Money Search

One way to find Money

Search the Unclaimed Property Database Online!
This is the fastest and easiest way to find and claim your unclaimed property.

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• Be sure to read the guidelines for a successful online search .

• Please Note: We are receiving a high volume of website visits and database inquiries, up to 6200 hits hourly. If your search results in error messages or no response from our server, please read the guidelines below and try your search again.

Second way to find Money:

Call the Unclaimed Property Office Toll-Free
(888) 844-8400 weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Third way to find Money:

Mail Inquiry Form
Opens in a separate window for printing and mailing 

Unclaimed Money FAQ?
Unclaimed property consists of money and other personal assets that are considered lost or abandoned when an owner cannot be located after a specified period of time. It includes savings accounts checking accounts, dividends, certificates of deposit, gift certificates, insurance benefits+ unpaid wages, commissions, uncashed checks, death benefits insurance payments money orders, refunds, stocks and safe deposit box items. The Unclaimed Property Act is a law designed to collect, safeguard and return lost or forgotten property to its rightful owner.

What should I do if someone offers to help me locate unclaimed money for a fee?
We highly recommend you use our FREE service to locate unclaimed property. There is no need to hire a third party to search for Alabama Unclaimed Property when our services are FREE and easy. Call our office , mail an inquiry form, or use our online search first. Signing an agreement to have someone assist you in recovering unclaimed property may entail the payment of substantial fees.

How long must an account be dormant before it is considered abandoned?
Most property is listed as unclaimed if it has been inactive for five years.  However, uncashed payroll checks become unclaimed after one year and utility deposits after two years.

What happens to abandoned property that is unclaimed?
The money is transferred to the State General Fund. However, the owner maintains the right to claim the property and this right is "never lost". There is no time limit for filing a claim.

Who may claim abandoned property?
The owner, heir, or the executor/executrix of the estate if the owner is deceased.

How do I file a claim?

• Online (fastest)
  
• By Mail

1. Print, complete and return the request form.
2. When we receive this request we will send you a claim form.
3. You should then complete and return the claim form with the required documentation.
   

How the law works:
Briefly, this describes the law regarding abandoned property and how you can claim it:

• When a financial institution holds your money in an account, and there has been no activity, or you have not communicated regarding the account (in most cases) for at least five years, the institution presumes it is abandoned. At this point the institution turns it over to the State Treasurer who acts as custodian of that money.
  
• The owners' names are advertised in newspapers in the county of their last known addresses. If you can establish ownership you may reclaim your money from the Unclaimed Property Division.
  
• The quickest and easiest way to recover money you may have forgotten is for you to review our Unclaimed Property procedures, search your memory, discuss it with your family and re-create your financial history.
  
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