North Dakota Unclaimed Property: What the State Office Does and What It May Be Holding for You

The North Dakota Unclaimed Property Office is a state-run program that keeps track of money and certain assets that people or businesses have forgotten about or lost contact with. Many residents don’t realize they may have money sitting with the state until they search for it.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency and cannot look up or release any unclaimed property. This guide explains, in plain English, what the North Dakota Unclaimed Property Office does, what types of property it holds, and how you can use official channels to see if anything belongs to you.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in North Dakota?

Unclaimed property generally refers to financial assets that have been inactive for a certain period and that the holder (like a bank, insurer, or employer) has been unable to return to the owner.

Typical examples include:

• Old bank accounts you forgot about
• Uncashed checks, such as paychecks, refunds, or dividends
• Utility deposits that were never returned
• Insurance policy proceeds or refunds
• Safe deposit box contents from banks
• Gift card or credit balances (in some cases, depending on state rules)

In North Dakota, as in other states, businesses are required to turn this property over to the state after a set “dormancy period” when they cannot locate the owner. The state then holds it for the rightful owner or heirs until it is claimed.

What the North Dakota Unclaimed Property Office Actually Does

The North Dakota Unclaimed Property Office (often part of the State Treasurer’s Office) has several core responsibilities:

1. Receives and Safeguards Property

Businesses and organizations in North Dakota, called “holders,” must review their records and send unclaimed property to the state when:

• The account has been inactive for a certain number of years, and
• Efforts to contact the owner have failed.

The office then:

• Takes custody of the funds or assets
• Records the owner’s name, last known address, and other identifying details
• Safeguards the property until a valid claim is filed

2. Maintains a Searchable Database

The office typically maintains an official public database of unclaimed property. This allows individuals and businesses to search for:

• Their own names
• Former business names
• Names of relatives who may have passed away

The database helps people find property that may be owed to them.

3. Reviews Claims and Verifies Ownership

When a person thinks they’ve found property in their name:

• They can file a claim through the official state process.
• The office reviews the documents, checks IDs, and compares information to the records.
• If everything matches, the office approves the claim and issues payment or arranges transfer of the asset.

4. Protects Owners and Prevents Fraud

The North Dakota Unclaimed Property Office is also responsible for:

• Making sure funds go only to legitimate owners or verified heirs
• Guarding against fraudulent claims
• Following state laws related to unclaimed property

What Types of Property the North Dakota Office Typically Holds

The office generally does not hold things like real estate or cars. It mostly holds financial assets and some tangible contents from safe deposit boxes.

Here’s a look at common categories:

Common Financial Property Types

• Savings and checking accounts that went unused
• Payroll checks that were never cashed
• Vendor checks or refunds made out to you or your business
• Security deposits (utilities, rentals) that were never returned
• Stock dividends or proceeds from cashed-out shares
• Mutual fund accounts turned over due to inactivity
• Money orders or traveler’s checks after a dormancy period
• Credit balances from closed accounts (store cards, credit cards, etc.)

Insurance and Retirement-Related Property

• Life insurance benefits where the beneficiary couldn’t be located
• Insurance premium refunds
• Annuities that were never claimed or distributed

Retirement accounts sometimes fall under other rules, but distributions or checks from those accounts may become unclaimed if never cashed.

Safe Deposit Box Contents

If a safe deposit box has been abandoned after nonpayment and failed contact attempts, the bank may:

1. Drill the box and inventory the contents
2. Turn them over to the state unclaimed property office

These contents might include:

• Jewelry
• Coins or collectibles
• Important documents

Physical items may be stored for a period. After that, some states arrange auctions of non-sensitive items and hold the cash value for the owner, rather than the physical item. North Dakota procedures can vary, so the state agency is the best source on whether they still hold physical contents or only sale proceeds.

Who Might Have Unclaimed Property in North Dakota?

Many people are surprised to learn that they have assets held by the state. Common situations include:

• Frequent movers who forget to update mailing addresses
• People who changed jobs, but never cashed a final paycheck
• Individuals who closed bank accounts without taking all funds
• People who shared names with relatives and had records mixed up
• Heirs of people who passed away without claiming assets

You might have unclaimed property in North Dakota if you:

• Ever lived, worked, or did business in the state
• Opened a bank or credit account there
• Bought insurance policies through a North Dakota company
• Paid deposits for utilities or rentals in the state

You do not need to still live in North Dakota to claim property from its unclaimed property office.

How to Check for Unclaimed Property (Using Official Channels)

You cannot search or claim property through HowToGetAssistance.org. To use the official process in North Dakota, people typically follow steps like these:

1. Find the Official North Dakota Unclaimed Property Website

Search phrases like:

• “North Dakota unclaimed property”
• “North Dakota State Treasurer unclaimed property”

Check that:

• The site clearly identifies itself as an official State of North Dakota website.
• The address and phone numbers listed match state government contact information.

Avoid third-party sites that ask for fees to search; the official state search is usually free.

2. Use the Name Search Tool

Most state sites offer a simple search:

• Enter your first and last name
• Try maiden names, nicknames, or former legal names
• Check for business names if you owned a company
• Consider relatives’ names, especially those who have passed away, if you are a potential heir

If you see matches, there is usually a link or button to start a claim for each entry.

3. Review the Property Details

The search results often show:

• Name of the owner
• City or last known address
• Type of property (e.g., wages, bank account, insurance)
• Sometimes an approximate value range

Review these to confirm which entries might be yours before beginning any claim.

