Documents You Need To Claim Unclaimed Assets in North Dakota

Finding out you might have unclaimed property in North Dakota can be exciting—but actually claiming it usually requires the right documents. This guide walks through the documents typically needed, how they’re used, and what to expect when you file a claim through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It is not a government agency, not a state office, and not a place to submit claims. To actually claim money or property, you must go through North Dakota’s official unclaimed property program or another official office.

Understanding Unclaimed Property in North Dakota

In North Dakota, unclaimed property usually means money or assets that a business or institution was holding for you but couldn’t reach you for a long time. Common examples include:

• Old bank accounts or CDs
• Uncashed paychecks or commission checks
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Insurance proceeds or dividends
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stocks, mutual funds, or other financial accounts

When companies lose contact with the owner for a set period, they are generally required to turn that property over to the state’s unclaimed property program, often part of the State Treasurer’s Office or similar department.

To get it back, you usually must:

1. Search your name in the state’s official unclaimed property database.
2. File a claim form with proof that:
   • You are the correct person, and
   • You have a right to the asset.

That’s where the documents come in.

Big Picture: What Documents Are Usually Required?

Most North Dakota unclaimed property claims involve three basic proof categories:

1. Proof of identity
2. Proof of address or previous address
3. Proof of ownership or legal right to the asset

Additional documents may be required if:

• You are claiming on behalf of a business
• You are claiming for a deceased relative
• Your name has changed (marriage, divorce, legal name change)
• You are acting under a power of attorney, guardianship, or as a personal representative

The exact list can vary by claim type and dollar amount, so the state’s official instructions should always be your final reference.

Quick Reference: Common Document Types by Situation

Here is a general snapshot of documents often needed, depending on who is claiming.

What follows explains each of these categories in more detail.

1. Proof of Identity

North Dakota’s unclaimed property office typically needs to be confident that you are who you say you are. Common forms of proof of identity include:

Primary ID (usually one of these)

• State-issued driver’s license
• State-issued non-driver ID card
• U.S. passport
• Military ID (if accepted)
• Tribal ID, if applicable and accepted

The ID usually must be:

• Current (unexpired) or recently expired, depending on state rules
• Clearly showing your full name and typically date of birth
• A government-issued photo ID

Secondary ID (sometimes requested)

Sometimes, especially for larger claims or if your primary ID raises questions, you might be asked for additional proof, such as:

• Social Security card (or a document showing your SSN)
• Birth certificate
• Medicare/Medicaid card (with your name)
• Employee ID badge (less common)
• School ID combined with other documents

The state’s official claim form or instructions usually explain what counts as acceptable identification.

🔎 Tip: If the claim is in a former name, you may still use your current ID, but you’ll also likely need name change documents (see below).

2. Proof of Address (Current and/or Previous)

Many unclaimed property records are tied to an old address where the company last tried to reach you. To show that property belongs to you, you often must prove:

• You lived at the address listed on the unclaimed property record, and/or
• You live at your current mailing address where payment should be sent

Common proof of address documents

These often include:

• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, etc.)
• Bank or credit union statements
• Credit card statements
• Mortgage statements or lease agreements
• Pay stubs with your address
• Property tax statements
• Official government correspondence (for example, tax notices)

Documents generally should:

• Show your name
• Show the relevant address (current or former)
• Be dated (often within a certain time frame for current address; older documents may be acceptable for former address)

If you no longer have documents showing an old address, some people are able to use tax records, old pay stubs, or other archived documents. Instructions on the state’s official site or from the unclaimed property office can clarify what they will accept.

3. Proof of Ownership or Legal Right to the Asset

In many cases, your ID and address are enough to match you to the record. However, depending on the claim type and amount, you might also need supporting documents related to the specific asset.

Examples of ownership-related documents

• Original bank statements, passbooks, or account cards
• Insurance policies or policy statements
• Dividend statements, brokerage statements, or stock certificates
• Loan documents for escrow refunds
• Original checks (for uncashed checks, if still in your possession)
• Safe deposit box keys or bank correspondence

Not everyone has these records, and for many small or straightforward claims they may not be required. The state’s claim review team usually decides what’s necessary based on how easily they can match your claim to their records.

