How To Claim Unclaimed Property and Assets in Missouri: Step-by-Step Guide

If you have ever lost track of a bank account, paycheck, insurance payout, or refund, it might have ended up as unclaimed property with the State of Missouri. Filing an unclaimed assets claim in Missouri is usually straightforward once you understand where to search, what documents you need, and how to submit your claim through official state channels.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains the typical process for claiming unclaimed property in Missouri. It is informational only. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office, not an official portal, and does not process or manage claims. To actually file or check a claim, you must use Missouri’s official unclaimed property system or other official offices.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Missouri?

In Missouri, unclaimed property (sometimes called unclaimed assets or abandoned property) generally refers to money or financial assets that a business or institution has been unable to return to the rightful owner for a certain period of time. After that, state law usually requires the business to turn the property over to the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office for safekeeping.

Common examples of unclaimed property in Missouri include:

• Bank accounts (savings or checking) with no activity
• Uncashed paychecks or contractor checks
• Utility or apartment security deposits
• Refund checks from companies or government agencies
• Insurance policy proceeds or refunds
• Stocks, mutual funds, or dividends
• Safe deposit box contents (these may be sold at auction, with proceeds held)
• Money orders or traveler’s checks after a dormancy period
• Customer credits or gift certificate balances (in some cases)

Unclaimed property in Missouri is generally not:

• Real estate (land or buildings)
• Vehicles
• Most physical personal property (except what was in safe deposit boxes and then converted to cash)

Who Can File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Missouri?

You can usually file a claim in Missouri if you are:

• The property owner listed in the state’s unclaimed property database
• A heir, beneficiary, or legal representative of a deceased owner
• A business owner or officer of a company that is the listed owner
• A legal guardian, conservator, or trustee authorized to act on behalf of the owner

To succeed with your claim, you typically must show:

• Proof of your identity, and
• Proof of your connection to the property or to the original owner (if claiming on someone else’s behalf)

There is usually no time limit for most individuals to claim unclaimed property in Missouri; the state typically holds it until it is claimed. However, specific rules can vary for certain types of property, especially securities or safe deposit box contents.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Missouri

The first step is to see whether the State of Missouri is holding property under your name.

How to Run a Search

You can typically search in two main ways:

• Online search:
  Most people use the Missouri State Treasurer’s official unclaimed property search tool hosted on the state’s website. This is usually the fastest way. You can search by:

  • Last name and first name
  • Business name
  • City or ZIP code (optional filters)

• By phone or mail:
  Some people prefer to contact the Missouri State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division by phone or mail to request a search, especially if they do not use the internet or need help with the process.

When searching, try:

• Your current legal name
• Former names, including maiden names
• Common misspellings of your name
• Business names you own or have owned
• Relatives’ names, especially deceased family members, if you might be a heir

If you find a match, the database will usually show:

• The name of the apparent owner
• The holder (such as the bank, company, or insurer)
• The type of property (e.g., wages, bank account, insurance proceeds)
• The approximate amount or range (some states show “over/under $50” instead of exact amounts)

Step 2: Review Your Result and Start a Claim

After you identify property that appears to belong to you (or to someone you legally represent), you can start a claim through the official Missouri process.

Starting a Claim (Typical Online Process)

On the official unclaimed property site for Missouri, you can usually:

1. Select each property you believe is yours.
2. Confirm your relationship to the listed owner:
   • “Owner”
   • “Heir” or “Executor”
   • “Business representative”
3. Provide contact information:
   • Name
   • Mailing address
   • Phone
   • Email (if available)
4. Submit the claim request online, which often assigns you a claim number.

Depending on the property type and relationship, the system may tell you:

• Which documents you will need
• Whether you can upload documents online or must mail them
• If a notarized form is required

If you prefer not to file online, you can usually:

• Print a claim form from the official site and mail it with documents, or
• Request a paper form by contacting the Missouri State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division directly.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Missouri typically requires documentation to verify both identity and ownership (or legal right to the property). Requirements can vary by case, but here are common examples.

Common Documents for Individual Claims

You may need:

• Government-issued photo ID (required in most cases)

  • Missouri driver license or ID card
  • U.S. passport
  • Other official photo ID

• Proof of Social Security number, such as:

  • Social Security card
  • Tax form (W-2, 1099) showing the full or last four digits

• Proof of address or connection to the property, which might include:

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Old mail showing your name and the address where the property was registered

• Name change proof, if applicable:

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

Additional Documents for Heirs and Estates

If you are claiming property for a deceased person, Missouri often asks for:

• Death certificate of the owner
• Legal documents showing your authority, such as:
  • Letters testamentary or letters of administration
  • Small estate affidavit (if applicable under Missouri law)
  • Will or trust documents (sometimes as supporting evidence)
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased (if you are an heir but not the appointed executor), such as:
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Other records showing family connection

Business or Organization Claims

If the property belongs to a business, non-profit, or other organization, typical documents may include:

• Proof of authority:

  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on company letterhead
  • Documentation showing you as owner, officer, or authorized representative

• Business documentation:

  • Articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, or similar founding documents
  • Tax ID documentation (EIN)
  • Recent utility bill or statement showing the business name and address related to the claim

Quick Reference: Typical Documents by Claim Type

*Exact requirements can vary. Always check the specific instructions provided by the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office for your claim.

Step 4: Submit Your Claim and Documents

Once you have your documents:

Online Submission

Many Missouri claimants can:

1. Log into the official unclaimed property claim system using the claim number.
2. Upload scanned copies (or clear photos) of the required documents.
3. Make sure each file is legible and labeled clearly (for example, “ID,” “Proof of Address,” “Death Certificate”).

