Documents You’ll Need To Claim Unclaimed Assets in Maryland

If you think the State of Maryland is holding money or property that belongs to you, you are not alone. Unclaimed assets are common and can come from things like forgotten bank accounts, old paychecks, uncashed insurance claims, or security deposits.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains which documents are typically needed to claim unclaimed assets in Maryland, how the process usually works, and what to expect. This site is not a government agency or application portal, but it can help you understand what to gather before you contact the official Maryland unclaimed property office.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Maryland?

In Maryland, unclaimed assets (often called unclaimed property) usually means money or property that a business, financial institution, or government office had to turn over to the state because:

• The owner could not be located, or
• The account was inactive for a certain number of years.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, vendor payments)
• Insurance benefits or policy payouts
• Utility and rental security deposits
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents

Maryland’s comptroller or unclaimed property division (names can change over time) generally keeps these items and allows people to search for and claim what belongs to them.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Assets?

The documents you need depend on how you are related to the property:

• Original owner – the person whose name is on the account or check
• Heir or beneficiary – a relative or person named in a will
• Executor, administrator, or personal representative of an estate
• Business owner or authorized representative for a company

Each type of claimant has slightly different documentation needs, but the core idea is the same: you must prove your identity and your right to receive the property.

Core Documents Most Maryland Claimants Need

Most people in Maryland will need at least these three categories of documents:

1. Proof of Identity

You will almost always need a current, government-issued photo ID, such as:

• Maryland driver’s license
• Maryland state ID card
• U.S. passport
• Military ID (if accepted)

If your current name is different from the name on the account or property record, you’ll also need name-change documents, such as:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree (showing name change)
• Court order for name change

2. Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax ID

Maryland’s unclaimed property office often requests verification of your Social Security number (SSN) or a Tax Identification Number (TIN/EIN). You may be asked to provide one of:

• Social Security card
• Tax form (such as a W-2 or 1099)
• Recent pay stub showing full or partial SSN (if accepted)
• Official IRS notice containing your SSN or EIN

3. Proof of Address or Connection to the Property

The state may ask you to prove that you lived at or were connected to the address or business listed on the unclaimed property record. Possible documents include:

• Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet)
• Bank or credit card statement
• Lease agreement or mortgage statement
• Property tax bill
• Old pay stubs or employment records (for payroll checks)

For some older claims, you may need to dig up old records that match the time period of the account.

Common Documents by Claim Type (Quick Reference Table)

Below is a simple summary of typical documents needed in Maryland. Exact requirements can vary, so always follow the instructions from the official Maryland unclaimed property office.

This table is only a guide. The official state instructions will control what you must submit.

Documents Needed When You Are the Original Owner

If you are the person listed on the unclaimed property, your main task is proving:

1. You are who you say you are, and
2. You are the same person as the one named in the record.

You will typically need:

• Completed claim form (from the Maryland unclaimed property office)
• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of SSN or tax ID
• Proof of address linked to the unclaimed property record (such as:
  • Utility bills
  • Bank statements
  • Lease/mortgage documents
  • Old correspondence with the institution holding the funds)

If the name or address on the unclaimed property listing is outdated, try to provide documents from around the time the account was active that clearly connect you to that address or institution.

Documents Needed When Claiming for a Deceased Person

If you are claiming unclaimed assets for a deceased relative or person you represent, you usually need extra documentation. Maryland typically requires both:

• Proof of your relationship to the deceased, and
• Proof that you have the legal authority to claim the property.

1. Core Documents

You’ll likely be asked for:

• Your own photo ID
• Your SSN proof
• Death certificate of the original owner

2. Proving Your Relationship

Depending on your situation, you might need:

• Birth certificate (to show parent/child relationship)
• Marriage certificate (to show spouse relationship)
• Adoption records, if relevant

If there is a will, you may also need to provide a copy if it is being used to show who should receive the property.

3. Estate and Probate Documents

If an estate was opened in court, Maryland may require:

• Letters Testamentary (if there was a will) or
• Letters of Administration (if there was no will)

These papers typically show that you are the personal representative / executor authorized to handle the deceased person’s property.

If the estate is small and no formal probate was required, the state may have alternative forms or affidavits to use instead. The official Maryland unclaimed property office or a local probate court can explain which applies.

Documents Needed for Business or Organization Claims

Businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations often find unclaimed assets listed under:

• Old business names
• Former addresses
• Previous owners or officers

To claim unclaimed property on behalf of a business in Maryland, you may need:

1. Identity and Authority of the Person Filing

   • Your government-issued photo ID
   • Evidence of your role with the company, such as:
     • Corporate officer listing
     • Board resolution
     • Signature card from the bank
     • Company letter indicating you are authorized to act

2. Business Verification Documents

   • Articles of incorporation or articles of organization
   • Trade name registration
   • Partnership agreement (if applicable)
   • EIN (Employer Identification Number) documentation

3. Proof of Connection to the Address or Account

   • Old utility bills in the business name
   • Business banking records
   • Tax returns showing the business name and address
   • Vendor or client invoices from that location

The Maryland office may require that the person signing the claim form matches registered officers or has other proof of authorization.

