Documents You’ll Typically Need To Claim Unclaimed Assets in Delaware

If you discover unclaimed money or property in your name, it can feel like you have found a small hidden treasure. To actually receive that money, though, you usually need to provide specific documents and proof of ownership to the State of Delaware’s unclaimed property office.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, what documents are commonly required, how the process usually works, and how to move forward through official Delaware channels. This site is informational only and is not an official government office or application portal.

Understanding Unclaimed Property in Delaware

In Delaware, unclaimed property (also called unclaimed assets) generally includes things like:

• Old bank accounts or certificates of deposit
• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor payments, refunds, etc.)
• Insurance proceeds or policy benefits
• Utility or security deposits
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents (after a holding period)

When a business, bank, or other “holder” cannot contact you for a certain period of time, they may be required to turn the asset over to the State of Delaware. The state then holds the property for the rightful owner (or the owner’s heirs) until a valid claim is made.

To claim unclaimed property, you typically:

1. Search the official Delaware unclaimed property database.
2. Submit a claim through the official portal or by mail.
3. Upload or mail supporting documents that prove identity and ownership.
4. Wait for review and approval from the state office.

The rest of this guide focuses on step 3: the documents you may need.

Core Documents Almost Everyone Needs

Most Delaware unclaimed property claims require at least two types of documents:

1. Proof of identity
2. Proof of your current mailing address

1. Proof of Identity

Delaware’s unclaimed property office typically asks for a government-issued photo ID, such as:

• Driver’s license (from any state)
• State-issued ID card
• U.S. passport
• Military ID

The ID should usually be:

• Valid and unexpired (or recently expired in some cases, if they accept it)
• Clearly showing your full legal name and date of birth

If you do not have a standard photo ID, the agency may sometimes accept alternate documents, such as:

• Birth certificate, plus another document with your name
• Permanent resident card
• Other government-issued identification

Because rules can change, it’s best to check the current list of acceptable IDs on the official Delaware unclaimed property website or by calling the state office.

2. Proof of Current Mailing Address

To make sure they are paying the right person at the right address, Delaware typically requires proof of your current address, for example:

• Utility bill (electric, water, gas, internet, etc.)
• Bank or credit card statement
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement
• Recent pay stub
• Property tax bill

These documents should:

• Show your name and current address
• Be relatively recent (often within the last 60–90 days, though timeframes can vary)

Sometimes your driver’s license can serve as both ID and proof of address, but many people are still asked to provide one additional document showing their current address.

Extra Proof You May Need, Depending on the Claim

In addition to basic ID and address, Delaware may request other documentation based on:

• Type of property (bank account, wages, stocks, etc.)
• How your name appears on the asset
• Whether you are claiming for yourself or on behalf of someone else (such as a deceased relative or a business)

The table below gives a quick overview of common claim situations and documents often requested.

Quick Reference: Common Claim Types & Typical Documents

Requirements can change, and the unclaimed property office may request additional or fewer documents based on their review.

Proving Ownership: Documents That Connect You to the Asset

Often, the Delaware unclaimed property office wants proof that you are the same person associated with the asset in their records. Useful documents may include:

For Bank Accounts, CDs, or Savings

• Old bank statements showing your name and the institution’s name
• Passbooks, if you still have them
• Deposit or withdrawal slips that match the account number
• Letters or notices from the bank showing your name and account

These documents do not usually have to be current; they just need to show a clear link between you and the old account.

For Uncashed Checks or Wages

• Copy of the original check (if you still have it)
• Pay stubs from the employer
• W-2 or 1099 forms from the payer
• Employment records, such as offer letters or HR correspondence

If the employer name on the claim is unfamiliar, you may need to show how you are connected to that employer (for example, if the company merged or changed names).

For Insurance Policies

• Policy statements or ID cards
• Letters from the insurance company
• Proof of premium payments (canceled checks, statements)
• Beneficiary designation forms, if you are claiming as a beneficiary

For Stocks, Dividends, or Mutual Funds

• Stock certificates or account statements
• Dividend checks (cashed or uncashed)
• Brokerage statements listing your name and account number
• Corporate communications showing your shareholder status

If your stocks were held through a transfer agent, documents from that agent can be helpful.

