To search for Unclaimed Property in California, enter your last name or business name in the search form. First name, middle initial, and city are optional. Once you click the "search" button, our database will search for property associated with the information given.
If a match or multiple matches exist, the system will display any matches and you may print a claim form for each match. A maximum of 500 matches will be displayed. If your search results in greater than 500 matches, only the first 500 matches will be displayed. You may narrow your search by adding your first name, middle initial, or city of residence. Accounts with more than one name can be searched by either name. If the information given indicates that this property could be yours, click on the "Claim" button to the right of the information.
Make sure you check with every state in which you have lived (unclaimed property is generally turned over to the state of your last known address as reflected on the records of the business holding your money, stock, etc.).
Another tip that may be helpful is to try various combinations of your name, try putting you first name last and your last name first. Don't forget that you may have assets in your maiden name.
Keep in mind that if someone calls or writes to you and asks that you pay them money for the successful return of your unclaimed property, you probably have some out there somewhere. The folks who are contacting you are called "heir finders." They are not likely to contact you unless they believe that they have found property belonging to you. Heir finders generally charge a fee to locate and help return unclaimed property to you.
In addition to money and securities, the state's holdings include tangible property such as watches, jewelry, coins, currency, stamps, historical items and other miscellaneous articles. Unclaimed money is deposited into a state school fund, and is used exclusively for public education. There are, however, no statute of limitations. Anyone has the right to claim property, at no cost to them, at any time, regardless of the amount or the length of time lapsed.
