How To File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in North Dakota: Step-by-Step Guide

If you have ever moved, changed jobs, or closed a bank account, you may have money or property sitting with the North Dakota unclaimed property program and not know it. Filing an unclaimed assets claim in North Dakota is usually straightforward once you understand the process and which official offices handle it.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how the process typically works, who can file, what documents you may need, and how to avoid scams. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, does not process claims, and cannot check your claim status. Instead, this article is meant to help you prepare to use the official North Dakota channels.

What “Unclaimed Assets” Means in North Dakota

In plain language, unclaimed assets (often called unclaimed property) are money or property held by a business, financial institution, or government office that has lost contact with the owner for a certain period of time.

In North Dakota, this program is generally administered by the North Dakota State Treasurer’s Office as the state’s official unclaimed property holder.

Common examples of unclaimed assets include:

• Bank accounts (savings or checking) that were forgotten or dormant
• Uncashed checks, including:
  • Payroll checks
  • Refund checks
  • Vendor payments
• Security deposits (utilities, rentals, etc.)
• Insurance proceeds or benefits, including life insurance policies
• Stocks, dividends, or mutual fund accounts
• Safe deposit box contents turned over to the state
• Credit balances from utilities, phone, or internet providers
• Gift certificates or gift cards (in some situations)

The money is not taken away from you. Instead, after the business or institution cannot reach you, it must transfer the assets to the state’s unclaimed property program, where you can later file a claim.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in North Dakota?

You may be able to file an unclaimed asset claim in North Dakota if:

• You are the owner listed on the property
• You are a heir or beneficiary of a deceased owner
• You are an authorized representative for:
  • A business
  • A trust
  • An estate
  • A nonprofit
• You previously lived, worked, or did business in North Dakota, or with a company that reported unclaimed property to North Dakota

Some common eligibility situations:

• You changed addresses and did not update your accounts
• You worked in North Dakota and never cashed a paycheck
• A family member who passed away once lived in North Dakota and might have unclaimed property
• Your small business once operated in North Dakota and may have a credit refund or uncashed check

If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can typically start by searching your name on the official North Dakota unclaimed property search website and then review the instructions provided there.

Key Documents You May Need for a North Dakota Unclaimed Property Claim

The exact documents required will depend on:

• Whether the claim is for an individual or business
• Whether the owner is living or deceased
• The type and value of the unclaimed property

Below is a general guide. The official North Dakota unclaimed property website or the State Treasurer’s Office will list the specific requirements for each claim.

For Individual Owners (Living)

You may be asked for:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • North Dakota driver’s license or state ID
  • Passport
  • Other state driver’s license or ID, if you now live elsewhere
• Proof of Social Security Number (sometimes required)
  • Social Security card
  • Tax document (such as a W-2)
• Proof of address (showing you lived at the address connected to the claim)
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease, mortgage document, or tax bill
• Name change documentation (if your current name differs from the name on the property)
  • Marriage certificate
  • Divorce decree
  • Court order

For Heirs or Estates (Owner Deceased)

In addition to the items above, you may need:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Legal documents showing your authority, such as:
  • Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration
  • Small estate affidavit (if applicable in your situation)
  • Will or trust documents (if requested)
• Proof of relationship to the deceased
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Other legal documents showing you are an heir or beneficiary

For Businesses, Trusts, or Other Entities

Typical documentation can include:

• Business documents
  • Articles of Incorporation or Organization
  • Partnership agreement
  • Business license
• Proof of authority to act for the entity
  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on official letterhead
  • Power of attorney (if applicable)
• Tax ID (EIN) verification, if requested

Basic Steps to File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in North Dakota

Each claim may have slightly different requirements, but the process usually follows these basic steps:

1. Search for Unclaimed Property in North Dakota

Start by using the official North Dakota unclaimed property search tool run by the state (usually through the State Treasurer’s Office).

You typically can:

• Search by your full legal name
• Try previous names (maiden names, prior married names)
• Try common misspellings of your name
• Search for business names if you own or manage a company

If you find property that appears to belong to you, you can usually select it and begin a claim through the official website.

🔎 Tip: If you have lived in other states, you may also want to search those states’ official unclaimed property sites separately, as each state maintains its own database.

2. Start a Claim Through the Official North Dakota Portal

Once you identify potential unclaimed property:

1. Follow the instructions shown with the property listing.
2. You may be asked to create an online account in the state’s system.
3. Confirm or provide:
   • Your current name and contact information
   • Any previous addresses that match the claim
   • Information that proves the link between you and the property

In many cases, you can submit a claim online and then upload or mail the necessary documents.

