Search for Unclaimed Property

State Controller's Office

Last updated 07/29/2021

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Description

California's Unclaimed Property Law requires corporations, businesses, associations, financial institutions, and insurance companies (referred to as "Holders") to annually report and deliver property to the California State Controller's Office after there has been no activity on the account or contact with the owner for a period of time specified in the law - generally (3) three years or more. This search page will allow you to locate Unclaimed Property that already has been sent to the State for safekeeping, as well as property that is about to be sent to the State by a business as required by law. If you feel you may have other accounts that did not appear in your search, please return to this site at a later date as names are continually added to the Unclaimed Property database.

Phone: 800-992-4647

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Keep My Property From Being Turned Over To The State Controller's Office?

There are several steps you can take to prevent your property from being turned over to the State:

  • Cash your dividend, interest, or refund checks promptly.
  • Keep accurate records of all financial accounts and review them at least once a year.
  • Maintain annual activity on accounts.
  • Provide your financial institutions with a primary contact, secondary contact, or beneficiary contact name.
  • Remain aware of your accounts.
  • Respond promptly to notifications from the business or the State Controller's Office that your property may be transferred to the state if you do not contact the business within the stated time period.
How Does The State Get Unclaimed Property?
California's Unclaimed Property Law requires corporations, businesses, associations, financial institutions, and insurance companies (referred to as "Holders") to annually report and deliver property to the State Controller's Office after there has been no activity on the account or contact with the owner for a period of time specified in the law - generally three (3) years. Often, contact is lost when the owner forgets that the account exists, or moves and does not leave a forwarding address, or the forwarding order expires. In some cases, the owner dies and the heirs have no knowledge of the property.
What is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed Property is generally defined as any financial asset that has been left inactive by the owner for a period of time specified in the law, generally three (3) years. The California Unclaimed Property Law does NOT include real estate. Unused gift certificates are also generally excluded from unclaimed property and are not sent to the State as unclaimed property. The most common types of Unclaimed Property are:

  • Bank accounts and safe deposit box contents
  • Stocks, mutual funds, bonds, and dividends
  • Uncashed cashier's checks and money orders
  • Certificates of deposit
  • Matured or terminated insurance policies
  • Estates
  • Mineral interests and royalty payments
  • Trust funds and escrow accounts
Where can I find more FAQs regarding Unclaimed Property?
Visit the Full FAQ

Related services

Unclaimed Property Reporting Resources

Keywords

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