Documents You May Need to Claim Unclaimed Property

The exact documents needed can vary by:

• Type of property
• Whether you’re the original owner or an heir/representative
• Current state rules and ID requirements

However, people are commonly asked to provide some of the following:

For Original Owner Claims

• Government-issued photo ID

  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport

• Proof of current mailing address

  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement

• Proof of prior address (if needed to connect you to the address on the property record)

  • Old tax document
  • W-2 or pay stub
  • Old lease or mortgage statement

For Business Claims

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation, partnership paperwork)
• Proof of authority to act for the business (e.g., officer or authorized signer)
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)

For Heirs or Estate Claims

If the original owner has passed away, you may be asked for:

• A copy of the death certificate
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
• Relevant estate or probate documents, such as:
  • Letters testamentary
  • Court orders naming a personal representative or executor
  • Small estate affidavits, if allowed

The North Dakota Unclaimed Property Office usually lists specific document requirements on its official website or on claim forms.

Typical Claim Process and Timelines

The claim process is meant to verify identity and protect funds. While exact steps may vary, many North Dakota claim experiences look something like this:

1. Submit a Claim Form

After finding a property in your name, you will be directed to either:

• Complete an online claim form, and/or
• Download, print, and mail a signed claim form

You will be asked for information such as:

• Your full legal name
• Current mailing address
• Social Security number (often used for identity verification and tax reporting)
• Details about the property claim

2. Send Supporting Documents

You typically must upload, mail, or fax copies of required documents, such as:

• Photo ID
• Address verification
• Relationship and estate documents, if filing as an heir

Follow instructions carefully; missing documents often delay claims.

3. Agency Review

The North Dakota Unclaimed Property Office will:

• Compare your documents to their records
• Confirm matching names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, when applicable
• Verify any estate paperwork or representative authority

If something isn’t clear, they may:

• Request additional information
• Ask for certified copies of certain documents

4. Approval and Payment

Once the claim is approved:

• Payment is typically issued by check, mailed to the address you provided.
• For some claims, the office may coordinate transfer of securities or other forms of value.

Processing time can vary depending on:

• How many claims the office is handling
• Whether your documents were complete and legible
• Complexity of the claim (e.g., estates can take longer)

If you’re concerned about timing, you can usually contact the official office phone number or email listed on the state’s site to ask about typical processing timeframes.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Understanding potential issues ahead of time can help you avoid them:

• Incomplete documentation
  • Missing ID or not proving the link to the listed address
• Illegible copies
  • Blurry photos or scans, hard-to-read documents
• Name mismatches
  • Spelling differences, maiden vs. married names, or nicknames not explained
• Unclear inheritance rights
  • No documentation that you’re the legal heir or estate representative
• Outdated contact information
  • The office may have trouble reaching you if you move or change phone/email during the process

If a claim is denied, the office may send a letter or email explaining:

• Why the claim was not approved
• Whether you can submit additional documents
• Whether there is any review or appeal process

If you disagree with a denial, contacting the office directly and asking for clarification of next steps is often the best approach.

How to Tell if You’re on an Official North Dakota Site (Scam Avoidance Tips)

Because unclaimed property involves money, scammers sometimes pretend to offer “help” in exchange for fees or personal information.

Here are ways to protect yourself:

Signs You’re on an Official State Channel

• The website clearly shows State of North Dakota branding.
• The web address (URL) is a government domain (commonly ending in “.gov”).
• Contact information lines up with known state offices (e.g., the state treasurer).

Red Flags to Watch For

• Requests for upfront fees just to search for your name
  • The state’s own search is typically free
• Unsolicited calls or emails demanding:
  • Your full Social Security number
  • Bank account or credit card information
  • “Processing fees” to release your money
• High-pressure tactics like:
  • “Act now or you’ll lose this money forever!” (Most state-held unclaimed property does not expire in that way, although specific rules vary.)

If someone contacts you and claims to represent “unclaimed property services,” you can:

• Ask for their full name, business name, and contact details
• Independently look up the North Dakota Unclaimed Property Office or the State Treasurer’s Office
• Call the official number yourself to verify whether:
  • They work with the state, or
  • You can simply file the claim yourself at no cost

Some people choose to hire “finders” or “locators” to help when claims are complex, but this is optional, and they usually charge a fee. The state’s free official process is often enough for straightforward claims.

Quick Comparison: What the North Dakota Unclaimed Property Office Does vs. What It Doesn’t Do

If You Don’t Find Unclaimed Property in North Dakota

If a search doesn’t show anything in North Dakota, you still have options:

• Try searching in other states where you:

  • Lived or worked
  • Opened bank accounts or insurance policies
  • Owned property or operated a business

• Check with:

  • Former employers about old retirement plans or stock options
  • Insurance companies where you once had policies

Remember that each state runs its own unclaimed property program, so you may need to search multiple official state sites.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• The North Dakota Unclaimed Property Office holds money and other financial assets that were forgotten, lost, or never delivered.
• It may hold bank funds, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, and safe deposit box contents, among other property types.
• Searching the official North Dakota unclaimed property site is usually free, and you can start by entering your name.
• To claim property, you will need to file a claim through the official state process and provide identity and ownership documents.
• HowToGetAssistance.org cannot accept claims or check your status; it is an informational resource only. For action on a specific claim, you must use the state’s official website or contact the state office directly.

If you believe you might have unclaimed property in North Dakota, your most direct next step is to go to the official North Dakota unclaimed property portal or call the state unclaimed property or treasurer’s office and follow their instructions for searching and filing a claim.