4. Special Situations: Name Changes

If the unclaimed property record lists a different last name or legal name, you typically must show how your current name connects to the name on the record.

Common name change documents

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree showing name change back to a prior name
• Court order for a legal name change
• Adoption records (where relevant and permitted)

In practice, the claim package often includes:

• Your current photo ID, and
• One or more legal documents linking your current name to the name on the asset

For multiple name changes (for example, remarriage or multiple legal changes), you may need to provide a chain of documents to show the sequence of names over time.

5. Claiming Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Person (Heirs & Estates)

If the original owner has passed away, North Dakota’s unclaimed property office usually requires extra documentation to verify:

1. The original owner is deceased.
2. You have the legal right to claim on their behalf (as heir, executor, personal representative, or via court order).

Documents commonly needed for deceased owner claims

• Death certificate (certified copy is often required)
• Proof of your identity (as the claimant)
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased, such as:
  • Birth certificate (showing parent/child relationship)
  • Marriage certificate (if you are a spouse)
  • Other legal records of relationship
• Estate or probate documents, which may include:
  • Letters testamentary or letters of administration
  • Personal representative appointment from a court
  • Small estate affidavit, if applicable under state law
  • Will (sometimes, depending on state requirements)

In some simpler cases (for example, low dollar amounts or no formal probate), the state may allow heirs to claim using affidavits instead of a full probate process. The exact rules vary and come from North Dakota law and the state’s unclaimed property program.

📌 Important: Rules for estates and heirs can be complex. If the situation involves multiple heirs, disputes, or a large estate, many people consult an attorney or the court for guidance on their rights and responsibilities. HowToGetAssistance.org cannot provide legal advice.

6. Claiming on Behalf of a Business or Organization

Businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations can also have unclaimed property. If you are filing for a business in North Dakota, be prepared to show both:

• The business’s existence and identity, and
• Your authority to act on behalf of that business.

Typical business claim documents

• Employer Identification Number (EIN) or federal tax ID
• Articles of incorporation, certificate of organization, or other formation documents
• Business license or trade name registration (if applicable)
• Partnership agreement (for partnerships)
• Proof of current ownership or controlling interest
• Corporate resolution, letter of authorization, or other document appointing you as an authorized signer
• Photo ID for the person signing the claim

You may also need:

• Old business records showing the address used on the unclaimed property record
• Bank statements, invoices, or contracts tying the business to the asset

For dissolved businesses or those that changed names, records showing succession or name changes may also be required.

7. Claims Using Power of Attorney, Guardianship, or Other Legal Authority

Sometimes a person is unable to handle their own financial matters, and another person is authorized to act on their behalf. In that case, the North Dakota unclaimed property office will usually require proof of that authority.

Common documents for representative claims

• Power of attorney (POA) documents
• Guardianship or conservatorship orders from a court
• Trust documents, if the property is in a trust’s name
• Court orders authorizing someone to manage the person’s affairs

Typically, you must include:

1. Your own ID
2. ID for the person you represent (if available)
3. The legal documents that grant you authority

The office may review whether the POA or court order is still valid and broad enough to cover claiming unclaimed property.

8. How to Submit Your Documents (Typical Process)

While details can change, many people in North Dakota follow a process that looks something like this:

1. Search the official North Dakota unclaimed property database

   • This is generally found through the State Treasurer’s Office or another official state department site.
   • You can usually search by name and sometimes by city.

2. Select the property that appears to belong to you

   • Review the listed address, company name, and type of property.
   • The system usually gives you an option to start a claim.

3. Complete the claim form online or print a paper form

   • You may be asked for:
     • Full legal name
     • Current address and contact information
     • Social Security number or taxpayer ID (especially for tax reporting purposes)
   • The form will generally describe what documents are required.

4. Gather required supporting documents

   • Make clear copies of your ID and other documents.
   • Some states accept uploaded PDFs/images; others require mailing photocopies or certified documents.

5. Submit the claim and documents through the official channel

   • This may be:
     • An online portal where you upload files, or
     • A mailing address for the state’s unclaimed property office.
   • Instructions are usually printed on the claim form or shown on the official website.

