West Virginia Unclaimed Property: How to Search and Claim for Free

How to search for West Virginia unclaimed property

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

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

Fast-track and automatic payments

• WV Cash Now: once a year, certain single-owner properties under $5,000 that the Treasurer can verify from its databases are paid automatically, with no claim. Notice letters go out in July and checks in the fall. Businesses, estates and securities are not eligible.⁷

How to claim unclaimed property in West Virginia, step by step

Claims can be filed online on the official site.² Cost: Free. The Treasurer charges nothing to search or claim.⁴

1. Search by name on the official site (last or business name, optional first name; narrow by city or ZIP).⁸
2. Select your property and click CONTINUE TO FILE CLAIM.⁸
3. Choose your relationship to the owner for each property (owner, heir, business, legal representative, trust).³
4. Enter your details, including a current physical mailing address (not a PO box), then preview and submit to get a claim number.³
5. Gather the documents listed on the claim form attachment emailed to you. Most claims need the signed claim form, a photo ID copy and a document showing your Social Security number.⁹
6. Upload the documents online (with your claim ID) or mail them to PO Box 4228, Charleston, WV 25364.⁹
7. Track the claim with your claim number on the status page. You are emailed if and when the claim is approved for payment.¹⁰

• Notary: Depends on the amount and type of claim: needed if your form has a notarized-signature section. The estate, corporate, previous-address, lost-instrument and power-of-attorney forms all have notary blocks.⁴
• Interest: Only on property that earned interest: 4% a year (or the lower rate it earned) on interest-bearing deposits, and on other property up to 4% a year of its value at delivery. Paid for at most three years after delivery. Most cash property earns none.¹¹
• If a claim is denied: If denied, you are told why and what evidence is needed. You may file a new claim, or sue in Kanawha County Circuit Court if denied or not decided within 90 days; the court may award reasonable attorney's fees.¹²

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 a valid driver's license, and a document showing the Social Security number (e.g., Social Security card or W-2).⁵

A former address or a name change

• Proof of the reported old address: e.g., old utility bill, insurance statement, tax return, rental agreement or tax record.⁴
• The Division helps look for a link. If ownership still cannot be shown, you may need a letter of verification from the company that reported the property. Such claims are decided case by case.⁴
• Copy of a marriage certificate or court document showing the change.⁴

The owner has died (estate)

• Open estate: the court-appointed executor or administrator files. Closed estate: the heirs file. No will or estate: the surviving spouse or other heirs may be able to file, using the Estate Claim Declaration and Table of Heirship.⁴
• The executor or administrator named by a probate court files for the estate while it is open.⁴
• The heirs to the estate file. A certified copy of the will and/or final settlement comes from the county courthouse where the estate was filed and must show the court stamp.⁴
• A notarized Estate Claim Declaration with the death certificate, the will if any, and a Table of Heirship. Either every remaining heir signs a notarized Limited Power of Attorney, or you claim only your share.¹³

You are an heir

• Each co-owner or other heir signs a notarized Limited Power of Attorney and includes a driver's license copy. Not used by a sole owner.¹⁴

A business or government agency

• Claim type 'Open Business'. Agents for a business use the notarized Business Power of Attorney.⁵
• Notarized Corporate Claim Declaration with the Secretary of State's Certificate of Dissolution, plus proof depending on whether you are a creditor (writ of execution), an asset owner, a shareholder (list of shares) or a nonprofit member.¹⁵

Securities, safe deposit boxes and other cases

• A copy of a tax return, an insurance card listing the number, or any other document showing the SSN.⁴
• Claim type 'Legal Representative'. Heirs and executors must not use this type.⁵
• Notarized Lost Instrument Affidavit if the original stock or bond certificate or cashier's check was lost or destroyed. Interest-bearing or securities property also needs a W-9.¹⁶
• Some claims need original documents and cannot be uploaded. The claim form says which.¹⁷

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

• Up to 90 days, handled in the order received. By law the Treasurer must allow or deny within 90 days of filing and pay within 30 days of approval.⁴

How you are paid

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

• Check mailed to the claimant's validated physical address.³

Deadline

There is no deadline for owners and heirs in West Virginia.

