Questions and answers

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to search or to claim?

No. Searching this register and filing a claim are free. The Department will never ask you to pay a fee, buy gift cards, or share banking credentials to release your property. Anyone who does is attempting to defraud you.

Is there a deadline to claim my property?

No. Arizona holds unclaimed property indefinitely. Property does not expire and it is never forfeited to the state as long as a rightful owner can be identified.

Why can I only see a value range, not the exact amount?

Publishing exact amounts would let a fraudster use the public register to pick out high-value targets. Once your identity is verified, you see the exact amount held for you.

How long does a claim take?

Arizona must decide a complete claim within 90 days under A.R.S. 44-318. Straightforward owner claims are usually decided well inside that window; heir and business claims take longer because more documentation must be reviewed.

What if I fail the identity questions?

You can still file. The questions are drawn from the property record, and there are legitimate reasons to get them wrong, particularly for older accounts. An examiner will verify your identity from the documents you provide instead.

The owner has died. Can I claim as an heir?

Yes. You will need a certified death certificate, documentation of your authority over the estate such as letters testamentary or a small-estate affidavit, and proof of your relationship to the deceased owner.

Do I need a third-party 'finder'?

Never. You can always claim directly and for free. Finders may lawfully charge a fee under A.R.S. 44-321, but any such agreement must meet strict legal requirements, and you are under no obligation to use one.

Will I owe tax on what I receive?

The property itself is generally a return of your own money and is not taxable income. Interest paid on it can be. If interest of $10 or more is paid to you, the Department issues IRS Form 1099-INT.

Do I have to give my Social Security number?

No, it is optional. But it is often the only way to tell you apart from someone with a similar name. Without it there may be too little information to confirm you are the owner, and in some cases a claim is denied for that reason.

I do not have photo identification. Can I still claim?

Yes. You can either send a clear copy of official photo identification, or have your signature on the claim form notarised instead.

My name has changed since the property was reported.

Include verification of the change, such as a marriage certificate, decree or court order, so the name on your identification can be tied to the name on the record.

The property belongs to a child.

A custodial parent or legal guardian may claim on a minor's behalf with the child's birth certificate and a written statement of that relationship.