Step-by-Step Guide: How to Find Unclaimed Assets in Missouri

If you have ever changed jobs, moved homes, or closed a bank account, you might have unclaimed money or property sitting with the State of Missouri and not know it. This can include old paychecks, forgotten bank accounts, utility deposits, or even insurance proceeds.

This guide explains, in plain English, how to search for and claim unclaimed assets in Missouri, what to expect from the process, and how to avoid scams. It is for general information only. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, does not handle claims, and cannot check your status. To actually recover property, you must go through Missouri’s official unclaimed property office or website.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Missouri?

In Missouri, unclaimed assets (also called unclaimed property) usually refer to money or property that belongs to you but was never delivered, and after a certain period, businesses are required to send it to the state.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts with no activity for several years
• Uncashed paychecks or commission checks
• Refunds or credits from utilities, cell phone companies, or cable providers
• Insurance payments or policy benefits
• Dividends, stocks, or bonds
• Safe deposit box contents from banks
• Security deposits for rentals or services

The Missouri State Treasurer’s Office is typically the state-level agency that holds and safeguards this property until the rightful owner or heir claims it.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Property in Missouri?

Many people are surprised to find money in their name. You may have unclaimed assets in Missouri if you:

• Lived or worked in Missouri in the past
• Had a job with direct deposit or paper paychecks
• Opened bank accounts, credit union accounts, or certificates of deposit
• Paid utility deposits (electric, gas, water, internet, phone)
• Held insurance policies (life, health, auto, renters, homeowners)
• Owned stocks, mutual funds, or bonds
• Rented a safe deposit box at a Missouri bank
• Owned or co-owned a small business registered in Missouri

You do not have to currently live in Missouri to have unclaimed property there. What matters is usually where the business or institution that held your money was located, or where you lived or worked when the account or payment was created.

Step-by-Step: How to Search for Unclaimed Assets in Missouri

You can usually search for unclaimed property online for free. Here is the typical step-by-step process.

Step 1: Gather Basic Information

Before you search, it helps to have:

• Your full legal name (and any former names)
• Middle initial and suffix (Jr., Sr., III, etc.) if used officially
• Previous names (maiden name, married name, name changes)
• Previous addresses in Missouri (cities, old ZIP codes if you know them)
• Business name, if you owned or helped run one

For heirs or executors, you may also want:

• The deceased person’s full name
• Last known address in Missouri
• Approximate date of death

You don’t need to know exactly what type of property is owed; the search is usually based mainly on names and sometimes addresses.

Step 2: Go to the Official Missouri Unclaimed Property Search

To avoid scams, it’s important to use the official Missouri unclaimed property website operated by the state government. You can usually find it by:

• Searching online for: “Missouri State Treasurer unclaimed property”
• Visiting the Missouri State Treasurer’s official website and looking for “Unclaimed Property”
• Calling the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office using the contact number listed on the official state site and asking how to find the unclaimed property search page

Avoid search results that look like private companies asking for upfront fees or a percentage unless you fully understand what they are offering. The state’s own search and claim process is free.

Step 3: Run a Name Search

On the official search page, you can typically:

1. Enter your last name and first name (and middle initial if available).
2. Optionally add a city or ZIP code to narrow results.
3. Submit the search.

You can repeat this search for:

• Each variation of your name (e.g., with and without middle initial)
• Former names (maiden name or prior married name)
• Business names you used
• Family members’ names (with their permission), especially deceased relatives whose estates you are handling

Step 4: Review the Search Results

Search results usually show:

• Owner name
• Reported address (city, sometimes street)
• Type of property (e.g., wages, bank account, utility refund, insurance)
• Holder name (the business or institution that reported it)

Look for entries that clearly match:

• Your name and spelling
• A current or past address you recognize in Missouri
• A past employer, bank, or company you dealt with

You can typically select each property you believe belongs to you to start a claim.

