Step‑by‑Step Guide: How To Find Unclaimed Assets in North Dakota

Many people in North Dakota have money or property in their name and do not realize it. This can include old paychecks, forgotten bank accounts, utility deposits, or insurance payments. North Dakota’s unclaimed property system is designed to hold these assets until the rightful owner (or heirs) claim them.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed assets typically work in North Dakota and how you can search for and claim them through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational website only. It is not a government agency, does not hold any unclaimed assets, and cannot process claims. This guide is to help you understand the usual steps so you can work directly with the official office that manages unclaimed property in North Dakota.

What Are “Unclaimed Assets” in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, unclaimed property (also called unclaimed assets) usually refers to money or property that a business or financial institution owes you, but could not successfully deliver.

Common examples include:

• Inactive bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks, including payroll checks or refunds
• Utility deposits or refunds (electric, gas, water, phone, internet)
• Insurance proceeds or benefits (life insurance, policy dividends, refunds)
• Safe deposit box contents from banks
• Stock dividends or securities held by transfer agents or brokers
• Gift cards or store credits (in some situations, depending on state rules)

When the company cannot reach you for a certain period (often a few years), it is usually required to turn those assets over to the state’s unclaimed property program, which holds them for the rightful owner.

You do not lose ownership just because the property is labeled “unclaimed.” The state is simply the custodian until you or your heirs file a claim.

Who Typically Has Unclaimed Assets in North Dakota?

Almost anyone who has ever lived, worked, or done business in North Dakota could have unclaimed property, including:

• People who moved and did not update their address
• Former college students who paid deposits or fees
• Workers with old part‑time or seasonal jobs
• Small business owners who changed addresses or closed a location
• Heirs of relatives who passed away and left accounts behind

You might have unclaimed assets if:

• You remember an old bank account you never closed
• You moved and did not receive a security deposit refund
• You changed jobs and never received a final paycheck or bonus
• You were listed as a beneficiary on someone’s life insurance policy
• A loved one died and you’re not sure if they had accounts or policies in North Dakota

Because assets can show up years later, many people search the database every year or two, just in case something new has been turned over to the state.

Which Office Handles Unclaimed Property in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, unclaimed property is typically managed by the state treasurer’s office or a similar state-level financial agency. This office:

• Maintains the official unclaimed property database
• Reviews and processes claims
• Returns verified funds or items to legitimate owners or heirs

To search and claim property, you would use:

• The official North Dakota unclaimed property search website, and/or
• The state office’s mail, phone, or email contact listed on that site

If you are unsure which website is official, you can:

• Call the North Dakota State Treasurer’s Office (look up the current number using a trusted directory or the state’s main website)
• Ask to be directed to the Unclaimed Property Division
• Confirm that the website address they give you ends in “.gov” and clearly states it is a North Dakota government site

Step‑by‑Step: How to Search for Unclaimed Assets in North Dakota

Step 1: Gather Basic Information About Yourself

Before you search, it helps to collect:

• Your full legal name (and any former names, such as a maiden name)
• Middle initial or middle name
• Current address and past North Dakota addresses
• Approximate years you lived or worked in North Dakota
• Last four digits of your Social Security number (you may need this for the claim, not the initial search)

If you are searching for a business, note:

• The exact business name, including abbreviations (LLC, Inc., etc.)
• Any previous business names
• Past North Dakota business addresses

If you are searching for deceased relatives, gather:

• The person’s full legal name
• Date of birth and date of death
• Known North Dakota addresses
• Any relevant estate documents (will, letters testamentary, etc.) that may be needed later

Step 2: Go to the Official North Dakota Unclaimed Property Search

Once you have your information:

1. Navigate to the North Dakota state government website and look for “Unclaimed Property” or “State Treasurer.”
2. From there, follow links to the official unclaimed property search page.
3. Confirm you are on a North Dakota government site:
   • The web address should typically end in “.gov”.
   • The page should clearly identify a state agency (for example, the North Dakota State Treasurer).

If you are still unsure, you may call the treasurer’s office directly and ask them to guide you to the correct online search tool.

Step 3: Search by Name (and Repeat With Variations)

On the official search page, you can usually search by:

• Last name and first name
• Business name (if you are searching for a company)

Tips for effective searching:

• Try different spellings of your name (for example, with and without middle initial).
• Search under maiden names or previous married names.
• If your name is common, narrow results by adding city or address if the option exists.
• Search for every family member, especially deceased relatives who lived in North Dakota.

If the search tool allows, you may also filter by:

• City
• Property type (for example, wages, bank account, insurance)

Step 4: Review Any Matching Results Carefully

If the search shows a match or possible match, you will typically see:

• Name and sometimes a partial address
• Holder name (the business or institution that reported the unclaimed asset)
• A general property type (for example, “bank account,” “wages,” “insurance proceeds”)
• Sometimes an approximate property value range (low, medium, high)

Check if it looks like it might be yours:

• Does the name match exactly or very closely?
• Is the city or partial address consistent with a place you lived or worked?
• Do you recognize the company name (bank, insurer, utility, employer)?

If it appears to be yours, there is usually a button or link such as “Claim”, “Add to Cart”, or “Start Claim” next to each property. You can often:

1. Select all possible matches you believe belong to you.
2. Proceed to begin a claim request through the state site.

Step‑by‑Step: How to Claim Unclaimed Assets in North Dakota

The exact process can change over time, but it usually follows this pattern.

Step 5: Start Your Claim Online (or Request Forms)

Once you select the properties you believe belong to you, the official website usually asks you to:

• Provide contact information (name, mailing address, phone, email)
• Confirm that you are the rightful owner or an authorized representative
• Answer simple questions about your connection to the property or the reported address

If you cannot or prefer not to submit online:

• Look for information on the state site about how to request a paper claim form by mail or phone.
• You can usually print forms directly from the official website or have them mailed to you.

