to send human remains, medical implants, drugs, firearms or ammunition.²⁹ In Florida, firearms and ammunition found in a box go to a law enforcement agency,¹¹ and Oklahoma’s Treasurer may decline weapons, which then go to the local sheriff or police.¹⁸

States handle the cost of opening a box differently. South Dakota says boxes may carry unpaid rent and drilling fees, usually payable before the contents are released.⁵⁰ California returns contents after the claimant pays any liens on the box.⁴² West Virginia lets the bank recover up to $150 for opening the box and unpaid rent,⁵¹ and pays it from the state fund once the property has been returned to the owner.⁵¹

How long the state keeps the items

Missouri catalogs items from about 1,000 boxes a year;⁷ its 2026 auction was held August 27 to 28 in Columbia.⁷ Maine’s program home page announces online auctions “going live on July 16, 2026”.³⁹ Iowa’s auction page said there were no auctions when checked on Nov. 3, 2026.⁴⁰ The auctions guide covers how state sales work.

What happens to the sale money

In Florida an item can be claimed until it is sold.³³ Missouri keeps the money from each item sold and the owner or heir can claim it at any time.⁷ Pennsylvania keeps auction proceeds for owners in perpetuity.⁶ Kansas holds the cash proceeds as unclaimed property, available to the owner or heirs,³⁵ and West Virginia holds them under the original owner’s name.³⁷ The claim deadlines table shows each state’s rule.

Items with their own rules

• Military medals. Alabama,³⁰ Iowa,⁴¹ Maine,⁴³ Missouri (since August 28, 2010),⁴⁴ Pennsylvania⁶ and West Virginia²⁵ do not auction or sell them. In Delaware a bank may not sell them,⁴⁵ and in Louisiana the holder must send medals and related papers to the state Treasury.¹³
• Savings bonds. Missouri has a separate search for U.S. savings bonds that banks turned over from abandoned boxes.⁴⁶ South Dakota’s law says such bonds stay claimable by the person named on the bond or that person’s heirs.¹⁹
• Stock certificates. For contents that cannot be liquidated, Connecticut lets banks send original certificates in the owner’s name, records them as safekeeping items and returns them on claim.²⁷ See stocks and securities.
• Wills. Florida provides a copy of a will found in a box to anyone who shows a certified record of the death;¹¹ Oklahoma provides one to a claimant who also shows evidence of ownership.¹⁸ California destroys documents that have no apparent monetary value.⁴²

How to claim

For box contents not yet sold, Kansas says it is advisable to submit the claim promptly to prevent liquidation.³⁵

California accepts a box account statement or the box key;⁴² Oklahoma accepts a copy of the rental receipt or correspondence about the rental;⁴⁹ Florida asks for documented proof that you are the person named on the box account.³³ California requires every safe deposit box claim to be notarized,⁴²⁴⁷ and so does Arkansas.⁴⁸ In Florida, when a claimant uses a representative under a recovery agreement, box contents must still be delivered directly to the claimant.¹¹ For a box of someone who has died, see claiming for a deceased relative; the claim documents tool lists what each state asks for.

NAUPA, the association of state administrators, says searching and claiming through the official program is free.⁸ South Dakota, for example, charges nothing to file a claim,⁵⁰ though unpaid box rent and drilling fees may still be due.⁵⁰

If the bank failed or you cannot find the box

The bank may be able to tell you what happened to the box.⁵² If the bank recently failed, the FDIC or the bank that took over its business may have the contents.⁵² In that case, deposit accounts go to the state after 18 months under federal law, but for box contents the timing depends on state law.⁵² The contents of a safe deposit box are not insured by the FDIC.⁵³

Next step

Search the official program of each state where you or the box holder lived or banked: the list of states links each one, and the claim guide covers the filing.

Questions people ask

What happens to a safe deposit box if you stop paying the rent?

Once there is no activity, such as paying the fee, for the period set by state law, the box can be treated as dormant; the OCC puts that at three to five years.¹ If it stays unclaimed, the bank may have to transfer the contents to the state.¹ Some states later auction them, such as Pennsylvania.⁶

How long before safe deposit box contents go to the state?

It depends on the state: one year after the lease ends in Alaska and three in Florida,²¹¹ and five years in Connecticut.⁴ The dormancy table lists each state.

Does the state auction safe deposit box contents?

