Unclaimed money in North Dakota

Find unclaimed money in North Dakota

Unclaimed property is money that a company or government agency owes you but cannot find you. North Dakota holds this money in its official unclaimed property program. It's free to search and claim.

What counts as unclaimed property

Common types of unclaimed money include:

• Refunds from utility companies or insurance companies
• Wages your employer never paid you
• Money in old bank accounts or savings accounts
• Deposits on rental properties
• Stock dividends
• Tax refunds that were never claimed
• Inheritance from relatives

If a company cannot contact you for a set period of time (usually 3 to 5 years), they must turn the money over to North Dakota.

How to search for unclaimed money

Go to the North Dakota unclaimed property search site. You can search by:

• Your full name
• A business name (if you're looking for company property)

Try different name variations. If you don't find anything at first, search for:

• Your maiden name
• Nicknames or shortened versions of your name
• Names with different spellings
• Your middle name instead of your first name

Search for old addresses. If you've moved, the property may be listed under an address you lived at years ago. Try searching with past addresses if you remember them.

What to do if you find a match

If the search shows unclaimed property in your name, the search results will tell you:

• How much money is owed
• Who held the money (a bank, insurance company, etc.)
• What type of property it is

Follow the instructions on the website to file a claim. You will usually need to prove your identity.

Proof you may need to provide

When you file a claim, North Dakota may ask for documents to verify your identity and ownership. Common documents include:

• A government-issued ID (driver's license or passport)
• A birth certificate
• Bank statements
• Old bills or letters showing your address
• Court documents (if claiming for a deceased relative)

The state will tell you which documents to send with your claim.

Claiming money for a deceased relative

If the unclaimed property belonged to someone who has died, you may be able to claim it. You will usually need to:

• Prove the person has died (a death certificate)
• Prove your relationship to them (a birth certificate or marriage certificate)
• Prove you have the legal right to their money (a will, court order, or heirship document)

Contact North Dakota's unclaimed property program for specific instructions.

What happens after you file a claim

After you submit your claim and proof:

• The state will review your documents
• You may be asked to provide more information
• If approved, you will receive your money by check or direct deposit
• The process usually takes several weeks to months

Avoid unclaimed money scams

Be careful of scams that promise to help you claim unclaimed money. Real warnings:

• Never pay a fee upfront to claim your own money
• The official North Dakota search is free
• Be suspicious of unsolicited calls, emails, or letters about unclaimed money
• Only use the official state website to search

You can claim your unclaimed property yourself for free. You do not need help from a third party.

Need more help?

If you have questions about unclaimed property or need help with your claim, contact North Dakota's unclaimed property program through their official website.