Step 6: Gather the Documents You’ll Need

To complete your claim, North Dakota’s unclaimed property office typically requires documents that prove your identity and your right to the property.

Common documents include:

• Photo ID:

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • U.S. passport

• Proof of Social Security number, such as:

  • Social Security card
  • Tax document showing your full SSN (such as a W‑2 from an employer)

• Proof of address (especially your old address matching the unclaimed property record):

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
  • Tax bill

• Name change documentation, if applicable:

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

For heirs or estate representatives, you may also need:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration from the probate court
• A copy of the will naming you as beneficiary, if relevant
• Documents showing your relationship to the deceased (for example, birth certificate, marriage certificate)

For business claims, you may need:

• Business registration records
• Proof of authority to act for the business (e.g., corporate resolution, officer list)
• Tax ID (EIN) documentation

Step 7: Submit Your Claim Packet

Depending on North Dakota’s current procedures, you may:

• Upload scanned or photographed copies of documents through the online portal, and/or
• Mail copies (sometimes originals) of your proof documents with a printed claim form to the address listed on the official site

The claim form generally asks for:

• Your personal information
• Details of any name changes
• A statement that the information you provided is true and correct
• A signature, sometimes requiring notarization (check the instructions)

📝 Important: Follow the exact instructions on the official form. Some claims must be notarized, and failure to do this is a common reason for delays.

Step 8: Wait for the Claim to Be Reviewed

Once the state receives your completed claim:

• Staff will generally verify your identity against the information reported with the unclaimed asset.
• If the claim is straightforward and documents are complete, it can sometimes be processed in a relatively short time frame (for example, several weeks).
• More complex claims—especially those involving estates, large amounts, or incomplete documentation—may take longer.

You can usually:

• Check the status of your claim using a claim number on the official site, or
• Call the unclaimed property office directly and provide your claim details

If additional documents are needed, the office may:

• Send you a letter explaining what is missing, or
• Contact you by phone or email using the contact information you provided

Step 9: Receive Your Unclaimed Funds or Property

If your claim is approved, the North Dakota unclaimed property office will typically:

• Issue a check for the amount due to you, and/or
• Arrange for delivery or pickup of physical items (such as safe deposit box contents), depending on the type of property

The payment will usually be sent to the mailing address you listed on your claim, so make sure it is up to date.

In many cases, the state does not pay interest on unclaimed property balances, but policies can vary by property type and state law.

Typical Documents at a Glance

The table below summarizes common claim scenarios and documents that are often requested. This is just a general guide—always follow the instructions from the official North Dakota office.

*Exact requirements can vary. Always check the current instructions on the official North Dakota unclaimed property website or with the state office.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

People sometimes experience delays or denials for avoidable reasons. Some of the most common include:

• Incomplete claim forms – missing signatures, dates, or required fields
• Missing documents – not submitting proof of address, ID, or relationship when required
• Unclear name connection – not providing evidence for a name change (for example, missing marriage certificate)
• Wrong claimant – filing for property that actually belongs to a different person with the same or similar name
• Unverified authority – in estate or business claims, not showing legal authority to act on behalf of the owner

If your claim is denied:

• The office usually sends a notice explaining why.
• You may often resubmit with additional or corrected documentation.
• If you still disagree, you can ask the agency what review or appeal options are available and what process to follow.

How Often Should You Check for Unclaimed Assets?

Because new property is reported to the state on a recurring basis, many people find it helpful to:

• Search the North Dakota unclaimed property database every year or two
• Search other states where you have lived, worked, or done business (each state runs its own system)
• Search under all versions of your name and for close relatives, especially after a family member’s death

Remember: You can often claim property even many years after it was turned over to the state, but it is easier to handle paperwork while you still have access to older documents and records.

How to Avoid Scams When Searching for Unclaimed Property

Because unclaimed funds can attract scammers, it is wise to be cautious.

Here are practical safety tips:

• Use official government sources

  • Look for websites ending in “.gov” and clearly labeled as North Dakota government pages.
  • If unsure, call the state treasurer’s office using a phone number listed on a trusted government site or directory.

• Be careful with unsolicited contacts

  • Be wary of emails, texts, or calls claiming you have a “large unclaimed fortune” and asking for fees or sensitive personal information.
  • The state unclaimed property office does not typically charge a fee to claim your own property.

• Watch for “finder” or “locator” services

  • Some private companies offer to help you claim property for a percentage fee. In many cases, you can do the same search and claim yourself for free directly through the official state system.
  • If you choose to work with a third party, read any contract carefully and verify that the property truly exists in your name using the official state search.

• Protect your personal information

  • Do not give your full Social Security number, bank account information, or other sensitive data to websites that are not clearly official government portals.
  • When in doubt, contact the North Dakota unclaimed property office directly and ask how to safely provide the information they require.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in North Dakota?

If your North Dakota search comes up empty, you still have options:

• Search other states where you have lived, worked, or gone to school. Each state keeps its own database.
• Consider searching under former names or business names you used in other states.
• Recheck North Dakota in the future. Companies may report unclaimed property only once it has been inactive for a certain number of years.

If you believe you should have unclaimed property in North Dakota but nothing appears:

• Confirm that you are using the correct spelling and searching for all previous names.
• Check whether the asset might be in another state (for example, where the company is based or where you lived at the time).
• Contact the North Dakota unclaimed property office and explain your situation; they may be able to advise whether any property exists that is not yet visible in the online system.

By following these steps—searching the official North Dakota unclaimed property database, carefully gathering documentation, and submitting a complete claim through the proper state office—you can give yourself the best chance of recovering any money or property that rightfully belongs to you.