Some do. Missouri catalogs items from about 1,000 boxes a year and sells them at auction,⁷ and Kansas sells them on eBay.³⁶ In both states the sale money remains claimable by the owner or heirs.⁷³⁶

What happens to a will found in an abandoned safe deposit box?

Florida gives a copy to anyone who provides a certified death certificate or other government-certified record of the death of the person who made it;¹¹ Oklahoma gives a copy to a claimant with evidence of the death and of ownership.¹⁸ California destroys box contents that have no apparent monetary value, wills included.⁴²

Can I get the actual items back, not just money?

In some states, if they have not been sold. California returns unsold contents by insured or registered mail once any liens on the box are paid,⁴² and in Iowa the claimant can take physical custody of contents not yet sold.⁵⁵ After a sale, Missouri and West Virginia hold the proceeds for the owner.⁷³⁷

Sources

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

1. What happened to my lost safe deposit box contents? Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (HelpWithMyBank.gov) · helpwithmybank.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   If you did not pay the annual fee on the safe deposit box, it likely would have been considered dormant once there was no activity—such as payment of the fee—for three to five years. The length of time necessary to declare a box dormant is defined by state statute.

   If the property remains unclaimed and is classified as abandoned, the bank may be required to transfer the contents of the safe deposit box to the state treasurer or unclaimed-property office in a process called escheat. Some states require the bank to attempt to notify the property owner before they transfer the property to the state.

2. Alaska Statutes AS 34.45, Uniform Unclaimed Property Act Alaska State Legislature (akleg.gov) · akleg.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   All tangible and intangible personal property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping repository in a financial organization in the state in the ordinary course of the holder's business, and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, that remain unclaimed by the owner for more than one year after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired, are presumed abandoned.

3. Dormancy Periods for Most Frequently Reported Unclaimed Property Type (PDF) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · Rev. 07/2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   Safe-Deposit Boxes 3 CCP 1514

4. Property Codes with Dormancy Periods (PDF) Connecticut Office of the Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division · ctbiglist.gov · Revised: September 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   SD01 Safe Deposit Contents 5

5. Pennsylvania Dormancy Matrix (PDF) Pennsylvania Treasury Department · searchandclaimpa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   Safe Deposit Box Contents .......................................................................... 3

6. Treasurer Stacy Garrity Encourages Pennsylvanians to Make Financial Resolutions for the New Year Pennsylvania Treasury Department · patreasury.gov · Jan. 2, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   Treasury keeps tangible property for about three years before it is auctioned. Auction proceeds are kept in perpetuity for owners to claim. Military decorations and memorabilia are never auctioned.

7. Treasurer Vivek Malek Announces Record-Breaking Year at Unclaimed Property Auction (press release) Missouri State Treasurer's Office · treasurer.mo.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   This year's auction was held August 27-28 in Columbia, Missouri.

   The team at the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office catalogs items from approximately 1,000 safe deposit boxes annually.

   The money received for each item sold during the auction is retained by the Treasurer’s Office and may be claimed by the rightful owner or their heir at any time through the Unclaimed Property program.

8. 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.

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

   (4) Tangible and intangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder’s business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, three years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.

10. Holder Seminar Sept. 2025 Session 1 – Review of Arkansas statute regarding presumptions of abandonment Arkansas Auditor of State · auditor.ar.gov · September 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five (5) years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.

11. 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 (4)

    717.116 Contents of safe-deposit box or other safekeeping repository.—All tangible and intangible property held by a banking or financial organization in a safe-deposit box or any other safekeeping repository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder’s business, and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by law, that has not been claimed by the apparent owner or authorized representative for more than 3 years after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired are presumed abandoned.

    (e) If a will or trust instrument is included among the contents of an abandoned safe-deposit box or other safekeeping repository delivered to the department, the department must provide a copy of the will, trust, and any codicils or amendments to such will or trust instrument, upon request, to anyone who provides the department with a certified copy of the death certificate or another government-certified record evidencing the death of the testator or settlor.

    (b) Any firearm or ammunition found in an abandoned safe-deposit box or any other safekeeping repository shall be delivered by the holder to a law enforcement agency for property handling or disposal pursuant to s. 705.103(2)(b).

    The contents of a safe-deposit box or shares of securities must be delivered directly to the claimant.

12. K.S.A. 58-3949. Contents of safe deposit box Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes · ksrevisor.gov · last amended L. 1999 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.