How to Start a Claim in Maryland (General Process)

The process can change over time, but typically it includes these steps:

1. Search for Your Name or Business Name

   • Go to the official Maryland unclaimed property search website or
   • Contact the Maryland state comptroller’s unclaimed property division by phone or mail for instructions.

2. Identify the Property

   • Look for entries that match your name, business name, and past addresses.
   • Make note of any property ID numbers or claim numbers.

3. Download or Request the Official Claim Form

   • Many people can print a claim form from the state’s official site.
   • Others may request a form by mail or pick it up from the state office.

4. Gather Required Documents

   • Use the lists above as a checklist.
   • Make copies if required and keep originals safe unless the state specifically requires originals.

5. Complete and Submit Your Claim

   • Fill out the claim form carefully and completely.
   • Some claims may need to be notarized.
   • Submit by mail or online if the state offers secure upload options.

6. Wait for Review and Follow-Up

   • The Maryland unclaimed property office will review your documents.
   • You may be contacted if they need more information or clarification.
   • Once approved, the state typically issues a check or transfers the property following their standard procedures.

You cannot submit your claim on HowToGetAssistance.org. All claims must go through Maryland’s official unclaimed property channels.

What Happens After You Submit Your Documents?

After you send your claim and documentation to the official Maryland office, staff typically:

1. Verify your identity against the information on file.
2. Confirm your ownership or authority (especially for estates and businesses).
3. Check for duplicates or conflicting claims.
4. Approve or deny the claim, or request more documents if needed.

If approved, Maryland may:

• Issue a check for the amount of the unclaimed funds, or
• Provide instructions for transferring securities or other assets, if applicable.

Processing times can vary. Larger or more complex claims (like estates or business claims) may take longer because of additional verification.

Common Reasons Maryland Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Claims are sometimes delayed or rejected because the documentation is incomplete or unclear. Typical problems include:

• Missing photo ID or expired ID
• Name mismatch without proof (for example, your married name vs. maiden name, with no marriage certificate provided)
• No proof of address connecting you to the address on the record
• Insufficient probate or estate documents for a deceased owner
• No proof of business authority for company claims
• Unreadable copies or documents cut off during scanning

To reduce the risk of delays:

• Double-check that all names and addresses match across documents.
• Include supporting documents even if they seem optional, especially for older records.
• Follow the instructions on the Maryland claim form exactly.

How to Verify You Are Using Official Maryland Channels

Because unclaimed money is a common target for scams, it is important to be sure you are working with the real Maryland unclaimed property office. Some tips:

• Look for “.gov” in the web address of the Maryland unclaimed property site.
• Contact the Maryland Comptroller’s Office or the state’s main government information line to confirm the correct website or mailing address.
• Be cautious of anyone who:
  • Demands upfront fees to “help” you claim money
  • Asks you to share your full Social Security number or bank details by email or through an unfamiliar site
  • Pressures you to act immediately or “you’ll lose your money”

Many people successfully claim their own property directly through the state without needing paid third-party services.

If You Don’t Have All the Documents

Sometimes, people no longer have the old bills, statements, or legal papers they need. You still have options:

• Contact the Maryland unclaimed property office and explain your situation. Ask what alternative documents might be accepted.
• Request replacement documents, if possible:
  • Vital records offices can often provide certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates.
  • Courts may be able to provide copies of probate or name-change orders.
  • Old employers, banks, or landlords may still have archived records.
• Ask whether Maryland has a declaration form or affidavit you can complete when standard documents are not available.

The state has the final say on what’s acceptable, but explaining your situation clearly and supplying any proof you can often helps.

Alternatives and Extra Help If You Can’t Claim the Property

If you discover that you do not qualify to claim certain property, or you cannot get all the documents required, you might:

• Talk with other family members who may have a stronger legal claim (for example, a surviving spouse or court-appointed estate representative).
• Ask a local legal aid office or attorney about probate or small estate options if the owner is deceased.
• Call 211 (where available) or a local community help line to be connected with legal assistance or government information resources in Maryland.

These organizations are separate from HowToGetAssistance.org and from the state, but they can often guide you on next steps.

Key Takeaways: Documents for Maryland Unclaimed Assets

• Expect to provide proof of identity, SSN or tax ID, and proof of connection to the address or account.
• For deceased owners, add death certificates, relationship proofs, and estate papers.
• For business claims, add business registration documents and proof of authority.
• Claims and document submissions must go through the official Maryland unclaimed property office, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.
• If anything is unclear, contact the state’s unclaimed property division or comptroller’s office directly for current forms and exact documentation requirements.

Having these documents ready before you start can make your Maryland unclaimed asset claim faster, smoother, and less stressful through the official channels.