Free Unclaimed Money Search — Official State Databases

The California State Controller's Unclaimed Property division lets anyone search for lost bank accounts, uncashed checks, stock, and insurance payouts entirely for free, and there's no cost to file a claim either, though the state will ask for identification and sometimes notarized ownership documents before releasing larger amounts. California is one of the notable holdouts that does not list its holdings on the national MissingMoney.com aggregator, so you have to go directly to the Controller's own database rather than assuming a multi-state search covers it. Claims involving a deceased owner's property typically require probate paperwork, a certified death certificate, and proof of heirship, which can take weeks to assemble even though the underlying search costs nothing. Because California's database includes decades of accumulated holdings from banks, insurers, and businesses statewide, it's worth searching under every name variation you've used, including maiden names and old business names, since holders often report exactly what name appeared on the original account. If a "finder" contacts you offering to help recover funds for a fee, know that you can file the claim yourself directly with the Controller's office at no cost.

In short: Free search and claim; CA does not participate in MissingMoney.

ClaimItTexas, run by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, is a free search tool covering unclaimed wages, utility deposits, insurance proceeds, and dormant financial accounts turned over to the state, and submitting a claim costs nothing beyond whatever documentation the Comptroller requests to verify identity, such as a driver's license copy or, for larger sums, notarized affidavits. Because Texas is a large state with a lot of interstate migration, it's common for former Texas residents to have property sitting unclaimed years after moving away, so search even if you haven't lived there in a long time. Claims for a deceased relative's property generally require a copy of the will or small estate affidavit along with proof of the family relationship, which can be the slowest part of an otherwise free process. Texas does participate in MissingMoney.com, but running a direct ClaimItTexas search sometimes turns up additional categories, like unclaimed mineral proceeds from oil and gas interests, that are specific to the state and don't always surface elsewhere. A good first step is searching both your current legal name and any prior married or maiden names, since businesses often report using outdated records.

In short: Free statewide search and online claims.

FLTreasureHunt, operated by the Florida Department of Financial Services, offers a completely free search of unclaimed property, and filing a claim carries no fee from the state, though you may need to submit a notarized claim form and proof of a current or former Florida address to verify ownership. Florida's program is especially relevant given how many people relocate there for retirement or seasonal living, so even short-term Florida residents should check, since utility deposits and insurance refunds from a temporary stay often go unclaimed. Property belonging to a deceased owner requires estate documentation, such as letters of administration or a small estate affidavit, before the state will release funds to an heir. Florida participates in the national MissingMoney.com database, which can be a convenient way to search Florida alongside other states you've lived in, though the state's own FLTreasureHunt site sometimes has more current listings since new property is added continuously. Watch for third-party locator services that charge a percentage fee to "find" your money; anything they can access is available to you directly through the state site at no cost.

In short: Free search; many claims processed online.

New York's Office of the State Comptroller runs the state's unclaimed funds search, which is free to use and covers dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, and insurance proceeds, with claims also filed at no cost, though the Comptroller's office may require notarized forms or supporting documents like an old account statement for larger claims. New York does participate in MissingMoney.com, so a multi-state search there will surface New York holdings alongside other states, which is useful for anyone who has lived in the Northeast corridor. A specific New York wrinkle is that some categories of property, like certain utility security deposits and safe deposit box contents, are handled through slightly different processes than routine cash claims, so read the claim instructions for the specific property type rather than assuming one process fits all. Claims on behalf of a deceased owner require estate paperwork such as letters testamentary or a small estate affidavit, and joint owners need to establish their right to claim as a survivor. Since New York has a dense population with common surnames, searching by exact former addresses in addition to name can help you find and confirm the right match among similarly named people.

In short: Free statewide search and claims.

Pennsylvania Treasury's Bureau of Unclaimed Property runs a free public search for lost bank accounts, stocks, insurance payments, and other dormant assets turned over by holders across the commonwealth, and there's no charge to submit a claim, although Treasury may require notarized documentation or copies of old statements to verify ownership before releasing funds. Pennsylvania participates in MissingMoney.com, but the Treasury's own site is generally more current since new property reports flow in continuously throughout the year. A distinctive feature of Pennsylvania's program is its outreach through in-person unclaimed property days at county fairs and local events, where Treasury staff help residents search and file claims directly, a service that remains free even in person. Claims involving a deceased relative's account require estate documents like short certificates or a will, and the further removed the claimant is from the original owner, the more documentation Treasury typically requests to establish the chain of inheritance. Because Pennsylvania has a large number of small local banks and credit unions that have merged or closed over the decades, it's worth searching under any former employer names or old account-holding institutions you can recall, since records sometimes list the original entity rather than its successor.

In short: Free search; participates in MissingMoney.