13. La. R.S. 9:155 Louisiana State Legislature · legis.la.gov · code text as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    A. Intangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business, and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, shall be presumed abandoned if it remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.

    (2) Military medals and all associated documents presumed abandoned pursuant to this Subsection shall be forwarded by the holder to the Louisiana Department of Treasury, unclaimed property division.

14. 33 M.R.S. §2065 Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes · legislature.maine.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this State in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law are presumed abandoned if the property and proceeds remain unclaimed by the owner for more than 3 years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.

15. Maryland Code, Commercial Law § 17-301.1 Maryland General Assembly · mgaleg.maryland.gov · current text as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (4) Any property removed from a safekeeping repository on which the lease or rental period has expired or any surplus amounts arising from the sale of the property pursuant to law, that have been unclaimed by the owner for more than 3 years from the date on which the lease or rental period expired.

16. NMSA 1978 Chapter 7, Article 8A, Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (1995) New Mexico Compilation Commission (NMOneSource.com) · nmonesource.com · Current NMSA 1978 as published on NMOneSource; latest Article 8A amendment shown: Laws 2021, ch. 65 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.

17. 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 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Tangible property held in a safe deposit box is presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the apparent owner three years after the earlier of the:

    Subject to section 47-30.2-41, not earlier than three years after receipt of property presumed abandoned, the administrator may sell the property.

18. Oklahoma Statutes Title 60 (Property), Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, 60 O.S. §§651-688 Oklahoma Legislative Service Bureau · oklegislature.gov · compiled title; latest amendments shown Laws 2025, c. 421, eff. Nov. 1, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)

    All tangible and intangible personal property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping repository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder’s business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, which remain unclaimed by the owner for more than five (5) years after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired, are presumed abandoned.

    Any sale held under this section must be preceded by a single publication of notice, at least three (3) weeks in advance of sale in a legal newspaper of general circulation in the county where the property is to be sold, the county of residence of the holder and the county of the last-known address of the owner.

    If a will or trust instrument is included among the contents of a safe deposit box or other safekeeping repository delivered to the State Treasurer, the State Treasurer shall provide a copy of the will, trust, and any codicils or amendments to such will or trust instrument, upon request, to a claimant or claimant's representative who provides the State Treasurer with evidence of the death of the testator or settlor and evidence of apparent ownership.

    C. The State Treasurer may decline to accept weapons abandoned in safe deposit boxes which become property subject to the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act. Such property shall be deposited with a local sheriff or municipal police department.

19. SDCL 43-41B-17 South Dakota Legislature (Legislative Research Council) · sdlegislature.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Any tangible and intangible property held in a safe deposit box or any other safekeeping repository or agency or collateral deposit box in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, which remain unclaimed by the owner for more than three years after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired, are presumed abandoned.

    The savings bonds must be claimable by the person listed on the bond or by that person's heirs.

20. Utah Code 67-4a-205, When contents of safe-deposit box presumed abandoned Utah Legislature · le.utah.gov · Effective 5/9/2017 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Tangible property held in a safe-deposit box and proceeds from a sale of the property by the holder permitted by law of this state other than this chapter are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the apparent owner five years after the earlier of the:

21. Code of Virginia Title 55.1 Chapter 25, Virginia Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (full chapter) Commonwealth of Virginia, Legislative Information System (Code of Virginia) · law.lis.virginia.gov · Code as published Nov. 3, 2026; includes 2026 c. 669 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    All tangible and intangible property held in a safe deposit box or any other safekeeping repository in the Commonwealth in the ordinary course of the holder's business and all proceeds resulting from the lawful sale of this property shall be presumed abandoned if unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after the lease or rental period on the box or other repository has expired.

22. W. Va. Code §36-8-3. Contents of safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository. West Virginia Legislature · code.wvlegislature.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Tangible personal property held in a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository in this state in the ordinary course of the holder's business and proceeds resulting from the sale of the property permitted by other law, are presumed abandoned if the property remains unclaimed by the owner for more than five years after expiration of the lease or rental period on the box or other depository.

23. Holder Due Diligence quick guide (PDF) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    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.

24. Reporting Guidelines Kansas State Treasurer · missingmoney.ks.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Due diligence: Letters for items over $100, safe deposit boxes and stock should be mailed no more than 120 days and no less than 60 days before the report is filed.

