Washington Unclaimed Property: How to Search and Claim for Free

How to search for Washington unclaimed property

The official search is at ucp.dor.wa.gov/app/claim-search.¹ You may see it called Washington Unclaimed Property Program (UCP), Department of Revenue.¹⁰

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

Fast-track and automatic payments

• (1) Fast Track: claims meeting certain criteria can be paid within five days or less; some claims are 'automatically approved'. (2) Money Match: DOR mails checks with no claim at all when a verified address matches (RCW 63.30.530(2)). The criteria and any dollar limits were not found on any official page checked.⁶

Property the state program does not hold

These official bodies keep their own records, searched separately:

• Washington cities, counties, towns and other municipal bodies may keep (rather than remit) canceled warrants, uncashed checks and property tax overpayments/refunds. They report them to DOR, which publishes the owner names. Owners claim those funds by establishing ownership with the local government holding them. Public transit agencies may likewise keep abandoned fare-card value.⁴
• Department of Retirement Systems inactive-account search, for former public employees who did not vest (linked by the program)¹³
• Local governments may keep unforwarded intangible property: after five years they may archive the records and move the funds to their general fund, but they stay liable to a person who later proves ownership. Courts may keep overpayments of $10 or less, which go to the local current expense fund.⁴

How to claim unclaimed property in Washington, step by step

Claims can be filed online on the official site.¹ Cost: Free: the State and DOR charge no fee to search or claim.²

1. Search for property¹⁴
2. Submit a claim¹⁴
3. Complete your claim¹⁴
4. Track your claim's progress¹⁴
5. Search by last name or business name (add first name, city, ZIP to narrow). If you got a postcard, enter the Property ID from it¹
6. Select CLAIM next to each property that is yours, then CONTINUE TO FILE CLAIM¹⁴
7. If the claim is not automatically approved, the claim form and instructions arrive by email as a PDF; an examiner may ask for more documents¹⁵
8. Upload documents online with the Claim ID (top right of the claim form): PDF, TIF, PNG or JPEG, under 10 MB, five files at a time, no password protection, file names up to 100 characters using only letters, numbers, dashes and underscores. Some claims need original documents mailed instead¹⁶
9. Track the claim with the Claim ID on the claim-status page; approval is announced by email²
10. If you do not find what you expected, you can submit a search request to the program: ucp.dor.wa.gov/app/search-request-home¹

• Notary: Not required for a standard owner claim (no notarization in the owner checklist). Notarized forms are required for: heirs without probate (Affidavit of Successor, or Small Estate Affidavit if the deceased lived outside Washington), some business claims (Business Affidavit, if the claim form says so), and finder/locator claims (owner affidavit).¹⁵
• Interest: Only on interest-bearing bank deposits: paid at the rate the account earned with the holder, for up to 10 years after delivery to DOR. Non-cash property earns income or gain received before sale.⁴
• Property of a minor: A parent or guardian files as Legal Representative with the guardian's photo ID and the minor's photo ID or birth certificate. UTMA/UGMA custodial accounts become abandoned 3 years after the later of returned mail or the date the custodian must transfer the property to the minor.¹⁵
• If a claim is denied: If denied, DOR must give the reason and say what evidence is needed. No action within 90 days counts as a denial. You can file an amended claim (treated as a new claim) or sue in Thurston County Superior Court within one year after filing the claim, including on a deemed denial.⁴

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

• Signed claim form; copy of current photo ID; proof of current mailing address; proof of the address reported on the property (if any). If the record has no address or SSN, proof of a business relationship with the company that reported it. Married co-owners file one claim together.¹⁵
• Claim filed in the owner's name and address; the owner's photo ID and proof of address; payment goes to the owner¹⁵
• Signed claim form; photo ID; full trust document; mailing addresses of all beneficiaries (plus death certificate and will if the owner died). DOR pays beneficiaries directly, not the trustee.¹⁵
• Signed claim form; trustee's photo ID; current trust bank statement; proof of mailing address; proof of reported address¹⁵
• Must contact the office by phone ((360) 534-1502, Option 1)²

A former address or a name change

• Old records proving the reported address, such as a utility bill, bank statement or tax record²
• Proof you did business with the reporting company, such as a receipt or statement with the owner's name and the company name²
• Marriage certificate, divorce decree or court document²

The owner has died (estate)