The system may confirm receipt of your documents or provide a status update once they are reviewed.

Mail Submission

If you cannot submit documents online, or if Missouri requires original or notarized documents, you may:

1. Print the claim form (or use the paper form sent by the state).
2. Attach copies of your documents (and original or notarized documents if specifically required).
3. Mail them to the address listed on the claim form, which is typically the address for the Missouri State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division.

Keep copies of everything you send, including the claim form and mail receipt, for your records.

Step 5: What Happens After You File?

After you submit your claim and documents, the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office will typically:

1. Confirm receipt of your claim (online confirmation page, email, or mailed letter).
2. Review your documents to verify identity and ownership.
3. Request additional information if something is missing or unclear.
4. Approve or deny the claim.

How to Check Your Claim Status

You can usually:

• Use your claim number to check status on the official Missouri unclaimed property website.
• Call the Unclaimed Property Division using the phone number listed on the state site or on any letters you receive.
• Write to the office by mail with your name, claim number, and question.

Common status updates include:

• Received (they have your claim)
• Under review or Processing
• More information needed
• Approved or Paid
• Denied (with a reason)

How Long Does It Take?

Processing time can vary depending on:

• The complexity of the claim
• Whether you are claiming as an owner or an heir
• Whether all required documents were submitted up front
• Overall workload at the state office

Many straightforward claims are handled within a few weeks to a couple of months, but more complex estate claims can take longer.

Common Reasons Missouri Unclaimed Property Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems.

Frequent Causes of Delays

• Missing documents (e.g., no proof of address or no death certificate for an estate claim)
• Unreadable copies (blurry photos, cut-off pages)
• Mismatched names with no explanation (for example, property in a maiden name but no marriage certificate included)
• Incomplete claim forms (blank sections, missing signatures, or missing notarization if required)

Reasons a Claim Might Be Denied

• The documents do not clearly show you are the same person as the owner listed in the record.
• Another person has stronger legal rights (for example, a different heir under Missouri law or the legally appointed executor).
• Documents appear altered or fraudulent.
• The claim is filed by someone without legal authority (for example, a distant relative without estate papers trying to claim on behalf of a deceased person).

If your claim is denied, the decision letter from the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office usually explains why and may describe what you can do next if you believe the decision was incorrect.

Can You Appeal or Ask for a Review?

Missouri typically allows claimants to:

• Contact the Unclaimed Property Division to ask for clarification on a denial.
• Submit additional documents that prove identity or legal right to the property.
• Request a review or reconsideration if you believe the denial was based on incomplete information.

In more complex estate or business disputes, some people choose to consult an attorney familiar with Missouri property or probate law to understand their options. Any appeal or legal action would be handled directly with Missouri’s official offices or courts, not through HowToGetAssistance.org.

How to Make Sure You Are Using an Official Missouri Channel

Because unclaimed property is often money, scammers sometimes pose as state officials or “recovery agents.” A few simple checks can help protect you.

Tips to Verify You Are Dealing with Missouri’s Official Office

• Look for clear state identification.
  Official letters and websites will usually list the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office or another clearly identifiable state government agency.

• Check for .gov domains.
  Missouri’s official websites use “.gov” domains (for example, “mo.gov”). Be cautious of sites with similar names but different endings (like “.com” or “.net”) that appear to collect your personal data.

• Be wary of fees.
  Missouri’s official unclaimed property service is typically free to search and claim. If someone demands a large upfront fee or a percentage of your property for a simple claim you can file yourself, proceed very carefully.

• Protect your information.
  Only share sensitive information—like your Social Security number or copies of your ID—through official, secure channels. If you’re unsure, call the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office using a phone number you obtain from the state’s main website or another reliable government directory, not from an unsolicited email or text.

• Watch out for urgent or threatening messages.
  Official unclaimed property notices generally do not threaten legal action, arrest, or loss of benefits if you do not respond immediately.

If you suspect a scam, you can contact:

• The Missouri Attorney General’s Office
• A local consumer protection agency
• A trusted legal advisor

If You Do Not Qualify or Cannot Prove Ownership

Sometimes people locate a record that seems like it should be theirs but cannot provide enough documentation for Missouri to approve the claim. In that situation:

• You may try to locate older records:

  • Old leases, tax filings, bank statements
  • Employment records for uncashed wages
  • Insurance policy statements

• You can ask the Unclaimed Property Division if there are alternative proofs they will accept.

• If the property belongs to a deceased relative and you are not the estate’s legal representative, you may:

  • Work with other family members to determine who is best positioned to claim
  • Consult with a probate or estate attorney about your rights and options under Missouri law

If it turns out that you do not qualify, remember:

• Claiming money that does not legally belong to you can have legal consequences.
• It is usually better to allow the rightful owner or legal heir to claim the funds, even if that means you cannot access them personally.

Other Helpful Resources

While HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file or process claims, you can:

• Search for unclaimed property in other states where you have lived or worked. Each state has its own unclaimed property office and process.
• Call 211 in many areas to be connected to local information and referral services that may help you find contact information for your state’s offices.
• Speak with an attorney or trusted advisor for personalized legal guidance, especially for estate-related claims.

By following the steps above—searching the official Missouri unclaimed property database, starting a claim, gathering required documents, and submitting them through official channels—many people are able to recover unclaimed assets that have been held in their name.

To proceed, your next step is to visit the official Missouri State Treasurer’s unclaimed property site or contact the Unclaimed Property Division directly to start your search and follow their current instructions.