California Unclaimed Property Search : How to Find Your Lost Assets For Free!

If you’ve ever lost track of a financial asset, such as a bank account or a stock, you might be surprised to know that it’s possible for that asset to end up in the hands of the government. This happens when the financial institution holding the asset is unable to contact you and the account goes inactive for a certain period of time. The State of California holds onto these assets, known as unclaimed property, until they can be reunited with their rightful owners. In this article, we’ll show you how to search for and claim your unclaimed property in California.

What is Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property includes a wide range of assets, such as:

• Bank accounts
• Stocks and bonds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Uncashed checks
• Insurance policies
• Wages or commissions
• Utility deposits
• And more

The State of California holds onto unclaimed property until the rightful owner or their heirs can be found. If the property remains unclaimed, the state can sell it at auction and hold the proceeds for the owner indefinitely.

How to Search for Unclaimed Property in California

The State Controller’s Office of California manages the Unclaimed Property Program, which maintains a database of unclaimed property held by the state. To search for your unclaimed property, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Unclaimed Property Search page on the State Controller’s Office website at https://ucpi.sco.ca.gov/en/Property/SearchIndex.
2. Enter your first and last name, or the name of the business or organization associated with the property.
3. If you’re searching for property associated with a business or organization, you may be asked to enter the account number or Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN).
4. Click the “Search” button.

The search results will show any unclaimed property associated with the name or business you entered. You can view more details about each property by clicking on the property ID number.

How to Claim Unclaimed Property in California

If you find unclaimed property associated with your name, you can file a claim to have it returned to you. Here’s how:

1. Download and print the appropriate claim form from the Unclaimed Property Claim Forms page on the State Controller’s Office website at https://sco.ca.gov/upd_claim_forms.html.
2. Fill out the claim form completely, providing all required information.
3. Sign and date the claim form.
4. Attach any required documentation, such as proof of identity or ownership.
5. Mail the completed claim form and documentation to the address listed on the form.

Once your claim is received, it will be reviewed by the State Controller’s Office. If everything is in order, you will receive your unclaimed property within a few weeks.

California Unclaimed Property Tips for Searching for Unclaimed Property

• Search variations of your name, such as nicknames or maiden names, in case the property was listed under a different name.
• Check for unclaimed property for deceased relatives, as heirs may be entitled to claim the property.
• Search regularly, as new unclaimed property is added to the database on a regular basis.

Conclusion

Unclaimed property can be a valuable resource for those who have lost track of their financial assets. By using the State Controller’s Office website to search for and claim unclaimed property, you can potentially reunite with your lost assets and put them back to use. Remember to search regularly and check for variations of your name to increase your chances of finding unclaimed property.