Unclaimed money in Washington

Find your unclaimed money in Washington

Washington holds onto unclaimed property when accounts go inactive. This can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance refunds, and utility deposits. The state keeps the money safe until you claim it—and it's free to search and apply.

Search the official Washington site

Start at the Washington Department of Revenue's Unclaimed Property search. You can search by:

• Your full name
• Variations of your name (maiden name, nicknames, middle initials)
• Old addresses where you lived
• A business name if you're searching for company funds

Try multiple name spellings and address versions. The longer you've lived in Washington, the more likely you'll find unclaimed property.

What counts as unclaimed property

Washington's unclaimed property program holds:

• Bank and savings account balances
• Uncashed checks and money orders
• Insurance policy refunds
• Security deposits from rentals or utilities
• Forgotten investment accounts
• Unpaid wages
• Tax refunds

The money stays in the state's custody until someone claims it or the legal hold period ends.

How to file a claim

Once you find your unclaimed property, the search results will tell you how to claim it. Usually you'll need to:

1. 1
   Step 1: Fill out a claim form (the state provides this)
2. 2
   Step 2: Prove your identity
3. 3
   Step 3: Prove you own the unclaimed property
4. 4
   Step 4: Submit the form by mail or online

Applying is always free. Only Washington determines whether you qualify.

Proof you usually need

Bring or send:

• A copy of your ID (driver's license or passport)
• Documents showing your current address
• Papers proving you own the account (old bank statements, insurance policies, receipts, canceled checks)
• A notarized affidavit or statement swearing the property is yours (you may need a notary public for this)

Exact requirements depend on the type of property. The state will tell you what they need when you start your claim.

Claiming for a deceased relative

If the unclaimed property belonged to someone who died, you may be able to claim it as their heir. You'll typically need:

• A copy of the death certificate
• Proof of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)
• Documents showing you have legal authority to manage the estate (like a will or court letter)
• Your own ID and proof of address

Contact the state's unclaimed property office to ask what papers they need for a specific claim.

How long it takes

The exact time depends on how much paperwork they need and how busy they are.

Protect yourself from scams

Scammers sometimes contact people about unclaimed property they found, then ask for a fee to claim it. Remember:

• The official search is completely free at ucp.dor.wa.gov
• You never pay to claim your own money
• Washington will never ask you for money upfront
• Be suspicious of unsolicited emails or calls about unclaimed property
• Never give your Social Security number, bank account, or credit card to someone who contacted you first

If you have questions, contact Washington's Department of Revenue directly using information from their official website.

Get more help

You can learn more about unclaimed money nationwide and Washington benefits and programs.