Documents You Need To Claim Unclaimed Assets in Minnesota

Finding out you may have unclaimed money in Minnesota can be exciting—but actually getting it back usually requires the right paperwork. This guide walks through the documents typically needed to claim unclaimed assets in Minnesota, what varies by situation, and how to move forward through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and does not process claims. Instead, this article is meant to help you understand what to expect before you contact the official Minnesota unclaimed property office or use the state’s official website.

What Are “Unclaimed Assets” in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, unclaimed assets (unclaimed property) usually means money or property that belongs to you but was never delivered and eventually turned over to the state. Common examples include:

• Old bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, vendor, refund, insurance checks)
• Utility deposits or refund credits
• Insurance policy benefits
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stock, dividends, or mutual fund accounts
• Refunds from companies or agencies

When a business, financial institution, or other holder cannot contact you for a certain period of time, Minnesota law usually requires them to turn the property over to the State of Minnesota. The state then holds it until the rightful owner—or their heir—files a claim with proof.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property in Minnesota?

The documents you need depend heavily on who you are in relation to the property.

Common claimant types:

1. Original owner (the person or business named on the account or check)
2. Heir or beneficiary of a deceased owner
3. Executor/personal representative of an estate
4. Business owner or authorized officer
5. Legal representative (such as an attorney or court‑appointed guardian)

Each of these situations has its own document requirements. Minnesota’s official unclaimed property office typically lists specific details for each claim type, and you’ll usually be asked to upload or mail copies of supporting documents.

Core Documents Almost Everyone Needs

Most Minnesota unclaimed asset claims require some combination of the following:

• Personal identification

  • Valid photo ID (for example, state driver’s license, state ID card, passport)
  • Sometimes a second ID (such as a Social Security card, work ID, or student ID), depending on the type of claim

• Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax ID

  • Social Security card
  • Tax form (W‑2, 1099, or tax return showing your name and SSN)
  • For businesses: Employer Identification Number (EIN) documents

• Proof of address or ownership

  • Utility bill, lease, mortgage, bank statement, or other mail showing:
    • Your name, and
    • The same address that appears on the unclaimed asset record (if available)

• Completed claim form

  • A state-issued claim form (online or paper) generated by the Minnesota unclaimed property system for your claim
  • Signed and, in some cases, notarized, depending on the claim type and amount

The exact combination can vary with the type of property, the age of the record, and whether the claim is for you or someone else.

Document Requirements by Claim Type (Quick Comparison)

Below is a simplified overview. Always verify current requirements with the official Minnesota unclaimed property office or the state treasury/commerce department website.

Documents Needed as the Original Owner

If you are the person or business actually named on the asset:

For Individuals

You typically need:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of SSN (sometimes requested for verification)
• Claim form generated for your specific property
• Proof of address if:
  • The unclaimed asset is tied to a past address, and
  • That address needs to be connected to you

Examples of useful proof of address:

• Old utility bill or phone bill with your name and the old address
• Bank statement or credit card statement for that address
• Copy of a lease agreement, deed, or mortgage statement

If your name has changed (for example, because of marriage or divorce), you may also need:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree
• Court order for legal name change

These documents connect your current legal name to the name on the property.

For Businesses

If the property is in a business name, the person filing usually needs to show they are authorized to act for that business.

Common requirements:

• Your photo ID
• Business EIN/TIN (Tax ID) documents, if requested
• Proof of authority, which might include:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Business card and letter on company letterhead
  • Partnership agreement listing you as a partner
  • Articles of incorporation or organization showing you as owner or officer

If the business has changed names, merged, or been acquired, you may also need:

• Merger or acquisition documents
• Name change filings
• Dissolution documents (if the business no longer exists but you are winding things up)

Documents Needed When the Owner Has Died

Claims for a deceased owner usually require more documentation because the state must verify:

1. That the original owner has died, and
2. That you are legally entitled to receive the funds.

The exact documents vary depending on whether there is a formal estate and how large or complex it is.