• Who may claim: heirs, beneficiaries, or a personal representative if probate is open. Without probate, heirs file a notarized Affidavit of Successor (Washington residents) or a Small Estate Affidavit (non-residents), with all heirs' addresses. A power of attorney ends at death. An executor must be court-appointed, with letters dated within 12 months. If there is no will, DOR's claim tool says a legal heir must be a lineal descendant under RCW 11.04.015, but that statute also provides for a surviving spouse or domestic partner, parents and other relatives. No small-estate dollar threshold is cited.¹⁵
• Signed claim form; heir's photo ID; death certificate; will and/or trust if any; notarized Affidavit of Successor (DOR supplies it after you file); mailing addresses of all heirs; proof of mailing address; proof of reported address. If the deceased was not a Washington resident, a notarized Small Estate Affidavit instead.¹⁵
• Signed claim form; heir's photo ID; death certificate; certified will and/or trust; mailing addresses of all heirs; proof of mailing address; proof of reported address¹⁵
• Signed claim form; heir's photo ID; death certificate; Declaration of Completion of Probate; mailing addresses of all heirs; proof of mailing address; proof of reported address¹⁵
• Signed claim form; executor's photo ID; death certificate; current Letters Testamentary/Administration dated within 12 months of filing (else possibly a current estate bank statement); proof of mailing address; proof of reported address¹⁵
• Signed claim form; trustee's photo ID; death certificate; current bank statement for the trust; will leaving funds to the trust; proof of mailing address; proof of reported address¹⁵

A business or government agency

• Signed claim form; photo ID of the filer; notarized Business Affidavit if the claim form instructions require it; proof of name change/merger/subsidiary if applicable; proof of the business's mailing address; proof of reported address. A parent claiming for a subsidiary must show authority.¹⁵
• Signed claim form; photo ID; final Schedule K-1 or other tax documents showing ownership percentages from the year it closed (not needed for non-profits or campaigns); mailing addresses of all other owners; proof of mailing address; proof of reported address¹⁵

Securities, safe deposit boxes and other cases

• Signed claim form; photo IDs of the owner and of the legal representative; copy of the power of attorney or letters of guardianship; proof of mailing address; proof of reported address. Check is payable to the owner, sent in care of the representative.¹⁵
• Signed claim form; guardian's photo ID; minor's photo ID or birth certificate; proof of mailing address; proof of reported address¹⁵
• Search the database (claim before the auction to get the items back; after the sale, the proceeds can be claimed). No separate document list is published.¹⁹
• Usually the sale proceeds; if DOR has not yet ordered a sale, the claimant may choose the shares or the proceeds. No separate document list is published.⁴

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

• Program currently says to allow a minimum of 90 business days (heavy volume). Its FAQ says up to 90 days. Checks are mailed 2-3 weeks after approval. By law DOR must decide within 90 days (otherwise the claim is deemed denied) and pay within 30 days of approval.³

How you are paid

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

• Paper check by mail²

Deadline

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

• No time limit, except FDIC-reported property (held 10 years, then returned to the FDIC)²

Contact the Washington unclaimed property office

When property becomes unclaimed: dormancy periods

In Washington most property is presumed abandoned after 3 years without owner contact.⁴ Wages move faster: 1 year.⁴ More on how this works: what happens after the dormancy period.

Other states: dormancy periods table.

• Minimum amounts: No minimum: all amounts are reportable. Owner-identifying details are required for items of $5 or more; items under $5 may be reported in aggregate (from Jan 1, 2026, previously $50). Holders must mail notice to owners for property of $50 or more (from Jan 1, 2026, previously $75).²⁵
• Gift cards: Gift certificates and gift cards that comply with RCW 19.240 are not unclaimed property. DOR's notice says those issued after July 1, 2004 need not be reported unless the company dissolves or goes into bankruptcy. Washington bans expiration dates, fees and dormancy charges on them. Only expiration dates have an exception, for awards/loyalty and donated charity certificates, and that date must be clearly disclosed. Balances under $5 can be cashed out. Cards issued July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2020 had wider exceptions, including a $1 monthly inactivity fee on some reloadable cards. If a certificate is reported in a business dissolution, the issuer need not honor it. Owners of cards from a closed business are told to email [email protected].⁴
• Published lists of owners: DOR must mail notice to owners of property valued at $50 or more (or email them). It must publish a notice every 12 months in a printed or online newspaper of general circulation, and keep a public searchable online database. Safe deposit auctions need a newspaper notice 3-5 weeks before the sale.⁴

Finder fees and heir finders in Washington

The legal limit in Washington: 5% of the value of the property reasonably expected to be recovered.⁴ That is the lowest flat cap in our finder-fee comparison. You never need a finder: claiming directly is free.²

• Are finders allowed? Yes.⁵
• Contract rules: The agreement must be in a signed record that states the nature of the property, the services, and the amount expected before and after the fee. Agreements over 5% are unenforceable, and the 5% limit covers all services by the locator. Mineral-proceeds clauses on minerals not yet abandoned are void. RCW 63.30.790 does not apply to an owner's agreement with an attorney to pursue a claim for specifically identified property or to contest a denial. DOR requires a notarized owner affidavit naming the agent, a statement about the 24-month rule, and a Washington UBI. Payment goes to the owner, not the locator.⁴
• The law: RCW 63.30.780, 63.30.790, 63.30.800⁴ (read the text)

Before signing with a finder, read how finders work.