Step-by-Step: How to Claim Unclaimed Property in Missouri

Once you find a property that you believe is yours, there is usually a claim process. The exact steps and forms may change over time, but this is the general pattern.

Step 1: Start a Claim Through the Official Portal

From the search results, there is usually an option such as:

• “File a claim” or
• “Claim selected”

You may be asked to:

• Create or sign into a user account on the state’s unclaimed property portal, or
• Fill out a claim form online that will be submitted to the state

You might need to provide:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Current mailing address
• Phone number and email
• For businesses: business name, EIN, and your role

Some claims can also be started by mail. If you prefer a paper process, you can usually:

• Call the Missouri State Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division and request a claim form, or
• Download and print a claim form from the official Treasurer’s website

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

To protect against fraud, Missouri typically requires proof of identity and ownership. Exact requirements vary based on the type of property and whether you are the owner, heir, or representing a business.

Common documents include:

• For individuals (owners):

  • A government-issued photo ID (driver license, state ID, passport)
  • Proof of Social Security number (card, tax form, official document)
  • Proof of address matching the claim (old utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, tax record, lease, or other official mail)

• For heirs or estate representatives:

  • Your own photo ID
  • Death certificate of the property owner
  • Legal documents showing your authority (will, letters testamentary, small estate affidavit, or court appointment as personal representative)
  • Documents proving your relationship to the deceased (birth certificate, marriage certificate, family tree supported by records)

• For businesses:

  • Proof you are authorized to act for the business (letter on company letterhead, corporate resolution, or similar)
  • Tax ID (EIN) documentation
  • Articles of incorporation or other official business records

Below is a quick overview:

*Exact requirements may vary. Always follow the current instructions from Missouri’s official unclaimed property office.

Step 3: Submit Your Claim and Documentation

Depending on Missouri’s current procedures, you may be able to:

• Upload documents online through the official unclaimed property portal, or
• Mail copies (never irreplaceable originals) to the address provided on the official claim form

When mailing:

• Use the official mailing address listed on your claim instructions.
• Include the claim form and all requested documentation.
• Consider making copies of everything you send for your records.

Step 4: Wait for Review and Possible Follow-Up

After you submit a claim:

• The state’s unclaimed property staff will typically review your documents.
• If anything is missing or unclear, they may request additional information by mail, email, or phone using the contact information you provided.
• Processing times can vary depending on workload, complexity, and whether your documents are complete.

You may be able to check your claim status on the official unclaimed property portal or by calling the unclaimed property office directly. HowToGetAssistance.org cannot check status for you.

Step 5: Receive Your Payment

If your claim is approved:

• Cash property (like wages, refunds, or bank balances) is usually paid by check mailed to your address, or in some cases by direct deposit if the state allows it and you choose that option.
• Non-cash property (such as the contents of a safe deposit box) may be:
  • Returned directly to you, or
  • Sold at auction by the state, with the sale proceeds made available as your claim.

The exact process is determined by the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office policies.

Claiming Property as an Heir or Executor in Missouri

If the person who owned the property has passed away, you may still be able to claim it on their behalf.

Common situations:

• You are a spouse or child of the deceased
• You are the executor or personal representative named in a will or appointed by the court
• You are another relative or heir under Missouri’s estate laws

Typical steps:

1. Search using the deceased person’s name and last known Missouri address.
2. Start a claim as an heir or estate representative.
3. Provide documents such as:
   • Death certificate
   • Your own photo ID
   • Proof of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
   • Any court documents appointing you as executor or personal representative

In some cases, small estates may qualify for a simplified process (for example, a small estate affidavit). This depends on Missouri law and the size of the estate. If you are unsure, you may want to speak with a probate attorney or legal aid organization for guidance. HowToGetAssistance.org does not provide legal representation.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Property in Missouri?