25. 112 CSR 5, Enforcement of the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (emergency rule filing) West Virginia Secretary of State, Code of State Rules (rule by State Treasurer's Office) · apps.sos.wv.gov · Emergency rule filed 6/5/2026, effective 6/24/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    A holder is required to make a due diligence mailing to owners whose property, prior to deducting allowable dormancy charges, has an aggregate value of $50 or more, or is included in a safe deposit box.

    14.1. The administrator may not sell a medal or decoration awarded for military service in the armed forces of the United States.

26. RPD-41200 Unclaimed Property Report Holder's Filing Kit New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department · realfile.tax.newmexico.gov · Rev. 02/27/2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    You must wait 120 days after filing Form RPD-41204 with the UPO before you can deliver the items to the UPO (7-8A-8 NMSA 1978).

27. Reporting and Delivery of Safe Deposit Box Contents Connecticut Office of the Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division · ctbiglist.gov · Revised: June 2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    Tangible property and all non-cash safe deposit box contents must be liquidated or auctioned off and proceeds turned over to the Unclaimed Property Division in the name of the owner as cash proceeds

    If you have securities (stocks or bonds) in the name of the owner(s), you may send the original certificates to the Office of the Treasurer.

    We will record these items as Safekeeping and return the certificate to the rightful owner upon claim.

28. FAQ's: Reporting Property Office of the Mississippi State Treasurer · ms.findyourunclaimedproperty.com · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Mississippi does not accept physical property.

    Safe Deposit Box content meeting the dormancy box requirements must be auctioned off for cash proceeds.

29. Arkansas Unclaimed Property Administrative Rules, 18 CAR § 21-101 et seq. (final) Arkansas Auditor of State · auditor.ar.gov · file stamped 11/03/2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    (A) Must do so at public auction pursuant to the requirements of Arkansas Code § 18-27-102(c)(3)(B);

    (2) Holders of safe deposit boxes may dispose of items having no commercial value;

    (5) Holders are not to remit the following items: (A) Human remains such as teeth, hair, or cremains; (B) Medical devices or implants such as dentures, or IUD, etc.; (C) Prescription drugs, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia; or (D) Firearms, explosives, or ammunition.

30. Ala. Admin. Code ch. 892-2-1, Alabama Unclaimed Property Program Rules Office of State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division (Alabama) · unclaimed.alabama.gov · rules effective Feb. 3, 2015 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Prior to public auction, Contents will be held for a minimum of one year from the date of the attempted notification by the Treasurer’s Office to the reported owner.

    Military items will not be auctioned.

31. Unclaimed Property - Office of the Alabama State Treasurer Office of the Alabama State Treasurer · treasury.alabama.gov · page modified June 8, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    When safe deposit box contents and other tangible items remain unclaimed after the required holding period, Alabama State Treasury may offer them for sale through a public auction.

32. Frequently Asked Questions Florida Department of Financial Services · claimyourcashfl.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    If the property remains abandoned for two years after the Division receives it, the items may be sold through a public auction.

33. State of Florida Unclaimed Property Auction Florida Department of Financial Services · portal.claimyourcashfl.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    You can claim it by filing a claim and providing documented proof that you are the same individual whose name is on the safe deposit box account.

34. Maryland Code, Commercial Law § 17-316 Maryland General Assembly · mgaleg.maryland.gov · current text as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, within 1 year after delivery under this title of abandoned property other than money, the Administrator shall offer the abandoned property for sale.

35. FAQs – Claiming Property Kansas State Treasurer · missingmoney.ks.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    Safe Deposit Box Contents: Pursuant to K.S.A 58-3955 contents deemed valuable within a safe deposit box will be sold within 3 years of being received by our office.

    For claims involving stock shares or safe deposit box contents that have not yet been liquidated or sold, it is advisable to submit the claim promptly to prevent liquidation.

    The cash proceeds generated from this sale are then held as unclaimed property and is always available for the owner or their heirs to claim.

36. Kansas Unclaimed Property – home page Kansas State Treasurer · missingmoney.ks.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    We are utilizing eBay to auction these items. The proceeds are available to be claimed by the rightful owner or heir.

37. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: FAQs: General West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    All proceeds from the auction are held in accounts under the name of the original property owner.

38. 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 (2)

    The commissioner shall provide the Minnesota Historical Society with an inventory of abandoned property, other than money, six months prior to public sale.