Common Documents for Deceased-Owner Claims

You will usually see requests for:

• Death certificate for the original owner
• Your photo ID and SSN proof
• Claim form listing your relationship to the owner

Then, depending on the situation:

If You Are the Executor / Personal Representative

You may need:

• Letters Testamentary, Letters of General Administration, or similar court-issued documents naming you as personal representative or executor
• Sometimes, a copy of the will if it clarifies distribution
• Proof that the estate is open or that you have authority to act on its behalf

If You Are an Heir and No Estate Is Open

You may need to show:

• Proof of relationship to the deceased, such as:
  • Birth certificate (for children or parents)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
  • Adoption papers, if applicable
• Affidavits of heirship or similar forms, if Minnesota allows small-estate processes for unclaimed property under certain value thresholds
• Sometimes notarized statements from other heirs, depending on state rules and claim amount

The official Minnesota office will normally outline which documents they accept for each type of relationship (spouse, child, sibling, etc.) and for what claim sizes simplified procedures apply.

Supporting Documents for Specific Types of Assets

Beyond identity and relationship documents, certain types of Minnesota unclaimed assets may require extra paperwork:

Bank Accounts & CDs

• Old bank statements (if you have them)
• Bank-issued passbook (for older accounts)
• Any documents showing account ownership or account numbers (if available)

Insurance Policies & Annuities

• Copy of the insurance policy or policy number, if you have it
• Beneficiary designation page (if available)
• Death certificate (for life insurance claims)
• Letters Testamentary or proof of beneficiary status, depending on whether proceeds go to the estate or to a named beneficiary

Stocks, Bonds, and Dividends

• Brokerage statements
• Stock certificates (if physical)
• Documentation of mergers or splits, if relevant

Safe Deposit Box Contents

For safe deposit box items turned over to the state, you might need:

• Proof you rented the box (if available)
• Additional identification and possibly appointments with the state to view or retrieve physical items

The state’s instructions for each property item often make clear what they’ll accept as proof. Even if you don’t have every supporting record, the official office may be able to verify some things directly with the original holder.

How to Get or Replace Missing Documents

Sometimes, people discover unclaimed money tied to old addresses or names and no longer have the original paperwork. A few common strategies:

• Lost ID:

  • Contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (Driver and Vehicle Services) or your current state’s DMV for replacement ID.

• Lost Social Security card:

  • Contact the Social Security Administration for replacement documentation.

• Old proof of address:

  • Ask former utility providers, landlords, or banks for copies of old statements or letters.
  • Sometimes, tax returns (federal or state) can help show you lived at that address.

• Vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates):

  • Request certified copies from the Minnesota Department of Health or the county vital records office, or from the relevant state if the event happened elsewhere.

• Court or estate documents:

  • Contact the probate court in the county where the estate was handled to get copies of Letters Testamentary, Letters of Administration, or other orders.

Obtaining these documents can take time, so it’s often helpful to start gathering them early, especially for estate or heir claims.

How Claims Are Usually Filed in Minnesota

While specific steps can change, the process to claim unclaimed assets in Minnesota typically follows this pattern:

1. Search for Your Name

   • Use the official Minnesota unclaimed property search tool on the state’s website or call the state’s official unclaimed property office.
   • Search under:
     • Current and former names
     • Maiden names
     • Business names you own or owned

2. Select the Property and Start a Claim

   • When you see property that appears to be yours, you usually:
     • Click to start a claim (online), or
     • Note the property ID and call the state office for next steps.

3. Identify Your Claim Type

   • Indicate whether you are:
     • The original owner
     • An heir or beneficiary
     • An executor, personal representative, or business representative

4. Generate or Receive a Claim Form

   • The system typically creates a personalized claim form listing:
     • The property
     • Required documents
     • Mailing or upload instructions

5. Gather and Submit Documents

   • Collect:
     • ID
     • SSN or tax ID proof
     • Proof of address/ownership
     • Estate or relationship documents, if needed
   • Submit them either:
     • Through the official online upload tool, or
     • By mail to the state office address listed on the form

HowToGetAssistance.org does not handle submissions or review claims; you must use the state’s official system or mailing address.