Name Changes and Old Addresses: Extra Proof Often Required

Many people run into issues because the name or address on the unclaimed property does not match their current information exactly.

If Your Name Has Changed

If your unclaimed property record shows a maiden name, prior married name, or any other name you no longer use, Delaware may ask for proof that both names belong to you, such as:

• Marriage certificate (showing maiden to married name)
• Divorce decree (if it lists both names)
• Court order for legal name change
• Adoption records, in some cases

The key is to create a clear paper trail that links:

Old name on the property → You, under your current name.

If the Address on the Claim Is Old

If the unclaimed property record lists an address where you no longer live, you may be asked to show you used to live there. Helpful documents can include:

• Old utility bills or bank statements with your name and former address
• Old lease agreements or mortgage statements
• Tax returns listing that address

If you do not have any of these, the Delaware office may use other methods to verify; you may need to speak to a representative or provide alternate documents.

Special Situations: Deceased Owners and Estates

Many unclaimed assets belong to people who have passed away. In those cases, Delaware typically requires more documentation.

If You Are a Surviving Spouse or Heir

Common documents include:

• Certified death certificate of the original owner
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased, such as:
  • Birth certificate (for children or parents)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
• Copy of the will, if one exists and names you
• Estate or probate documents, if an estate was opened

Depending on the situation, Delaware may also ask for:

• Letters testamentary or letters of administration
• Small-estate affidavits, if allowed and applicable
• Consent or waivers from other potential heirs

If the estate went through probate in a Delaware court (or another state), you may need to submit copies of the court orders.

If You Are the Executor or Administrator

When you are acting in an official role (executor, personal representative, administrator), you often must provide:

• Your government ID
• Proof of your authority, such as:
  • Court-issued letters testamentary
  • Court-issued letters of administration
  • Other appointment documents

You may also need to provide:

• The estate’s tax ID number (if one exists)
• Estate bank account information, if the funds must be deposited into the estate

In complex cases, Delaware may request additional legal documentation, and sometimes people consult an attorney or probate court for guidance.

Claiming Unclaimed Property for a Business

If you find unclaimed assets in the name of a corporation, LLC, partnership, or sole proprietorship, Delaware will want to confirm both:

1. That the business is legitimate, and
2. That you are authorized to act on behalf of the business.

Common documents include:

• Business formation documents
  • Articles of incorporation (for corporations)
  • Certificate of formation (for LLCs)
  • Partnership agreement or DBA registration (for partnerships/sole proprietors)
• Proof of EIN (Employer Identification Number), such as an IRS letter
• Proof of your role, like:
  • Corporate resolution naming you as an officer
  • Operating agreement listing you as a member/manager
  • Letter on company letterhead authorizing you to act, signed by an officer
• Business bank statements or invoices linking the company to the original holder

Some business claims may also require notarized forms or corporate seals, depending on Delaware’s current procedures.

How to Submit Documents to the Official Delaware Office

You cannot submit claims or documents through HowToGetAssistance.org. To claim unclaimed property, you must go through the official Delaware unclaimed property channels.

Typical options include:

• Online upload through the official state portal
• Mailing paper copies (never send irreplaceable originals unless explicitly required)
• Occasionally, fax or in-person delivery, if allowed by the office

When using the official online portal, you may be prompted to:

1. Create an account or log in.
2. Select the property you are claiming.
3. Upload clear, readable scans or photos of your documents.

If mailing documents, it may help to:

• Include the claim number on each page.
• Use a copy, not your only original, unless the office specifically requests an original.
• Keep a copy of everything you send and track the mailing if possible.

The official Delaware unclaimed property website or state treasury office can provide current instructions for document submission.

What Happens After You Submit Your Documents

Once your documents are submitted through official channels, the Delaware unclaimed property office typically:

1. Reviews your claim and documentation for completeness.
2. May ask for more information if something is missing or unclear.
3. Approves or denies the claim based on state rules and the evidence you provide.
4. If approved, issues payment (often by check, sometimes electronically if allowed).