    The society may select for its collections any items it finds of historical value.

39. Maine Unclaimed Property home page Office of the Maine State Treasurer · maineunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Unclaimed Property Auctions going live on July 16, 2026.

40. Auction – Official Publication of Safe Deposit Box Properties Treasurer of State of Iowa · iowatreasurer.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    There are no auctions at this time.

41. Iowa Administrative Code rule 781—9.24, Disposition of safe deposit box contents Iowa Legislature · legis.iowa.gov · rule dated 02-05-2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    9.24(2) Medals awarded for military service in the armed forces of the United States shall not be auctioned.

42. Guidelines for Claiming Unclaimed Property (PDF) California State Controller's Office · sco.ca.gov · January 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (5)

    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.

    In the event that the contents of a safe deposit box are not sold and a claim is presented, the State Controller, upon proof of ownership, will return the property by insured/registered mail after the claimant pays any liens on the safe deposit box.

    Safe Deposit Box Contents Required documentation:

    Safe deposit box key.

    ALL CLAIMS FOR SECURITIES OR SAFE DEPOSIT BOXES MUST BE NOTARIZED

43. 33 M.R.S. §2135 Maine Legislature, Office of the Revisor of Statutes · legislature.maine.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    The administrator may not sell a medal or decoration awarded for military service in the Armed Forces of the United States.

44. Frequently Asked Questions About Unclaimed Property Missouri State Treasurer's Office · treasurer.mo.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    As of August 28, 2010, no military medal or honor held by Unclaimed Property will be auctioned or sold.

45. 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 (1)

    (a) A financial institution may not sell a medal or decoration awarded for military service in the armed forces of the United States.

46. Unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds Search Missouri State Treasurer's Office · treasurer.mo.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Following state law, banks have provided the Treasurer these savings bonds from abandoned safe deposit boxes.

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

    All claims for securities and safe-deposit box properties must be notarized.

48. Search for Property (claimant FAQ) Arkansas Auditor of State · auditor.ar.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    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.

49. OAC Title 735, Chapter 80. Unclaimed Property (administrative rules) Oklahoma State Treasurer · oklahoma.gov · latest amendment shown: 31 Ok Reg 2463, eff 9-12-14 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (3) Safe-Deposit box: A copy of the safe-deposit box rental receipt or correspondence referencing that rental;

50. FAQs – Claiming Property South Dakota State Treasurer – Unclaimed Property Division · southdakota.findyourunclaimedproperty.com · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    There is no charge for inquiring about a property or filing a claim.

    Safe deposit boxes turned over by the financial institution may have unpaid rent and drilling fees which are usually required to be paid prior to the contents being released.

51. W. Va. Code §36-8-10. Custody by state; recovery by holder; defense of holder. West Virginia Legislature · code.wvlegislature.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    (g) Property removed from a safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository is received by the administrator subject to the holder’s right to be reimbursed for the cost of the opening and to any valid lien or contract providing for the holder to be reimbursed for unpaid rent or storage charges in an amount not to exceed $150.

    The administrator shall reimburse the holder after the property has been claimed and returned to the apparent owner using funds in the Unclaimed Property Fund.

52. How to Find a Long Lost Bank Account or Safe Deposit Box Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) · fdic.gov · Dec. 14, 2020 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    The bank may be able to tell you what happened to the account or safe deposit box.

    If the bank recently failed, the FDIC or the bank that assumed the failed bank’s business may have the account or safe deposit box contents.

    Federal law requires unclaimed deposit accounts to be transferred to the state after 18 months, and state laws differ on the period of time after which contents of safe deposit boxes must be transferred.

53. Financial Products That Are Not Insured by the FDIC Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) · fdic.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    The contents of a safe deposit box are not insured by the FDIC.

54. Utah Code 67-4a-701, Public sale of tangible property Utah Legislature · le.utah.gov · Effective 5/6/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Subject to Section 67-4a-702, not earlier than three years after receipt of tangible property presumed abandoned, the administrator may sell the property.

    Property eligible for sale will not be sold if a claim has been filed with the administrator by an apparent owner, heir, or agent.

55. Iowa Administrative Code rule 781—9.35, Process for payment of claims Iowa Legislature · legis.iowa.gov · rule dated 02-05-2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    9.35(2) In the case of safe deposit box contents that have not been liquidated, the claimant may assume physical custody of the contents from the division.