3. Gather and Submit Required Documentation

Based on the claim type, the system or instructions will tell you what to provide. This may include:

• A copy of your photo ID
• Documents proving your address at the time the property became unclaimed
• Proof of name change, if relevant
• Estate or business documents, if you are filing as an heir or representative

You may be allowed to:

• Upload scanned or photographed documents through the official portal, or
• Mail photocopies to the address listed on the claim form

Always check the official instructions about:

• Whether originals are needed (usually not, but it can happen for certain estate claims)
• Whether documents must be notarized

4. Track Your Claim Status

After you submit your claim, the North Dakota unclaimed property office will generally:

• Assign a claim number
• Review your paperwork and compare it to their records
• Contact you if more information or clarification is needed

You may be able to:

• Check status online using your claim number
• Call the State Treasurer’s unclaimed property division for updates
• Email or write to the office using the contact details listed on the official website or claim form

Processing time can vary depending on:

• Volume of claims
• Complexity (for example, simple individual claims vs. multi-heir estate claims)
• Whether your documents were complete and clear

Common Types of North Dakota Unclaimed Property and How They Affect Your Claim

Below is a simple overview of some frequent property types and what may be required.

The official North Dakota unclaimed property office will specify when additional paperwork is required for a particular type of property.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Assets in North Dakota?

Many people worry unclaimed property will “expire.” In most states, including North Dakota, unclaimed property generally does not expire once it is turned over to the state.

Key points:

• Funds are usually held by the state indefinitely for the rightful owner or heirs.
• You can typically file a claim at any time, even many years after the property was reported.
• Some financial assets (like stocks) may be liquidated and held as cash, but the value is still claimable by the owner.

To confirm any time-related rules for your specific claim, refer to the information provided by the official North Dakota unclaimed property program or contact the State Treasurer’s Office.

Reasons a North Dakota Unclaimed Property Claim Might Be Delayed or Denied

Most delays or denials happen because the state office cannot clearly verify that you are the rightful owner (or representative) of the property. Common reasons include:

• Missing documents
  • No ID submitted
  • No proof of address for the time period in question
• Information mismatch
  • Name spelled differently
  • Different middle initial
  • Address not matching the record
• Insufficient proof of relationship
  • For deceased owners, not providing a death certificate
  • Lack of legal authority to act for an estate or business
• Unreadable copies
  • Blurry or cut-off scans or photos of documents
• Not following notarization or mailing instructions when requested

If your claim is denied or closed, the notice from the state will usually explain the reason. In many cases, you may be able to:

• Correct the issue (for example, submit clearer documents or additional proof) and
• Refile the claim or request further review, depending on the instructions from the state office.

For questions about a denial or delay, you can typically call or write the North Dakota State Treasurer’s unclaimed property division directly using the contact details on their official site or correspondence.

How to Verify You Are Using Official North Dakota Channels (Avoiding Scams)

Because unclaimed property is a common topic, there are third-party services and scams that may try to charge you fees or collect your personal information.

Here are ways to protect yourself:

• Use the official state website.
  • Look for the North Dakota State Treasurer or State unclaimed property program on a .gov website.
• Be cautious about fees.
  • In many situations, you can file an unclaimed property claim directly with the state at no cost.
  • Some “finders” or “locators” may offer to help for a fee; this may be allowed under certain conditions, but it is usually optional, not required.
• Confirm contact details.
  • Cross-check phone numbers or mailing addresses with those listed on the official North Dakota government website.
• Protect sensitive information.
  • Only provide Social Security numbers, bank details, or ID copies through trusted, secure, official channels.
• Avoid high-pressure tactics.
  • Be wary of anyone claiming you must pay immediately to avoid losing money. True unclaimed property held by the state is generally not forfeited overnight.

If you are unsure whether a website or offer is legitimate:

• Contact the North Dakota State Treasurer’s Office directly using contact information from the official North Dakota government directory.
• You can also dial 211 in many areas to ask for help locating the correct state office number (211 is an information and referral service in many parts of the U.S., not an unclaimed property office).

What If You Do Not Qualify for a Specific Claim?

Sometimes, people find property that looks familiar but are ultimately not able to prove ownership or legal authority. For example:

• You shared a name with another person who lived in North Dakota.
• The address on the claim belongs to someone else.
• Legal documents for an estate were never completed, and you have no authority to act.

If you do not qualify for that specific claim:

• You can still search again using different spellings, previous names, or business names.
• You may check for unclaimed assets in other states where you or your relatives lived or worked.
• For estate-related issues, you may want to consult an attorney familiar with probate in North Dakota or the probate court in the county where the deceased lived to understand your options.

Quick Checklist: Filing an Unclaimed Assets Claim in North Dakota

Use this as a simple reference when you are ready to move forward through official channels:

1. Search your name on the official North Dakota unclaimed property website.
2. Select property that appears to belong to you (or the estate/business you represent).
3. Start a claim using the online portal or the instructions provided.
4. Gather required documents, such as:
   • Photo ID
   • Proof of address (past and/or present)
   • Name change documents
   • Estate or business paperwork if applicable
5. Submit documents by uploading or mailing as instructed by the State Treasurer’s Office.
6. Keep your claim number and any confirmation emails or letters.
7. Check status using the online system or by contacting the unclaimed property division.
8. Respond promptly if the office requests additional information.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file the claim for you, but by understanding these steps and preparing your information in advance, you can move more confidently through North Dakota’s official unclaimed property process.