What Happens After You Submit Your Documents

Once you’ve mailed or uploaded your documents to the official Minnesota office:

• Your claim is reviewed to confirm:

  • Your identity
  • Your connection to the property
  • That no one else has a stronger claim

• The state may:

  • Approve the claim and issue payment (usually via check)
  • Request additional information or documents
  • Deny the claim if requirements are not met

Processing times vary depending on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• Whether your documents are complete
• Whether extra verification with banks, insurers, or employers is needed

If you are unsure of the status, you can usually call or email the state unclaimed property office using contact information from the official Minnesota website.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Being aware of frequent issues can help you submit a stronger claim the first time.

Typical causes of delay or denial include:

• Missing ID or unclear copies

  • Unreadable scans or photos
  • Expired IDs in situations where current ID is required

• No proof connecting you to the listed address

  • This is common with very old addresses. The state may need some documentation—even if indirect—that you lived or did business there.

• Name mismatches

  • Spelling differences between:
    • Old name
    • New married/divorced name
    • Nicknames vs. legal names
  • You may need legal name change documents to bridge gaps.

• Insufficient estate documents

  • Claims filed in the name of a deceased person without:
    • Death certificate
    • Probate documents
    • Proof of relationship

• Unauthorized business claims

  • Someone not clearly authorized to act for a business tries to claim property without:
    • Corporate resolution
    • Proof of officer status
    • Other authorization documents

If your claim is denied, the official notice usually explains why and may describe what you can do next, such as submitting additional supporting paperwork.

Can You Appeal or Reopen a Minnesota Unclaimed Property Claim?

While Minnesota’s exact procedures can change, many state unclaimed property programs allow you to:

• Submit additional documents if your claim was denied for missing or incomplete information
• Ask for a review or clarification through the official office, usually by calling, writing, or emailing
• File a new claim with corrected or expanded documentation if necessary

If your situation is complicated—such as a contested estate, multiple heirs, or unclear business succession—you may want to consult:

• A probate or estate attorney
• A business attorney (for corporate claims)

An attorney cannot bypass state requirements but may help you prepare the proper paperwork to satisfy Minnesota’s rules.

How to Verify You’re Using an Official Minnesota Channel (Scam Avoidance Tips)

Because unclaimed money is a common target for scams, it’s important to make sure you are dealing with official Minnesota offices.

Helpful guidelines:

• ✅ Type the state website address yourself into your browser instead of clicking on ads or unsolicited links.
• ✅ Confirm the website clearly identifies a Minnesota state agency (such as the Department of Commerce or State Treasurer) and provides state contact details.
• ✅ If you receive a letter or email about unclaimed property:
  • Check that it references the official Minnesota unclaimed property office.
  • Call the official state number (look it up independently) to confirm the notice is real.

Be cautious if:

• Someone guarantees they can get you money but demands upfront fees.
• You are pressured to sign broad “finder” or “locator” agreements without time to review.
• You’re asked to send sensitive documents (like full SSN, ID photos) to a personal email or unfamiliar website.

Minnesota, like many states, may allow professional “heirs finders” or “locators,” but you are never required to use them. You can usually file directly with the state agency on your own at no cost beyond standard copying or mailing expenses.

Key Takeaways: Documents to Gather Before You Claim

If you are planning to claim unclaimed assets in Minnesota, it often helps to organize:

• For individuals (original owners):

  • Current photo ID
  • SSN proof
  • Proof of address (current and, if possible, the address shown on the unclaimed property)
  • Name change documents if applicable

• For heirs/beneficiaries:

  • All of the above, plus:
  • Death certificate
  • Proof of relationship (birth/marriage/adoption certificates)
  • Estate documents (Letters Testamentary, etc.) when required

• For business or estate claims:

  • Your ID
  • Proof of authority (officer documents, court appointments, corporate resolutions)
  • Any documents connecting present and past business names or entities

Once you have these, you can contact the official Minnesota unclaimed property office or visit the state’s official unclaimed property website to start your claim, follow their instructions, and submit your documentation through the channels they specify.