How to spot Washington unclaimed property scams

Washington's official search is on ucp.dor.wa.gov, a .gov address.¹

What Washington warns about

• Be wary of anyone who wants a fee up front or a fee not based on a percentage of what you recover; legitimate locators are paid only after you get your property⁵
• You never have to pay a finder; searching and claiming are free²
• Money Match checks are real: they bear the state seal and the State Treasurer's signature; verify by email or phone¹¹
• Money Match checks are not stimulus payments¹¹
• To check the site's legitimacy, call the program¹
• Report concerns about an heir finder to the Better Business Bureau or the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division⁵
• Fraud is a real problem: $7.2 million in potentially fraudulent claims were denied in FY2025⁶

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

Washington unclaimed property in numbers

For businesses: reporting unclaimed property to Washington

• Report due: October 31 each year, covering the 12 months before July 1 (property dormant as of June 30). Insurance companies: April 30, for the prior calendar year. For 2026 the program said reports and payment were due on or before November 2 (October 31 fell on a Saturday).⁴
• Due diligence letters to owners: First-class mail notice to owners with a valid address for property of $50 or more (from Jan 1, 2026; previously $75). Send it 60-180 days before filing, plus email if the owner agreed to email delivery. The notice must use the statutory 'Notice' heading.⁴
• Where to report: ucp.dor.wa.gov/app/submit-a-report (free manual online report: ucp.dor.wa.gov/mor/report/holder)³¹
• File format: Electronic filing and payment are required: NAUPA-format file upload (NAUPA II) or manual online entry. Payment by ACH debit, card, ACH credit or wire. Paper filing or check payment draws a 5% penalty unless DOR grants relief for good cause. Negative reports only if DOR asks.³¹
• Penalties: Interest plus a 10% penalty for late reporting or payment. 10% on audit assessments. 5% added for not paying an assessment by its due date. 5% for not filing or paying electronically. Willful failure to report or notify: $100/day up to $5,000. Fraudulent report or evasion: $1,000/day up to $25,000 plus 25%. Penalties are cumulative.⁴
• Voluntary disclosure: Voluntary compliance agreement: email [email protected]. Typically granted only to first-time filers; in many cases past-due property is accepted without penalty and interest.²⁵

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

Other rules specific to Washington

• Law: Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act, chapter 63.30 RCW (effective January 1, 2023; enacted by 2022 c 225; amended by 2023 c 258, 2023 c 278 and, most recently, 2025 c 29 / SSB 5316). app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=63.30⁴
• Uniform act: Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (RUUPA), approved by the Uniform Law Commission in July 2016, as enacted with Washington changes⁸
• Run by the Department of Revenue (not the Treasurer), which acts only as custodian. Washington does not escheat (take ownership of) the property.⁸
• Money Match: automatic checks with no claim needed, launched in 2023 ($5.2 million in FY2025)⁶
• Fast Track: qualifying claims paid in five days or less ($6.1 million in FY2025)⁶
• Finder fees are capped at 5% (reaffirmed by SSB 5316, 2025)⁶
• Military medals are never sold. DOR holds over 100 waiting for owners and may place them with veterans' groups.³⁷
• Safe deposit contents are auctioned (James G. Murphy Co., online; 19th auction in May 2026). Proceeds, minus auction and bank fees, stay claimable forever. DOR does not auction land or vehicles.¹⁹
• Before paying a claim, DOR must first apply the money to child support arrears, court-ordered fines/restitution or delinquent state/local taxes the owner owes⁴
• FDIC-reported property is held only 10 years, then returned to the FDIC and no longer claimable from the state²
• By law DOR may not give or sell its owner list for commercial purposes (RCW 42.56.070)⁵
• Married co-owners file one claim and get a joint check; community property is split for divorced couples unless the decree says otherwise¹⁵
• Virtual currency must be liquidated by the holder within 30 days before filing the report; owners cannot recover later gains⁴
• Most holders report after 3 years, but government agencies and payroll after 1 year³⁸
• Holders need not notify owners of small items: businesses explain unnotified reports this way (notice threshold now $50; the claim FAQ still says $75)²
• Contract auditors (Kroll was paid the most) work on contingent fees. In FY2025 DOR paid them $4,787,998.22, which its report says is 15% of the value they brought in. Current RCW 63.30.650(4)(b) limits a contingent fee to 10%; the report does not explain the difference.⁶
• Not unclaimed property in Washington: loyalty cards, game-related digital content, store credit for returned merchandise, 529A (ABLE) plan property, complying gift certificates, and premiums paid by check by agricultural fairs⁴
• Activity in any account with the same business or financial organization counts as interest in the others, which restarts the abandonment clock⁴
• Holders must keep records for six years. DOR generally has six years after a report to assess, absent fraud, and ten years after the duty arose in any case⁴
• A holder that pays over in good faith after substantially complying with the notice rules is released, and the state defends and indemnifies it against later claims⁴

Washington unclaimed property: questions people ask

When is the Washington unclaimed property report due?

October 31 each year, covering the 12 months before July 1 (property dormant as of June 30).⁴ Details above.

Where do I search for Washington unclaimed property?

On the official search at ucp.dor.wa.gov.¹ Searching and claiming there is free.²

Is it free to claim unclaimed property in Washington?