The Illinois State Treasurer's office runs Illinois's free unclaimed property search, covering everything from forgotten checking accounts to uncashed dividend checks and life insurance proceeds, and filing a claim doesn't cost anything, though the Treasurer's office may ask for notarized identification or supporting paperwork depending on the claim's size and complexity. Illinois participates in MissingMoney.com, which is convenient for cross-checking holdings if you've also lived in a neighboring state like Indiana or Wisconsin, but running a direct search on the Illinois site can surface property that hasn't yet synced to the national database. A specific Illinois requirement is that claims for property valued above certain thresholds require additional verification steps, and claims tied to a deceased owner typically need a certified copy of the will or a small estate affidavit along with a death certificate. Because Chicago has such a dense concentration of financial institutions and many mergers and closures over the years, search under any former employer, past insurance provider, or maiden name you've used, since records often reflect exactly how an account was originally titled decades ago. Never pay a percentage-based finder's fee for something you can claim yourself directly and for free.

In short: Free search and online claims.

Ohio's unclaimed funds are searchable for free through the Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Unclaimed Funds, which holds dormant bank accounts, uncashed payroll checks, utility refunds, and insurance benefits reported by holders statewide, and filing a claim is free as well, though the division may require a notarized claim form or supporting identification for verification. Ohio participates in MissingMoney.com, so it's easy to check Ohio holdings in the same search as other participating states, useful for people who've moved around the Midwest. A specific quirk in Ohio is that the division periodically runs matching programs with other state databases to proactively identify Ohio residents owed money elsewhere, but that outreach is not exhaustive, so don't assume you'll be contacted automatically. Claims for a deceased owner's funds require an executor's or administrator's documentation, or a small estate affidavit for modest amounts, and joint holders need to show their legal right to the account. Since Ohio has many small municipal utilities and credit unions that have merged over time, search under any prior address's local utility provider name as well as your own name, since utility deposit refunds are a commonly overlooked category.

In short: Free statewide search and claims.

Georgia's Department of Revenue's Unclaimed Property Program offers a free online search covering forgotten bank accounts, insurance proceeds, and uncashed checks reported by businesses and financial institutions, and there's no fee to submit a claim, although the state may require notarized paperwork or proof of a former Georgia address for verification. Georgia participates in MissingMoney.com, which is a practical way to check Georgia alongside neighboring states like Alabama, Tennessee, or Florida if you've relocated within the Southeast. A Georgia-specific note is that claims on behalf of a deceased owner generally require either probate documents or a Georgia-specific small estate affidavit, and the state can take longer to process claims that involve multiple heirs disputing an estate. Because Atlanta's metro area has seen rapid population growth and turnover, it's common for people who lived there briefly for work to have small unclaimed refunds or deposits sitting with the state years later. When searching, try both your current and prior last names and check common misspellings of your name, since holders sometimes report information based on handwritten forms with transcription errors. As with every state program, you never need to pay anyone a fee to claim property that's rightfully yours.

In short: Free search; participates in MissingMoney.

NCCash, run by the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer, provides a free search of unclaimed property including dormant bank accounts, unpaid wages, and insurance funds, and claims are processed at no cost, though the Treasurer's office may ask for a notarized claim form or documentation proving your connection to a former address or employer. North Carolina participates in MissingMoney.com, useful for residents who've also lived in neighboring Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, or Tennessee, but checking NCCash directly can surface newly reported property faster than the national aggregator updates. A specific North Carolina feature is a proactive reunification effort where the Treasurer's office cross-references state payroll and tax records to try to match residents to unclaimed funds automatically, though this doesn't cover every case, so an active personal search is still worthwhile. Claims involving a deceased owner require estate documentation such as letters of administration or an affidavit of heirship for smaller amounts. Because North Carolina has a large number of colleges and universities with high student turnover, it's worth checking under any name and address you used while attending school there, since security deposits and refund checks from that period commonly go unclaimed.

In short: Free search and online claims.

Michigan's Department of Treasury runs a free unclaimed property search covering forgotten bank accounts, refunds, insurance payouts, and uncashed checks, and filing a claim doesn't cost anything, though the state will typically ask for notarized identification or documentation tied to the property's original holder before releasing funds. Michigan participates in MissingMoney.com, which can help if you've lived in neighboring Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois as well, but checking the state's own database directly ensures you see the most recently reported holdings. A distinctive aspect of Michigan's program is its handling of property tied to the auto industry's long history of pensions, union funds, and stock holdings, meaning residents with a family history in manufacturing sometimes find larger and more complex claims than in states without that industrial legacy. Claims for a deceased relative's property require estate paperwork, such as letters of authority or a small estate affidavit for modest sums, and the documentation burden increases with claim size. Because Michigan cities have experienced significant population shifts over recent decades, search under every address you've had in the state, including cities you may have only lived in briefly, since old utility deposits and rebate checks are commonly overlooked categories.

In short: Free search; participates in MissingMoney.