• No time limit.⁴

Contact the West Virginia unclaimed property office

When property becomes unclaimed: dormancy periods

In West Virginia most property is presumed abandoned after 3 years without owner contact.²³ Wages move faster: 1 year.²³ Bank accounts: 5 years.²³ More on how this works: what happens after the dormancy period.

Other states: dormancy periods table.

• Minimum amounts: No minimum: holders report everything. Items under $50 may be reported in aggregate without owner names. The Treasurer need not list properties under $50 in the online database or newspaper bulletin.²⁸
• Gift cards: Gift certificates are reportable after 3 years (from December 31 of the year sold). If redeemable only in merchandise, 60% of face value is reportable.²³
• Published lists of owners: A newspaper bulletin listing up to 15,000 recently received properties must be published in every county by November 30 each year (a county may get an advertisement instead if a bulletin is not cost-effective). The Treasurer must also keep a public searchable online database.²⁹

Finder fees and heir finders in West Virginia

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

• Contract rules: No finder-contract rules in law. The Treasurer warns that it never charges and never refers owners to third parties, and asks people to report anyone offering to find property for a fee. Claim records are confidential and open only to the owner, personal representative, next of kin, attorney, or a person entitled to inherit.⁴

Before signing with a finder, read how finders work.

How to spot West Virginia unclaimed property scams

West Virginia's official search is on wvunclaimedproperty.gov, a .gov address.¹

What West Virginia warns about

• The Treasurer never charges to search or claim and never refers owners to third parties. Contact the office if someone offers to find your property for a fee.⁴
• Searches and claims are free through the Treasurer's office.²
• WV Cash Now letters are sent in July partly to assure people that the program is real and not a scam.⁷
• If you doubt the website is genuine, call (800) 642-8687.¹

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

West Virginia unclaimed property in numbers

For businesses: reporting unclaimed property to West Virginia

• Report due: Before November 1 each year, covering July 1–June 30. Life insurers: before May 1, covering the prior calendar year. Law enforcement agencies (stolen/abandoned property): on or before September 1.³⁴
• Due diligence letters to owners: First-class letter to owners with property of $50 or more (or any safe deposit box) not more than 120 and not less than 60 days before filing, unless the address is known bad. The holder files an affidavit of compliance. The letter must give a reply date at least 15 business days before remittance.³⁴
• Where to report: wvunclaimedproperty.gov/app/submit-a-report³⁵
• File format: Electronic only: NAUPA II file (.txt, .hrs or .rpt) uploaded online, or the Manual Online Reporting system. Negative reports are not required unless an extension was filed; if filed, they must be filed online. Safe deposit box (tangible) reports are filed separately from intangible property.²⁸
• Penalties: 12% a year interest on late property, plus $200 a day (max $5,000). Willful failure: $1,000 a day (max $25,000) plus 25% of unreported value. Fraudulent report: same as willful. Interest and the late and willful-failure penalties may be waived for good cause, and penalties must be waived if the holder acted in good faith and without negligence; the waiver clause does not mention the fraud penalty.³⁶
• Voluntary disclosure: Voluntary compliance program for holders not in compliance; holders under audit by WV or any other state are not eligible. Contact [email protected].³⁷