Free: the State and DOR charge no fee to search or claim²

Moved? Neighboring programs

• Idaho unclaimed property
• Oregon 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. Claim Unclaimed Property – search Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (5)

   This free and secure service to search for and claim lost funds is provided by the State of Washington's Unclaimed Property Program.

   If you received a postcard, enter the Property ID number from the postcard in the Property ID field and click SEARCH.

   Otherwise, enter your last name or your business name in the Last or Business Name field and click SEARCH.

   If you did not find your expected results, click here to submit a search request.

   If you have any questions or concerns regarding the privacy of your information or the legitimacy of this website, please call our office at (360) 534-1502

2. FAQs – Claiming Property Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (16)

   Funds are sent via mail 2-3 weeks from your claim being approved.

   While we strive to complete the claim review and validation process as soon as possible, the process can take up to 90 days due to the volume of claims being received.

   There is no time limit for filing a claim.

   After ten years, the unclaimed property is sent back to the FDIC and the property is no longer available to be claimed.

   Neither the state of Washington or the Department of Revenue charge a fee for access to the Unclaimed Property data or to file a claim.

   You will be notified via email if/when your claim is approved for payment.

   If you are a non-US resident without a SSN or Tax ID, you must contact our office directly at 360-534-1502, Option 1 in order to claim your funds.

   Search your old records for proof of the reported address. Common records include: Utility Bill. Bank Statement. Tax Record.

   If a company does not report an address with a name, the claimant will be required to provide proof that they did business with the company who reported the property.

   Provide proof of the name change such as: Marriage Certificate. Divorce Decree. Court Document.

   Heirs of the original owner. Beneficiary. Personal Representative (if the estate is currently in probate).

   Gift card/certificates should never expire unless it was issued as part of a business’s loyalty card program.

   Send us an e-mail at [email protected].

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

   *Exception: Per the Federal Unclaimed Property Deposits Amendments Act of 1993, unclaimed property reported by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) will be held by the Washington State Department of Revenue for a period of ten years.

   Companies are not required to notify owners of items under $75.

3. Washington Unclaimed Property – program home Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (5)

   Please Note: We are currently experiencing a heavy volume of claims. Please allow a minimum of 90 business days for your claim to be processed.

   (1) Not later than 30 days after a claim is allowed under RCW 63.30.540(2), the administrator must pay or deliver to the owner the property or pay to the owner the net proceeds of a sale of the property, together with income or gain to which the owner is entitled under RCW 63.30.380.

   Department of Revenue Unclaimed Property Section PO Box 47477 Olympia, WA 98504-7477

   We've returned more than $1,912,308,092 that people forgot or didn't know existed!

   2026 Reporting Reminder: Please ensure that your 2026 Unclaimed Property report and payment are remitted on or before November 2nd.

4. Chapter 63.30 RCW – Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov · current RCW as displayed Nov. 3, 2026; official PDF of the chapter "Certified on 7/15/2026"; latest amendments shown are 2025 c 29, none from 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (64)

   (2) Not later than 90 days after a claim is filed under RCW 63.30.530(1), the administrator shall allow or deny the claim and give the claimant notice in a record of the decision.

   Property received by the administrator under this chapter is held in custody for the benefit of the owner and is not owned by the state.

   (2) An agreement under RCW 63.30.780 that provides for compensation in an amount that exceeds five percent of the value of the property reasonably expected to be recovered, is unenforceable.

   (1) "Administrator" means the department of revenue established under RCW 82.01.050.

   (2) The administrator may waive the requirement in subsection (1) of this section and may pay or deliver property directly to a person if:

   (2) Counties, cities, towns, and other municipal and quasi-municipal corporations that hold funds representing warrants canceled pursuant to RCW 36.22.100 and 39.56.040, uncashed checks, and property tax overpayments or refunds may retain the funds until the owner notifies them and establishes ownership as provided in this chapter.

   However, the local government remains liable to pay the intangible property to a person or entity subsequently establishing its ownership of this intangible property.

   (3) Courts may retain overpayments made in connection with any litigation, including traffic, criminal, and noncriminal matters, for amounts less than or equal to $10.

   If the property was an interest-bearing demand, savings, or time deposit, the administrator shall pay interest at the rate the property earned while in possession of the holder. Interest begins to accrue when the property is delivered to the administrator and ends on the earlier of the expiration of 10 years after its delivery or the date on which payment is made to the owner.

   Not later than one year after filing a claim under RCW 63.30.540(1), the claimant may commence an action against the administrator in Thurston county superior court to establish a claim that has been denied or deemed denied under RCW 63.30.540.

   (a) The administrator shall inform the claimant of the reason for the denial and specify what additional evidence, if any, is required for the claim to be allowed;

   (4) If the administrator does not take action on a claim during the 90-day period following the filing of a claim under RCW 63.30.530(1), the claim is deemed denied.

