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California has billions of dollars in unclaimed assets — and some of that might belong to you.
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The California State Controller’s Office had more than $15 billion of lost assets and money as of Thursday, Sept. 24.
Abandoned or inactive financial assets are transferred to the state’s control for “safekeeping” and can be reclaimed by owners, heirs or trustees.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, the Golden State returned $534 million to claimants.
Find out if California has property that belongs to you, and how to take back what you’re owed:
What is unclaimed property?
“Unclaimed property is generally defined as any financial asset left inactive by its owner for a period of time, typically three years,” the California State Controller’s Office said.
Common types of unclaimed assets include:
- Bank accounts and safe deposit box contents
- Stocks, mutual funds, bonds and dividends
- Uncashed cashier’s checks and money orders
- Certificates of deposit
- Matured or terminated insurance policies
- Estates
- Mineral interests and royalty payments
- Trust funds and escrow accounts
- Utility account deposits
Real estate is not considered unclaimed property under state property law.
The State Controller’s Office said unclaimed financial assets are returned in their rightful owners in the form of checks.
How can I claim financial assets?
You can check to see if you have unclaimed property by searching online with the California Unclaimed Property Division.
You’ll need to enter your last name or the name of your business.
Once you find an asset, you need to state your relationship to it and provide current contact information.
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You can check your claims status online using your claim number.
Unclaimed property can be claimed by heirs, trustees, personal representatives, executors or administrators if the person who owned the asset is deceased.
How do I prove unclaimed property is mine?
“Many claims require documentation,” the California State Controller’s Office said.
Depending on which asset you want to claim, you might be required to submit records such as ID, a Social Security Card, a marriage certificate or court documents.
When can I expect assets to be transferred?
Under California’s unclaimed property laws, the state has up to 180 days from the submission date to process the request and issue a decision.
“Property owner claims that involve cash only may be processed in as little as 30 to 60 days,” the state controller’s office said. “More complex claims, such as those filed by heirs, involving multiple owners or involving businesses are generally processed within 180 days.”
If your claim is approved, the state of California will send you a check to the address you listed on the claim form.
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The state cannot pay out financial assets through electronic payments.