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

Other rules specific to West Virginia

• Law: W. Va. Code Chapter 36, Article 8 (§36-8-1 et seq.), the Uniform Unclaimed Property Act; code.wvlegislature.gov/36-8³⁸
• Uniform act: 'Uniform Unclaimed Property Act' (short title), effective July 1, 1997. The statute does not say which Uniform Law Commission version.³⁹
• WV Cash Now (since 2022): automatic yearly checks without a claim for verifiable single-owner property under $5,000. In 2026: letters in July; checks were reported as sent by 9/21/2026 (the program page says October); 2,081 people paid $2,448,080.27. Checks must be cashed within six months.⁷
• The online search does not show amounts. By law (§36-8-25) owner records, including the dollar amount, are confidential.⁴
• Safe deposit box contents are sold in periodic online auctions (GovDeals). Proceeds stay in the original owner's name.²
• Military medals and decorations may not be sold. With the receiving organization's consent, they may be placed in custody for the owner with a 501(c)(19) veterans group, the awarding agency, or the WV Department of Arts, Culture and History or another government entity.⁴⁰
• Law enforcement unclaimed property program: police agencies report stolen or abandoned property after 6 months. Firearms are auctioned only to federally licensed dealers, and proceeds go back to the agencies. Next online auction: Nov 16–30, 2026.⁴¹
• Oil and gas (and coal) royalties owed to unknown or unlocatable owners go to the Treasurer under the Unknown and Unlocatable Interest Owners Act after 120 days. Owners claim them the same way as other property.⁴⁰
• U.S. savings bonds: West Virginia can take title by court judgment (escheat), not just custody, five years after final maturity plus one year. Later claimants may still be paid at the Treasurer's discretion, less costs.²⁶
• Safe deposit box holders may be repaid up to $150 for drilling and unpaid rent, but only after the contents are claimed and returned to the owner.⁴²
• Leftover money in the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund can be moved to other state uses: the Treasurer may move $1 million a year to the Jumpstart Savings Trust Fund (until an actuary certifies it is funded), up to $10 million in total to the Military Authority Reimbursable Expenditure Fund, and up to $8 million (by July 15, 2024) to the Veterans' Home Loan Mortgage Fund; the rest goes to General Revenue. Owners' claims are still paid.⁴³
• Taxes: most returned property is not taxed, but interest, stock and securities proceeds may get a 1099, mailed at the end of January.²
• Outreach: Treasury booths at fairs and festivals, letters, phone calls and 'Treasury Day' county events. At the 2026 State Fair, 1,375 successful searches found $441,687.⁴⁴
• Worthless securities need not be reported. If one regains value, it must be reported based on its original last-activity date, with no late penalties.²⁸

West Virginia unclaimed property: questions people ask

Where do I search for West Virginia unclaimed property?

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

Is the West Virginia unclaimed property site legitimate?

Yes, if it is wvunclaimedproperty.gov:¹ the program is run by the West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division.⁵ What the program warns about.

When is the West Virginia unclaimed property report due?

Before November 1 each year, covering July 1–June 30.³⁴ Details above.

Is it free to claim unclaimed property in West Virginia?

Free. The Treasurer charges nothing to search or claim.⁴

Moved? Neighboring programs

• Ohio unclaimed property
• Pennsylvania unclaimed property
• Maryland unclaimed property
• Virginia unclaimed property
• Kentucky 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. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: Search for Unclaimed Property West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   To begin your search, enter your last name, or the name of your business. To better refine your results, you may also enter your first name. Exact name matches will be shown first.

   If you have any questions or concerns regarding the privacy of your information or the legitimacy of this website, please call our office at 1.800.642.8687.

2. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: FAQs: General West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (5)

   If you find your name, you can start your claim online (additional information may be requested for certain claims.) You can also call our office to request a claim form.

   To conduct a name search over the phone or for other unclaimed property assistance, call our toll free hotline at: 1.800.642.8687 or email [email protected].

   Remember - Unclaimed property searches and claims are FREE through the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office.

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

   1099’s are mailed to claimants, per the address on the claim form, at the end of January for eligible claims paid in the previous calendar year.

3. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: How to Claim: Submit a Claim West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   This is to ensure we are sending your check to a valid mailing address.

   Once you have selected the property(ies) you wish to claim, select your ‘Relationship to Owner’ for each property you are claiming depending on the applicable situation.

   This should include your current physical mailing address (NOT a post office box), as this information will be validated and used for the purpose of reuniting you with your property.

4. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: FAQs: Claiming Property West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (13)

   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 claims.

   The West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office does not charge a fee to search for or claim unclaimed property.

