Proving Ownership

As custodian of Unclaimed Property, the State Controller's Office has a duty to return funds only to the rightful owner or heirs. Our office takes this responsibility seriously. We ask the owners or heirs to provide documentation to validate their claims to ensure that no one but the rightful owner can receive Unclaimed Property.

When your search for Unclaimed Property is successful, you will be given the property ID number for your account. It is very important that you write down this property ID number for future reference and keep it in your records, because you will need it if you contact us at any time regarding your account.

The Unclaimed Property claim form provides instructions on how to complete the form and prove ownership. The instructions include possible types of documentation needed and examples of other acceptable documentation. You may also print our quick mini-checklist of needed documentation, for reference as you prepare your claim.

Mail the completed claim form and documents to the following address:

When our office receives your completed claim form, we review it carefully. If the evidence is not adequate to prove your ownership, our office will contact you or return all documents submitted, with a letter stating why the claim is incomplete. Our office is required by law to make a payment determination of all claims within 180 days from the date a package with all supporting documents is received.

The claim types below are linked to information about the documents needed to prove ownership. Please select the appropriate claim type.

ORIGINAL OWNER CLAIM
This information applies if you are the reported owner or the parent/custodian of a minor's property.

DECEASED OWNER CLAIM
This information applies if you are the heir, executor, or trustee of a deceased owner of the property.

BUSINESS CLAIM
This information applies if you are the officer or official claiming property on behalf of a business or corporation, partnership, professional association, non-profit organization, government entity, or private organization.

PROPERTY REPORTED AS CASH
This information applies if you are claiming an uncashed check (cashier's, traveler's, money orders, etc.) or cash valued at $50 or less.

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