Unclaimed money in New Mexico

Search for unclaimed money in New Mexico

You can search for unclaimed money owed to you in New Mexico using the state's official search database. The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration holds unclaimed property—money that companies, government agencies, or financial institutions lost track of.

Searching is free. You do not need to pay anyone to find or claim your money.

What counts as unclaimed property

Unclaimed property includes:

• Money in old bank accounts or savings accounts
• Uncashed paychecks
• Utility deposits
• Insurance policy refunds
• Stocks and dividends
• Contents of safe deposit boxes
• Inheritance or estate funds
• Tax refunds
• Overpaid rent or security deposits

Businesses must turn over this money to the state if they cannot locate the owner or the account is inactive for a set period (usually three to five years, depending on the type of account).

How to search for unclaimed money

Go to the New Mexico unclaimed property search site and enter your name. Only the state can tell you if unclaimed money is yours.

Search tips:

• Try different variations of your name (first name only, middle name, nickname, maiden name)
• Search for names of deceased relatives you may inherit from
• Search using old addresses you have lived at
• If you have moved to New Mexico recently, search the state where you used to live—unclaimed property stays where it was turned over to the state

If you find a match

If the search shows money in your name, you will see basic details about the unclaimed property. Write down the claim number or reference information provided.

Then follow the state's instructions to file a claim. The state will tell you what documents you need to submit as proof that the money is yours.

Documents you may need to prove your claim

Common proof includes:

• A government-issued ID (driver's license, passport)
• A Social Security number or tax ID
• Bank statements or account records
• Original checks or receipts
• Documentation showing you lived at the address connected to the account
• A death certificate (if claiming for a deceased person)

The state may ask for additional documents depending on the type of unclaimed property and the amount.

Claiming money for a deceased relative

You can claim unclaimed money owed to a deceased family member if you are the rightful heir. You will likely need to provide:

• The deceased person's death certificate
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Legal documents showing you have the right to inherit (a will, court order, or letters of administration)
• Your government-issued ID

Contact the state for specific requirements for your situation.

After you file a claim

The state will review your claim and the documents you submitted. This can take weeks or months. If the state approves your claim, it will send you a check by mail or arrange another payment method.

If the state needs more information, it will contact you. Keep all documents and correspondence with the state.

Avoid scams

Never pay anyone upfront to search for or claim unclaimed money for you. Scammers charge high fees or percentages of the money you find—and take your information.

Use only the official New Mexico search site. You can claim your money for free directly from the state.

If you need help, contact the state through their official website. Do not trust unsolicited calls, emails, or letters claiming they found money for you.

Related help

Unclaimed money rules vary by state. If you have lived in multiple states, search each one. You can also check the national unclaimed property directory to find search links for other states.