   It depends on the dollar amount of the claim and the type of item being claimed. If your form includes a section asking for a notarized signature, then yes, it is needed.

   Some common examples include a copy of an old utility bill, insurance statement, tax return, rental agreement, or tax record.

   When all efforts have been exhausted and ownership cannot be proven, you may be required to obtain a letter of verification from the company that reported the property.

   A copy of a marriage certificate or court document showing the name change will suffice as proof.

   If the deceased owner had no will or estate, the surviving spouse or other heirs of the deceased owner may be able to file a claim.

   If you have been named by a probate court as the executor or administrator over that person’s estate, you are authorized to file a claim on behalf of the estate if the estate is still open.

   A certified copy must show the court stamp which indicates the will and/or final settlement is the final document on file for an individual.

   A copy of a tax return, insurance card (if the number is listed), or any other document that shows your social security number will suffice.

   Also, our office does not direct unclaimed property owners to a third party. If you are contacted by an individual offering to find you unclaimed property for a fee, please contact our office.

   As a result, all information regarding the rightful owner including the dollar amount of the property will not be disclosed.

5. Unclaimed Property Paper Claim Form West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · Revised 01/25 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (5)

   West Virginia State Treasurer's Office Unclaimed Property Division

   Documentation of Social Security Number such as a social security card or W-2

   Open Business - The reported owner is a business that is open and in operation.

   If you are an heir or an executor of an estate, do NOT select Legal Representative as a claim type.

   www.wvunclaimedproperty.gov

6. Treasurer Pack Returns Nearly $23,000 in Unclaimed Property Funds During Fayette County 'Treasury Day' West Virginia State Treasurer's Office · wvtreasury.gov · 10/14/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

   The State Treasurer’s Office has more than $530 million worth of listings in its database statewide.

   There are more than 92,000 unclaimed property listings worth more than $10.7 million in Fayette County.

7. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: WV Cash Now West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

   The West Virginia Cash Now program only applies to certain single-owner properties valued at less than $5,000 that can be verified by the Treasurer’s Office databases without the need for additional documentation.

   The purpose of the letter is to give the owner advance notice that they have been identified as a WV Cash Now recipient, to verify their mailing address is accurate, and to assure the public that this is a valid program of the Treasurer’s Office and not a scam.

   Checks must be cashed within six months

8. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: How to Claim: Search West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (2)

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

   Once you’ve found the property that belongs to you, check the select box and click the green CONTINUE TO FILE CLAIM button to begin the claims process.

9. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: How to Claim: Complete Your Claim West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
   Quoted text (3)

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

   Either upload your documents via our secure link OR mail your documentation to the following address:

   West Virginia State Treasurer's Office Unclaimed Property Division Post Office Box 4228 Charleston, WV 25364

10. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: How to Claim: Track West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Enter your claim number at any time via our Status Page to receive the most recent status.

11. W. Va. Code §36-8-11. Crediting of dividends, interest and increments to owner's account. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    If the property was an interest bearing demand, savings or time deposit, including a deposit that is automatically renewable, the administrator shall pay interest at a rate of four percent per year or any lesser rate the property earned at the time the property was delivered to the administrator.

12. W. Va. Code §36-8-16. Action to establish claim. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    A person aggrieved by a decision of the administrator or whose claim has not been acted upon within ninety days after its filing may maintain an original action to establish the claim in the circuit court of Kanawha County, naming the administrator as a defendant.

13. Unclaimed Property Estate Claim Declaration West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · Revised August 2021 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    each of the Reported Owner’s remaining heirs has signed a limited power of attorney, authorizing me to collect the property on his of her behalf, and attached to this document, OR

14. Limited Power of Attorney to Collect Unclaimed Property West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · Revised December 2024 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    If you are claiming the property on behalf of additional individuals who co-own said property, or on behalf of other heirs of an estate (settled or otherwise), then this form must be completed by each co-owner.

15. Declaration for Claiming Property Reported in the Name of a Corporation West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · Revised January 2021 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    That a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Secretary of State for the Corporation is attached.