   However, if the administrator receives a claim for securities and the administrator has not ordered those securities to be sold as of the time the claim is received by the administrator, the claimant is entitled to receive either the securities delivered to the administrator by the holder, or the proceeds received from the sale, less any amounts deducted pursuant to RCW 63.30.490.

   (17) Property not specified in this section or RCW 63.30.050 through 63.30.100, 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.

   (11) Wages, commissions, or bonuses to which an employee is entitled, or other compensation for personal services, one year after the amount becomes payable;

   (5) A demand, savings, or time deposit, including a deposit that is automatically renewable, three years after the later of maturity, if applicable, of the deposit or the owner's last indication of interest in the deposit, except a deposit that is automatically renewable is deemed matured on its initial date of maturity unless the apparent owner consented in a record on file with the holder to renewal at or about the time of the renewal;

   (13) Payroll card, one year after the amount becomes payable;

   (1) Subject to RCW 63.30.120, a security is presumed abandoned three years after:

   (4) A debt of a business association, three years after the obligation to pay arises;

   (7) An amount owed by an insurance company on a life or endowment insurance policy or an annuity contract that has matured or terminated, three years after the obligation to pay arose under the terms of the policy or contract or, if a policy or contract for which an amount is owed on proof of death has not matured by proof of the death of the insured or annuitant, as follows:

   (6) Money or a credit owed to a customer as a result of a retail business transaction, three years after the obligation arose;

   (1) Subject to RCW 63.30.120, the net card value of a stored value card, other than a payroll card, is presumed abandoned on the latest of three years after:

   (2) A money order, five years after issuance;

   (1) A traveler's check, 15 years after issuance;

   (12) A deposit or refund owed to a subscriber by a utility, one year after the deposit or refund becomes payable;

   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:

   (10) Property held by a government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, including municipal bond interest and unredeemed principal under the administration of a paying agent or indenture trustee, one year after the property becomes distributable;

   (9) Property held by a court, including property received as proceeds of a class action, one year after the property becomes distributable;

   (8) Property distributable by a business association in the course of dissolution, one year after the property becomes distributable;

   (1) Subject to RCW 63.30.120, property held in a pension account or retirement account that qualifies for tax deferral under the income tax laws of the United States is presumed abandoned if it is unclaimed by the apparent owner three years after the later of:

   Subject to RCW 63.30.120 and except for property described in RCW 63.30.050 and property held in a plan described in section 529A of the internal revenue code, as it existed on January 1, 2023, 26 U.S.C. Sec. 529A, property held in an account or plan, including a health savings account, that qualifies for tax deferral under the income tax laws of the United States is presumed abandoned if it is unclaimed by the apparent owner three years after the earlier of:

   (1) Subject to RCW 63.30.120, property held in an account established under a state's uniform gifts to minors act or uniform transfers to minors act is presumed abandoned if it is unclaimed by or on behalf of the minor on whose behalf the account was opened three years after the later of:

   (1) The proceeds of any prearrangement funeral service contract for which money paid is required to be deposited in a trust, including money required to be deposited in a trust under RCW 18.39.250, is presumed abandoned three years after the earlier of the following:

   (14) Excess proceeds from the sale of property by an owner of a self-service storage facility conducted pursuant to RCW 19.150.080, one year from the date of sale;

   (3) A state or municipal bond, bearer bond, or original issue discount bond, not held by a government entity or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, three years after the earliest of the date the bond matures or is called or the obligation to pay the principal of the bond arises;

   (b) The value of the property is $50 or more.

   (iv) A gift certificate complying with chapter 19.240 RCW;

   (a) Publish every 12 months in the printed or online version of a newspaper of general circulation within this state, which the administrator determines is most likely to give notice to the apparent owner of the property, notice of property held by the administrator which must include:

   (a) Except as otherwise provided in (b) of this subsection, send written notice by first-class United States mail to each apparent owner of property valued at $50 or more held by the administrator, unless the administrator determines that a mailing by first-class United States mail would not be received by the apparent owner, and, in the case of a security held in an account for which the apparent owner had consented to receiving email from the holder, send notice by email if the email address of the apparent owner is known to the administrator instead of by first-class United States mail; or

   (1) Is in a record that clearly states the nature of the property and the services to be provided; (2) Is signed by or on behalf of the apparent owner; and (3) States the amount or value of the property reasonably expected to be recovered, computed before and after a fee or other compensation to be paid to the person has been deducted.

   (4) This section does not apply to an apparent owner's agreement with an attorney to pursue a claim for recovery of specifically identified property held by the administrator or to contest the administrator's denial of a claim for recovery of the property.

   An agreement by an apparent owner and another person, the primary purpose of which is to locate, deliver, recover, or assist in the location, delivery, or recovery of property held by the administrator, is enforceable only if the agreement:

   (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (2) of this section and subject to subsection (3) of this section, the report under RCW 63.30.220 must be filed and paid on or before October 31st of each year and cover the 12 months preceding July 1st of that year.