New Jersey's Unclaimed Property Administration, under the Department of the Treasury, provides a free search for dormant accounts, uncashed checks, and insurance proceeds, and claims are filed at no cost, though the state may require notarized forms and documentation such as an old bank statement or pay stub to confirm ownership before releasing funds. New Jersey participates in MissingMoney.com, which is convenient given how many residents also have ties to New York or Pennsylvania through commuting or past residency, but a direct search on the state's own site can reveal recently reported property not yet reflected nationally. A New Jersey-specific detail is that the state holds a notably high volume of unclaimed life insurance proceeds and matured policies, a legacy of dense population and a long insurance industry presence, so it's worth checking even if you don't recall a specific account. Claims tied to a deceased owner's estate require documentation like letters testamentary or a surrogate's court certificate, and the process can take longer when multiple heirs are involved. Given how often New Jersey residents move within the tri-state area, search under every past address and any maiden or former name across all three neighboring states rather than assuming one search covers you.

In short: Free statewide search and claims.

Virginia's Department of the Treasury runs a free unclaimed property search called the Virginia Unclaimed Property Program, covering dormant bank accounts, insurance benefits, and uncashed checks, with no cost to file a claim, though the state typically requires notarized forms or supporting documents such as a former address or old account number for verification. Virginia participates in MissingMoney.com, useful for residents who've also lived in Maryland, North Carolina, or the District of Columbia given the region's high mobility for federal and military employment. A specific Virginia consideration is the large population of current and former military members and federal contractors who moved frequently for assignments, often leaving behind small utility deposits or final paychecks that go unclaimed when a permanent change of station happens quickly. Claims for a deceased owner's property require standard estate documentation, such as a will or small estate affidavit, along with proof of the claimant's relationship to the deceased. Because Virginia's Northern region has such a transient population tied to federal employment, search under every address you held during military or government service, including base housing addresses, since those are commonly where old refunds get lost.

In short: Free search; participates in MissingMoney.

Washington State's Department of Revenue operates a free unclaimed property search covering dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, and insurance proceeds reported by holders statewide, and claims are processed without any fee, though the state may ask for notarized documentation or proof of a former address before releasing larger amounts. Washington participates in MissingMoney.com, useful if you've also lived in Oregon, Idaho, or California, though the state's own portal tends to reflect newly reported property sooner than the national database updates. A specific feature of Washington's program is its handling of stock and securities left behind by the region's concentration of technology and aerospace employers, meaning some claims involve equity holdings rather than simple cash, which can require additional paperwork to transfer or liquidate. Claims for a deceased owner's property require estate documents such as letters of administration or a small estate affidavit for modest amounts. Because Washington has no state income tax and relies on other revenue mechanisms, some categories of unclaimed property here, like utility and rental deposits, are reported somewhat differently than in income-tax states, so it helps to search broadly by property type rather than assuming only bank accounts are listed.

In short: Free search and online claims.

Arizona's Department of Revenue Unclaimed Property Unit provides a free search covering dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, and insurance proceeds, and there's no cost to file a claim, though the state may require notarized paperwork or documentation like a former Arizona address or old account statement to verify your claim. Arizona participates in MissingMoney.com, which is helpful for people who've also lived in California, Nevada, or other Southwest states given the region's high rate of retiree relocation. A specific Arizona detail worth knowing is the large volume of unclaimed property tied to seasonal "snowbird" residents who maintain accounts or utility service for only part of the year, so even a temporary winter residence in Arizona can leave behind a forgotten deposit or refund. Claims involving a deceased owner's estate require documentation such as letters testamentary or a small estate affidavit, with additional scrutiny for larger claims. Because Arizona's population has grown rapidly through in-migration from other states, search under every address you've held there, including short-term rentals or seasonal residences, and check any maiden or prior name, since seasonal accounts are often reported under whatever name appeared on a brief rental or utility agreement.

In short: Free search; participates in MissingMoney.

ClaimItTN, run by the Tennessee Department of Treasury, offers a free search of unclaimed property, including dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, and stock, and filing a claim costs nothing, though the Treasury may request notarized documentation or proof of a past Tennessee address for verification before releasing funds. Tennessee participates in MissingMoney.com, useful for cross-checking holdings if you've also lived in Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, or another neighboring state, though ClaimItTN itself is updated continuously as new property is reported. A Tennessee-specific note is that the state's music and entertainment industry has left behind a notable share of unclaimed royalty payments and business-related funds, so musicians, songwriters, or contractors who worked in Nashville even briefly should check under any business or stage name they used professionally. Claims for a deceased owner's property require estate documentation like letters of administration or a small estate affidavit, and Treasury may take longer to process claims involving disputed heirship. Because Tennessee has significant population movement in and out of Nashville and Memphis for short-term work, search under every past address and any professional or maiden name variant to make sure you're not missing an old refund or final paycheck.

In short: Free search and online claims.