In many states, including Missouri, unclaimed property is typically held by the state indefinitely until claimed. That means:

• There is usually no strict deadline for most types of unclaimed property once it has been turned over to the state.
• However, for certain items such as safe deposit box contents, the physical items may eventually be sold at auction, and you would then claim the money from the sale, not the original item.

Because policies can change, it is wise to check as soon as you suspect you might have unclaimed property and monitor periodically (for example, once a year).

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Even when people are clearly entitled to unclaimed assets, claims may be delayed or, in some cases, denied. Some typical issues include:

• Incomplete documentation
  • Missing ID, missing proof of address, or no proof of Social Security number
• Name changes not explained
  • No documents linking a maiden name to a married name, or previous to current name
• Unclear relationship to deceased owner
  • Not enough estate or probate paperwork
• Incorrect or outdated contact information
  • The state cannot reach you to request additional information
• Wrong person claiming
  • A person with a similar name but no actual connection to the property

To reduce problems:

• Carefully follow the instructions given in your claim packet or on the official site.
• Provide clear copies of all requested documents.
• Make sure your contact information is current and accurate.

If your claim is denied and you believe you are entitled to the property, you can typically:

• Contact the unclaimed property office to ask what was missing or why it was denied.
• Submit additional documents or corrections.
• In more complex cases, consult with an attorney familiar with Missouri property or probate law.

How to Tell You’re Using an Official Missouri Channel (Scam-Avoidance Tips)

Because unclaimed money is involved, scammers sometimes try to take advantage of people. Here are ways to help verify you are dealing with the official Missouri unclaimed property office:

• ⚠️ Search for the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office directly and navigate to the unclaimed property section from there.
• ⚠️ Look for “.gov” in the website address. Missouri’s official state government sites typically use “.gov” domains.
• ⚠️ Be cautious if:
  • A site charges upfront “search fees”
  • Someone contacts you unexpectedly and demands a percentage of the property before disclosing details
  • You are asked to send money or gift cards to “unlock” your claim

Missouri’s official unclaimed property search and claim filing are generally free of charge when done directly with the state.

Finder services or “heir finders”
There are private companies and individuals who offer to search for and claim unclaimed property for you in exchange for a fee or percentage of what is recovered. In Missouri:

• In some cases this may be legal but not necessary, since you can usually search and claim for free yourself.
• If you choose to use a finder service, read any contract carefully and make sure you understand:
  • What they will do
  • How much they will charge
  • Whether you can cancel
• You can also contact the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office to confirm whether a claimed property actually exists in your name before you sign anything.

Never share personal information (Social Security number, full date of birth, bank account numbers) with anyone unless you are confident you are dealing with an official state office or a service you knowingly chose and fully trust.

Tips to Avoid Having Property Become “Unclaimed” in the Future

Once you have checked for and claimed any money, you can also take steps to reduce the chances of future unclaimed property:

• Keep a list of your bank accounts, insurance policies, and investments.
• Update your mailing address with banks, employers, and service providers whenever you move.
• Cash or deposit checks promptly, especially final paychecks and refunds.
• Log in to online accounts periodically so they are not marked as inactive.
• Tell a trusted family member or executor where your important financial documents are stored.

These simple habits can help ensure your assets reach you or your heirs directly instead of ending up with the state.

If You Don’t Find Anything in Missouri

If your Missouri search shows no results, you may still want to:

• Search in other states where you have lived, worked, or done business.
• Search under former names (maiden, married, or legally changed names).
• Try alternate spellings of your name if they have ever appeared in official documents that way.

You can usually find other states’ official unclaimed property programs by searching online for phrases like:

• “[State Name] unclaimed property”
• “[State Name] State Treasurer unclaimed property”
• “[State Name] unclaimed funds official site”

Be sure you are on that state’s official government site, not a look-alike service.

By following the steps in this guide—using the official Missouri unclaimed property search, submitting a complete and accurate claim, and watching out for scams—you can put yourself in the best position to recover any unclaimed assets that belong to you or your family through the proper state channels.