Processing times can vary based on:

• The complexity of your claim (simple individual vs. complex estate or business)
• The volume of claims the office is handling
• How quickly you respond if they request additional documents

If you have questions about your specific case, you can usually contact the Delaware unclaimed property office or state treasurer’s office using the phone number or contact form listed on their official website.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Many claim issues come down to documentation problems. Some typical issues include:

• Missing or unclear ID

  • ID is expired, or the photo is not clear.
  • Name on the ID does not match the claim, with no proof of name change.

• Insufficient proof of address

  • No recent proof of your current address.
  • No documentation showing you ever lived at the old address on the claim.

• No proof of relationship for heir claims

  • Claiming for a deceased person without a death certificate.
  • No documents proving you are the spouse, child, or other legal heir.

• Lack of authority for business or estate claims

  • Claim filed under a business name by someone who is not listed as an owner or officer.
  • Executor or administrator without court papers proving their role.

• Unreadable or incomplete documents

  • Blurry photos, cut-off pages, or documents with important sections hidden.

If your claim is denied, the official denial notice may explain:

• Why it was denied, and
• Whether you can submit additional documentation or appeal.

When in doubt, contacting the official Delaware office directly for clarification is usually the most reliable next step.

How Reviews, Corrections, and Appeals Usually Work

If Delaware needs more information, the unclaimed property office may:

• Send a letter or email explaining what’s missing.
• Ask you to upload or mail additional documents.
• Give you a deadline to respond.

If you believe a claim was wrongly denied, you can usually:

1. Review the denial notice for specific reasons.
2. Gather stronger or additional documents addressing those reasons.
3. Contact the office using the official phone number or mailing address to ask about:
   • How to resubmit your claim, or
   • Whether there is a formal appeal process in Delaware.

Procedures for appeals or reconsideration can change, so checking the most recent guidance on the official Delaware unclaimed property website is important.

Verifying You Are Using Official Delaware Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed money can attract scammers, it’s wise to verify that you are dealing with a real government office.

Here are some practical tips:

• Check the website address

  • Official Delaware government sites typically end in “.gov”.
  • Be cautious of lookalike sites that end in “.com,” “.org,” or other domains claiming to process claims directly.

• Be wary of upfront fees

  • The official Delaware unclaimed property program typically does not require a fee for you to search for or claim your property.
  • Some private “finder” or “locator” services charge a fee to help you search and file, but they are not required and are separate from the state.

• Protect your personal information

  • Only submit Social Security numbers, bank details, or ID copies through official government portals or secure mail.
  • If you receive a suspicious email or call, contact the Delaware unclaimed property office or state treasurer’s office directly using a phone number you look up yourself.

If you are unsure whether a website or letter is legitimate, you can:

• Call Delaware’s main state government information line or treasury office.
• Ask them to confirm the correct website and mailing address for unclaimed property claims.

If You Do Not Qualify or Cannot Provide the Requested Documents

Sometimes, people cannot provide all the documents Delaware requests—for example, if:

• Old records were lost or destroyed.
• You cannot obtain a death certificate or court papers easily.
• You suspect the property belongs to you but documentation is limited.

In those cases, it can help to:

• Speak directly with the Delaware unclaimed property office to explain your situation.
• Ask if there are alternative documents they may accept.
• For complicated estate or business cases, consider speaking with an attorney familiar with Delaware law or contacting your local legal aid organization for guidance.

If you discover unclaimed assets in another state (for example, where you lived before Delaware), the process and documents can be different. You would need to contact the unclaimed property office in that particular state and follow its official procedures.

By gathering clear proof of identity, address, and ownership—and, when needed, documents about name changes, estates, or business authority—you can greatly improve your chances of a smooth unclaimed property claim with the State of Delaware. For exact requirements and to start a claim, be sure to use Delaware’s official government website or hotline, not third-party or unofficial portals.