   (2) Subject to subsection (3) of this section, the report under RCW 63.30.220 to be filed by an insurance company must be filed and paid on or before April 30th of each year for the immediately preceding calendar year.

   (1) Subject to subsection (2) of this section, the holder of property presumed abandoned must send to the apparent owner notice by first-class United States mail that complies with RCW 63.30.290 in a format acceptable to the administrator not more than 180 days nor less than 60 days before filing the report under RCW 63.30.220 if:

   (4)(a) Reports due under this section must be filed electronically in a form or manner provided or authorized by the administrator.

   (2) If a holder fails to file any report or to pay or deliver any amounts or property when due under a report required under this chapter, there is assessed a penalty equal to 10 percent of the amount unpaid and the value of any property not delivered.

   (10) The penalties imposed in this section are cumulative.

   (b) The holder requests the waiver for a report required to be filed under RCW 63.30.220 and has timely filed as provided by RCW 63.30.240 all reports due under RCW 63.30.220 and paid or delivered all property associated with those reports for a period of 24 months immediately preceding the period covered by the report for which the waiver is being requested.

   This chapter may be cited as the revised uniform unclaimed property act.

   This act takes effect January 1, 2023.

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

   (3) Before delivery or payment to an owner under subsection (1) of this section of property or payment to the owner of net proceeds of a sale of the property, the administrator first must apply the property or net proceeds to a debt under subsection (2) of this section the administrator determines is owed by the owner.

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

   (b) A contingent fee arrangement may not provide for a payment that exceeds 10 percent of the amount or value of property paid or delivered as a result of the examination; and

   (iii) A loyalty card;

   (v) Store credit for returned merchandise; and

   (ii) Game-related digital content;

   (vi) A premium paid by an agricultural fair by check.

   (d) Either activity directed by an apparent owner in the account in which the property is held, or in another account of the apparent owner held by the same business association or financial organization, or both, including accessing the account or information concerning the account, or a direction by the apparent owner to increase, decrease, or otherwise change the amount or type of property held in the account;

   A holder required to file a report under RCW 63.30.220 must retain records for six years after the later of the date the report was filed or the last date a timely report was due to be filed, unless a shorter period is provided by rule of the administrator.

   (2) If a holder files a report meeting the requirements under RCW 63.30.220, the administrator, absent a showing of fraud, may not issue a determination of liability under RCW 63.30.680 more than six years after the holder filed the report.

   The administrator may not issue a determination of liability under RCW 63.30.680 or otherwise commence an action, proceeding, or examination with respect to a reporting obligation or other duty of a holder under this chapter more than 10 years after the duty arose

   (2) This state shall defend and indemnify a holder against liability on a claim against the holder resulting from the payment or delivery of property to the administrator made in good faith and after the holder substantially complied with RCW 63.30.280 and 63.30.290.

5. Heir Finder / Asset Locator – Consumer Information Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (9)

   No one may charge a fee greater than five percent for property reported to the state of Washington, and an agreement for such a fee can be declared void by the apparent owner or the administrator if the compensation exceeds five percent of the value of the property reasonably expected to be recovered (RCW 63.30.780 and RCW 63.30.790.)

   When filing a claim, provide a notarized affidavit signed by the unclaimed property owner authorizing the agent to act as the owner’s representative.

   Heir finders and asset locators help reunite owners with their property for a fee.

   When filing a claim, provide a notarized affidavit signed by the unclaimed property owner authorizing the agent to act as the owner’s representative. A statement must be included on the affidavit that it is unlawful for any person to receive a fee or compensation on property received within 24 months of the holder (business) delivering the property to the Department of Revenue and that the owner is aware of such limitations.

   The agent understands that the department will send funds directly to the owner and that the agent is responsible for collecting their fee from the owner.

   This fee limit applies to all services conducted by the locator.

   Be suspicious of anyone who tries to charge a fee before you receive your property or tries to charge a fee other than a percentage of the money to be returned to you.

   If you have concerns about an heir finder or asset locator, contact your Better Business Bureau

   Law RCW 42.56.070 prohibits the department from giving or selling our unclaimed property owner list for commercial purposes.

6. 2025 Unclaimed Property Report (FY2025) Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · UCP0001 02/09/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (18)

   The bill also reestablishes a firm 5% cap on finder’s fees, reinforcing the state’s commitment to preventing predatory practices in the unclaimed property process.

   The Fast Track process expedites claims that meet certain criteria, allowing payments to be issued within five days or less.

   said Liz Black, Revenue’s UCP program administrator.

   The denied-claim total also reflects claims identified as potentially fraudulent.

   Currently, there is over $2.8 billion of unclaimed property available to be claimed.

   In fiscal year 2025 (FY25), the program achieved another record-breaking year, receiving $503 million in unclaimed property and returning an all-time high of $182 million to the rightful owners.

   389,759 claims approved.

   Total property $503,726,750

   In FY25, these potentially fraudulent claims amounted to $7.2 million, representing 38.5% of all claims denied during the year.

   Denied $18.7 million

   In FY25, it sent out $5.2 million to Washington residents.