16. Lost Instrument Affidavit West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · Revised January 2021 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Under penalty of perjury, I, _________________________ do hereby swear or affirm that the stock or bond certificate(s) or cashier’s check issued by

17. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: Upload Claim Documentation West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

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

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

    Larry Pack was elected West Virginia’s 26th State Treasurer in 2024.

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

    Claim Forms:

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

    Claims:[email protected]

21. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: Home West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    322 70th Street SE Charleston, WV 25304 WV Treasury Building 2

    $400,781,638

22. Contact Information West Virginia State Treasurer's Office · wvtreasury.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    8:30am-4:30pm (ET)

23. 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 (18)

    (18) All other property, three years after the owner’s right to demand the property or after the obligation to pay or distribute the property arises, whichever first occurs.

    (12) Wages or other compensation for personal services, one year after the compensation becomes payable;

    (5) A demand, savings, or time deposit, including a deposit that is automatically renewable, five years after the maturity of 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;

    (3) Stock or other equity interest in a business association or financial organization, including a security entitlement under article eight of the uniform commercial code, five years after the earlier of:

    (4) Debt of a business association or financial organization, other than a bearer bond or an original issue discount bond, three years after the date of the most recent interest payment unclaimed by the apparent owner;

    (1) Traveler’s check, 15 years after issuance;

    (2) Money order, seven years after issuance;

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

    (7) Gift certificate, three years after December 31, of the year in which the certificate was sold, but if redeemable in merchandise only, the amount abandoned is deemed to be 60 percent of the certificate’s face value;

    (8) Amount owed by an insurer on a life or endowment insurance policy or an annuity that has matured or terminated, three years after the obligation to pay arose or, in the case of a policy or annuity payable upon proof of death, three years after the insured has attained, or would have attained if living, the limiting age under the mortality table on which the reserve is based;

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

    (10) Property received by a court as proceeds of a class action, and not distributed pursuant to the judgment, one year after the distribution date;

    (11) Property held by a court, government, governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, one year after the property becomes distributable;

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

    (14) Property in an individual retirement account, defined benefit plan, or other account or plan that is qualified for tax deferral under the income tax laws of the United States, three years after the earliest of the date of the distribution or attempted distribution of the property, the date of the required distribution as stated in the plan or trust agreement governing the plan, or the date, if determinable by the holder, specified in the income tax laws of the United States by which distribution of the property must begin in order to avoid a tax penalty;

    (15) Warrants for payment issued by the State of West Virginia which have not been presented for payment, within six months of the date of issuance;

    (16) All funds held by a fiduciary, including the state Municipal Bond Commission, for the payment of a note, bond, debenture, or other evidence or indebtedness, three years after the principal maturity date,

    (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

24. WV Property Type Codes with Dormancy Periods West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · Effective June 10, 2022; March 2024 Update · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (4)

    CK01 Cashier's Checks 3

    MI02 Royalties 3

    HS01 Health Savings Account 3

    CK04 Treasurer's Checks - WV 6m

25. W. Va. Code §36-8-3. Contents of safe deposit box or other safekeeping depository. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · 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.

26. W. Va. Code §36-8-2a. Escheat of United States savings bonds. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    (2) The United States savings bond has remained unclaimed and unredeemed for a period of five years after final maturity.

27. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: Law Enforcement Holders West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Law enforcement cashLE016 monthsLaw enforcement tangiblesLE986 months

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

    No. Businesses must report all unclaimed property, no matter how small.

    Yes. All reports must be filed electronically. You can file your report through our website secure portal.

    No. West Virginia no longer requires a report for worthless securities.

29. W. Va. Code §36-8-9. Notice and publication of lists of abandoned property. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    The administrator shall publish a bulletin no later than November 30 of each year, listing the names of the apparent owners of up to 15,000 properties recently paid or delivered to the administrator.