6. Wait for review and respond to any requests for more information

   • Processing time can vary depending on workload, claim complexity, and whether additional documents are needed.
   • The office may contact you by mail, email, or phone using the information you provided.

Remember: HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept or forward your documents. You must send them directly to the official North Dakota unclaimed property office as instructed.

9. What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once your claim and documents are submitted, the official state office typically:

1. Reviews your identity and documentation

   • They compare your information to their records.
   • They confirm your relationship to the asset (individual, heir, business, etc.).

2. Requests additional documentation if needed

   • If something is unclear—such as a mismatch in names, missing addresses, or incomplete estate papers—you may receive a letter or email asking for more proof.

3. Approves or denies the claim

   • If approved, they usually issue a check or otherwise transfer the property, depending on the type of asset.
   • If denied, they should explain the reason.

10. Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding common problems can help you get your documents right the first time.

Frequent issues

• Incomplete documentation

  • Missing ID or not enough proof of address
  • Forgetting to include a marriage certificate or name-change record

• Illegible or poor-quality copies

  • Blurry photos or scans that make names, dates, or addresses hard to read

• Wrong person claiming

  • A person with the same or similar name, but not actually the one in the record

• Estate not properly documented

  • Missing death certificate
  • No proof that the claimant is the correct heir or personal representative
  • Estate has multiple heirs but only one is claiming without proper authority

• Outdated or invalid legal authority

  • A power of attorney that has been revoked or does not authorize this kind of transaction

If your claim is delayed, many people contact the North Dakota unclaimed property office directly using the phone number or email listed on the official site to ask what additional information is needed.

11. Appeals, Corrections, and Reapplying

If your claim is denied or marked incomplete, options can depend on North Dakota’s specific policies.

Common approaches include:

• Submitting additional documents the office requests and having the claim re-reviewed.
• Filing a new claim if the original one was closed or if you have significantly new information.
• In complicated estate or legal situations, some people choose to:
  • Talk with an attorney familiar with probate or property law.
  • Seek guidance from the court on how to establish their rights.

Official denial letters or emails generally explain the problem and may include instructions on what to do next.

12. How to Verify You Are Using Official North Dakota Channels

Because unclaimed property involves money, scams and misleading services can appear. To protect yourself:

Signs you are likely on an official state site or dealing with an official office

• The website uses a “.gov” domain and clearly identifies itself as a North Dakota state office (for example, State Treasurer or State Tax Department, depending on how the state organizes unclaimed property).
• Contact information includes:
  • State office addresses
  • Phone numbers labeled as part of a state agency
• Claim forms clearly reference North Dakota law or state code.

Red flags to watch for

• A website that:
  • Charges upfront fees just to let you search for your name
  • Does not identify a state agency by name
  • Has a web address ending in “.com,” “.net,” or “.org” but appears to pose as the official claim portal
• Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails asking for full Social Security numbers, bank account details, or immediate payment to release funds
• People or companies asking you to sign complicated contracts in exchange for finding your money

Some people do hire paid “finder” services or “heir locators.” If you choose to do so, it is important to:

• Read any contract carefully
• Understand the percentage or fee they will charge
• Know that in many cases you can submit claims on your own directly to the state at no fee beyond normal mailing or copying costs.

When in doubt, you can:

• Look up contact information for the North Dakota State Treasurer’s Office or the state’s unclaimed property program through a general search and confirm you are on a .gov site.
• Call the office using a phone number you verified independently, not a number only provided in an unsolicited email or text.

13. Getting Ready: A Simple Pre-Claim Checklist

Before you start your North Dakota unclaimed property claim, it can help to gather:

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Proof of your current address (recent utility bill, bank statement, or similar)
• Proof of past address if the claim lists an old location
• Name change documents, if applicable
• For deceased owner claims:
  • Death certificate
  • Proof of relationship
  • Estate or probate documents
• For business claims:
  • Business formation documents
  • EIN
  • Proof you are authorized to act for the business

Having these documents ready often makes submitting to the official North Dakota unclaimed property office smoother and can reduce delays.

By understanding the documents needed to claim unclaimed assets in North Dakota and how the process usually works, you can be better prepared to move forward through the state’s official channels.