   In FY25, the department returned $6.1 million through this streamlined system.

   Each year, more than 25,000 businesses report unclaimed property to the state of Washington.

   recovered through audit, compliance, and outreach/ education efforts.*

   Pending $4.3 million

   Launched in 2023, the Money Match Program continues to expand access by automatically matching property with its rightful owners.

   In FY25, the department paid $4,787,998.22 in compensation to contracted auditors.

   This amount represents 15% of the total cash and stock value remitted from contract auditors, totaling $31.2 million.

7. Contact Us Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (6)

   360-534-1502, Option 1

   [email protected]

   [email protected]

   PO Box 47477 Olympia, WA 98504-7477

   PO Box 34053 Seattle, WA 98124-1053

   Monday - Tuesday: 8am - 5pm Wednesday: 9am - 5pm Thursday - Friday: 8am - 5pm All times are Pacific.

8. Washington State Unclaimed Property – General Information Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · UCP0046 07/29/2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (6)

   Owners are not charged a fee to reclaim their property.

   Interest-bearing accounts earn interest as reported for up to 10 years.

   Beginning January 1, 2026, due diligence letters are required on all amounts $50 and above.

   The Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (RUUPA) protects unclaimed property until it is returned to its rightful owners or their heirs.

   Completed by the Uniform Law Commission in 2016.

   Washington State does not escheat abandoned property, but holds it in trust for the owner in perpetuity.

9. Feb. 1 is National Unclaimed Property Day! (news release) Washington State Department of Revenue · dor.wa.gov · Jan. 31, 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (1)

   The state currently holds $2.4 billion in uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, forgotten deposits, and other property for Washington residents and businesses.

10. What Is Unclaimed Property? Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    The Department of Revenue administers Washington’s Unclaimed Property Program as a free public service.

11. Money Match Program Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)

    is a new program that automatically returns unclaimed property to Washingtonians without requiring the owner to file a claim or submit documentation based on specific criteria.

    The check contains the state seal and is signed by State Treasurer Michael J. Pellicciotti.

    You have received a check from the state of Washington. The check contains the state seal and is signed by State Treasurer Michael J. Pellicciotti. This is not a scam.

    No, this money is not associated with federal or state stimulus checks.

12. Local Governments – unclaimed property guide Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · UCP0020 09/08/2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    A public transportation authority that holds funds representing value of abandoned fare cards may retain the funds until the owner notifies the authority and establishes ownership.

13. FAQs – Useful Links Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    If you are a former public employee but did not become vested, search here to see if you have money remaining in your retirement account.

14. How to Claim Property Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    1. Search For Property 2. Submit A Claim 3. Complete Your Claim 4. Track Your Claim's Progress

    If you find property that belongs to you, click Claim. Click on the CONTINUE TO FILE CLAIM button to start the claim process.

15. UCP – What type of documentation will I need to provide? (DOR interactive claim tool, hosted on Alchemer) Washington State Department of Revenue · survey.alchemer.com · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (21)

    For claims that are not automatically approved, you will receive instructions on the claim form via email with attached pdf file.

    Notarized Affidavit of Successor Form***

    Please choose Legal Representative from the claimant relationship dropdown.

    Copy of current photo ID or Birth Certificate for the minor

    Signed Claim Form Copy of current photo ID Proof of current mailing address (address you would like the funds mailed to) Proof of the address reported on the property, if there is one

    If you and your spouse are listed as owners for the same property and you are currently married, please file the claim together under one claim.

    If you are helping someone fill out the claim, enter their personal information and mailing address into the claim form. Any payment will be mailed to them at their address.

    Please Note: If the trust is terminated, we will no longer pay the trustee. We will pay directly to the beneficiaries.

    Copy of current bank statement for the Trust

    Important: If no will exists. To qualify as a legal heir in the State of Washington the individual must be a lineal descendant as defined in RCW 11. 04.015.

    If the person is deceased, power of attorney no longer applies.

    Please Note: If the descendant was not a resident of Washington at the time of death we will require a notarized Small Estate Affidavit*** in lieu of the Affidavit of Successor Form.

    Copy of the Certified Will and/or Trust

    Copy of the Declaration of Completion of Probate

    Please Note: Current Letters of Testamentary must be dated within 12 months of the day the claim is filed. If older, we may require a copy of a current bank statement for the estate.

    Copy of will leaving funds to the trust

    Notarized Business Affidavit (dependent on Claim Form Instructions)***

    Copy of Final Schedule K-1 or other tax documentation showing percentage of ownership from the year the business closed

    Copy of the Power of Attorney or Letters of Guardianship

    Checks are written to the reported owner of the property and sent in care of the Legal Representative, to the address provided on the claim form.

    We split community property for divorced couples unless otherwise specified in the divorce decree.

16. Upload Claim Documentation Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Certain claims require original documents in order to process and therefore cannot be uploaded to the website.

    ONLY FIVE DOCUMENTS MAY BE UPLOADED AT A TIME.