30. FY 2026 Annual Report (W. Va. Code §36-8-33) West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · FY2026 (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026) · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    Total Claims Paid - $40,200,000

    Total Remittance - $91,200,000

31. Treasurer Pack Announces Near Record-Breaking Year for Unclaimed Property Returns West Virginia State Treasurer's Office · wvtreasury.gov · 7/23/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    During Fiscal Year 2026, which started July 1, 2025 and ended June 30, 2026, the Unclaimed Property Division returned a total of $40,168,816.26, nearing the previous record of $40.6 million set during the prior fiscal year.

    The nearly $40.2 million during Fiscal Year 2026 was paid out across 25,407 claims representing 95,760 properties including individuals, businesses and other organizations.

32. Treasurer Pack Announces More Than $2.4 Million Unclaimed Property Funds Returned During September West Virginia State Treasurer's Office · wvtreasury.gov · 10/8/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    Since the start of Fiscal Year 2027, which began on July 1, 2026, the Treasurer’s Office has returned more than $9.4 million to rightful owners.

33. Treasurer Pack Announces Nearly $2.5 Million in 'West Virginia Cash Now' Checks Mailed to Recipients West Virginia State Treasurer's Office · wvtreasury.gov · 9/21/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (1)

    A total of 2,081 individuals will receive checks as part of this year’s distribution, representing a total of $2,448,080.27 returned to rightful owners.

34. W. Va. Code §36-8-7. Report of abandoned property. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
    Quoted text (2)

    (d) The report must be filed before November 1, of each year and cover the twelve months next preceding July 1, of that year, but a report with respect to a life insurance company must be filed before May 1 of each year for the calendar year next preceding.

    (e) The holder of property presumed abandoned shall send written notice to the apparent owner, not more than one hundred twenty days or less than sixty days before filing the report, stating that the holder is in possession of property subject to this article, if:

35. West Virginia Unclaimed Property: Submit a Report West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    Report files must be created using any commercial reporting system that generates the file in a NAUPA2 format.

36. W. Va. Code §36-8-24. Interest and penalties. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    (a) A holder who fails to report, pay or deliver property within the time prescribed by this article shall pay to the administrator interest at the annual rate of twelve percent on the property or value thereof from the date the property should have been reported, paid or delivered.

37. Guidelines for Preparing Unclaimed Property Reports West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division · wvunclaimedproperty.gov · Revised August 2023 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    If a holder finds they are not in compliance with Unclaimed Property laws, the State Treasurer’s Office offers a voluntary compliance program.

38. W. Va. Code §36-8-30. Short title. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    This article may be cited as the "Uniform Unclaimed Property Act".

39. W. Va. Code §36-8-32. Effective date. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    This article shall take effect on July 1, 1997.

40. 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
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    14.1. The administrator may not sell a medal or decoration awarded for military service in the armed forces of the United States.

    15.4. A UUIO owner shall file a claim according to the procedures and requirements of section 9 of this rule.

41. Federal Firearm Licensee Restricted Auctions West Virginia State Treasurer's Office · wvtreasury.gov · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    We will be having an online firearm auction starting at 9:00 AM EST, Monday, 11/16/2026, and ending at 9:00 AM Monday, 11/30/2026.

42. W. Va. Code §36-8-10. Custody by state; recovery by holder; defense of holder. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    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.

43. W. Va. Code §36-8-13. Deposit of funds. West Virginia Legislature (code.wvlegislature.gov) · code.wvlegislature.gov · current code as published; read Nov. 3, 2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    On or before December 15 of each year, notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, the administrator may transfer the sum of $1 million from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund to the Jumpstart Savings Trust Fund, until an actuary certifies there are sufficient funds to satisfy all obligations and administrative expenses of the Jumpstart Savings Program.

44. Treasurer Pack Announces Near Record Amount of Unclaimed Property Claims Found During Searches at State Fair of West Virginia West Virginia State Treasurer's Office · wvtreasury.gov · 8/25/2026 · checked Nov. 3, 2026
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    State Treasurer Larry Pack announced today his Office’s Unclaimed Property Division completed 1,375 successful searches of unclaimed property totaling $441,687 during the 2026 State Fair of West Virginia in Greenbrier County.