17. RCW 11.04.015 Descent and distribution Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov · as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (1) Share of surviving spouse or state registered domestic partner.

18. Escheat Washington State Department of Revenue · dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    A legal heir includes any blood descendant of a decedent's grandparents ( RCW 11.04.015 ).

    Yes, unclaimed property refers to property being held by an organization that has had no contact with the owner for an extended period and there is no knowledge of the person's death.

19. Lost treasures up for bid during state Unclaimed Property auction (news release) Washington State Department of Revenue · dor.wa.gov · May 7, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    Owners can claim their property until the item is auctioned by immediately initiating a claim.

    The state doesn’t profit from the sale of the unclaimed items. All cash proceeds, minus auction and bank fees, are held in the safe deposit box owner’s name for the owner or an heir to claim.

    Revenue’s Unclaimed Property program has been conducting safe deposit box auctions since 1983. This is the agency’s 19th auction.

20. NAUPA – Washington reporting information National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators · unclaimed.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Director: Liz Black, Unclaimed Property Administrator

21. Find your money on Unclaimed Property Day Feb. 1! (news release) Washington State Department of Revenue · dor.wa.gov · Jan. 28, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    To see if you have unclaimed property, visit Washington’s unclaimed property website, claimyourcash.org.

22. Forms Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Holder Forms:

23. Final Bill Report SSB 5316 (C 29 L 25) Washington State Legislature · lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov · 2025 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    changing employee reimbursements from a one-year abandonment period to a three- year abandonment period;

    changing excess proceeds from the sale of self-service storage facility property from a six-month abandonment period to a one-year abandonment period;

24. Property Category Code Table Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    CK01 Cashier’s checks ..................................... (3)

25. FAQs – Reporting Property Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    No. The Act does not provide an exemption based on a minimum amount.

    Please note that extensions may be approved for up to 30 days.

    Email [email protected] to request a voluntary compliance agreement. Please note that voluntary compliance agreements are typically only granted for first time filers.

26. Guide to Reporting Unclaimed Property Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · UCP0019 08/03/26 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Effective January 1, 2026, aggregate item threshold changes from $50 to $5 per item.

    In many cases, we can accept past due property without the assessment of penalty and interest.

27. Chapter 19.240 RCW – Gift certificates Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov · current RCW as displayed Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    (1) Except as provided in RCW 19.240.030, it is unlawful for any person or entity to issue, or to enforce against a bearer, a gift certificate that contains: (a) An expiration date; (b) Any fee, including a service fee; or (c) A dormancy or inactivity charge.

    An issuer is not required to honor a gift certificate presumed abandoned under chapter 63.30 RCW, if reported and delivered to the department of revenue in the dissolution of a business association.

28. Special Notice – Changes to gift certificates and gift cards Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · May 20, 2020 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Gift certificates issued after July 1, 2004, are not required to be reported as unclaimed property unless the company dissolves or goes into bankruptcy.

    Businesses may charge a $1 per month inactivity fee after 24 consecutive months of inactivity on reloadable gift cards if the balance is $5 or less and they disclose the fee on the gift card.

29. Laws of 2025, ch. 29 (SSB 5316), session law Washington State Legislature · lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov · Effective July 27, 2025; sections 8 and 10-12 January 1, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    by a holder to the administrator and ending 24 months after the

30. Auctions Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Our last auction was held in May 2026. At that time, we sold more than 2,837 items for a total of $1,041,894.53 in gross proceeds.

31. Submit a Report Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (3)

    If you have a small number of properties to report, you can enter them individually into the system. Click on ENTER A MANUAL REPORT.

    Report with property (NAUPA formatted files only):

    Holders are no longer required to file a Negative (no property) report unless requested by the department to do so.

32. Manual Online Reporting (holder manual report app) Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · archived copy, captured May 24, 2025 (view capture) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    MANUAL ONLINE REPORTING

33. Chapter 63.30 RCW, official combined PDF Washington State Legislature · app.leg.wa.gov · Certified on 7/15/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Certified on 7/15/2026 Combined Chapter 63.30 RCW Page 1

34. Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (2016) Uniform Law Commission · uniformlaws.org · Approved July 2016; copy dated May 26, 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    REVISED UNIFORM UNCLAIMED PROPERTY ACT drafted by the NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF COMMISSIONERS ON UNIFORM STATE LAWS

35. Final Bill Report ESSB 5531 (C 225 L 22) Washington State Legislature · lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov · 2022 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Wilson, L. and Mullet; by request of Uniform Law Commission).

36. Unclaimed Property Act, Revised: act page and enactment report (Bill List) Uniform Law Commission · uniformlaws.org · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Washington 2022 SB 5531 Enacted

37. Military Medals Washington State Department of Revenue · ucp.dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    We currently hold over 100 medals waiting to be returned to their owners.

38. Unclaimed property (UCP) – DOR overview Washington State Department of Revenue · dor.wa.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Property is usually considered unclaimed after three years for most businesses or after one year for government entities, at which point it is turned over to the state of Washington.