Unclaimed Bank Accounts in North Dakota: Why It Happens and How to Claim Your Money

Finding out you might have unclaimed money sitting in a bank account can be surprising—but it happens more often than many people realize. In North Dakota, unclaimed bank accounts are handled through the state’s unclaimed property system, which is designed to safeguard money and give owners a way to claim it.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, how bank accounts become “unclaimed” in North Dakota, how to search for them, what you may need to claim them, and how to avoid common problems and scams.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only. It is not a government agency, not an official unclaimed property office, and not a place to submit claims. This guide is meant to help you understand the typical process so you can follow up through official state channels.

What Is an Unclaimed Bank Account in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, an unclaimed bank account usually means:

• A checking, savings, CD, or other deposit account
• Held at a bank or financial institution
• That has had no owner activity for a certain period of time (often several years)
• And the bank could not reach the account owner or heirs

When this happens, state law generally requires the bank to classify the account as “dormant” or “inactive” and, after a set period, turn the funds over to the State of North Dakota as unclaimed property.

The money does not disappear. Instead, the state holds it in trust until the rightful owner—or their heirs—file a claim through the state’s official unclaimed property office.

How Bank Accounts Become “Unclaimed” in North Dakota

Unclaimed accounts usually follow a pattern. While details can vary, the typical process looks something like this:

1. Inactivity on the account

   • No deposits, withdrawals, or contact from the owner
   • Automatic interest postings or bank fees usually do not count as “activity” by the owner

2. Dormancy period passes

   • North Dakota law sets a specific number of years of inactivity before property is considered “abandoned” or “unclaimed”
   • The time period can differ by type of account (for example, checking vs. CD)

3. Bank tries to contact the owner

   • The bank may send letters, emails, or other notices to the last known address
   • If mail is returned or there is no response, the bank may classify the funds as unclaimed

4. Funds are reported and sent to the state

   • The bank files an unclaimed property report with the State of North Dakota
   • The money is then transferred to the state for safekeeping

5. State lists the account as unclaimed property

   • The account may be searchable by the owner’s name
   • The state holds the money until the rightful owner submits a claim and proves their right to it

Common Reasons People Have Unclaimed Bank Accounts

Many people in North Dakota have unclaimed accounts without realizing it. Some typical situations include:

• Old accounts after moving
  You moved within or out of North Dakota and forgot to close a checking or savings account.

• Name changes
  You changed your name due to marriage, divorce, or another reason, and the account is still in your previous name.

• College or short-term jobs
  You opened an account near a college campus or for a seasonal job and didn’t use it afterward.

• Automatic payroll or tax refunds to a closed account
  Money was sent to an old account and ended up being held by the bank and later turned over to the state.

• Deceased relatives
  A parent, grandparent, or other relative passed away with bank accounts that heirs didn’t know about.

• Returned mail or outdated contact information
  The bank tried to reach you, but your mailing address, phone, or email was out of date.

If any of these sound like they might apply to you or a family member, it may be worthwhile to check for unclaimed bank accounts in North Dakota.

Types of Bank-Related Property That May Become Unclaimed

In North Dakota, it’s not just basic checking or savings accounts. Other types of bank-related property can become unclaimed, such as:

• Checking accounts
• Savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Money market accounts
• Cashier’s checks or official checks
• Bank drafts
• Safe deposit box contents (the items are handled differently than cash)

Here is a simple overview of how these are typically handled:

The exact rules and dormancy periods are established by North Dakota law, and specific timelines can change. For current rules, you would need to check with the official North Dakota unclaimed property office or its website.

How to Check for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in North Dakota

You do not need a lawyer or a paid service just to see if you might have unclaimed money. Most people can search for free using official state resources.

1. Gather Basic Information

Before you start, it helps to have:

• Your full legal name
• Any prior names (maiden name, former married name, etc.)
• Your current and previous addresses in North Dakota
• Date of birth (for verification, if needed)
• For deceased relatives: their full name, date of birth, and date of death

2. Use the Official North Dakota Unclaimed Property Search

North Dakota typically maintains an official unclaimed property website where you can:

• Enter your first and last name
• Narrow by city or zip code, if available
• Search for business names, if you owned a company

If you’re not sure which website is official, you can:

• Call the North Dakota State Treasurer’s Office or equivalent state agency and ask for the unclaimed property division
• Look for a site that clearly shows a “.gov” domain and identifies itself as an official State of North Dakota resource

3. Search for All Possible Name Variations

To be thorough, search for:

• Current legal name
• Maiden or birth name
• Former married names
• Middle initial variations (with and without)
• Possible misspellings

For family members who have passed away, you may also search their names to see if there is property that heirs might be able to claim.

What to Do If You Find a Possible Match

If the state’s unclaimed property search shows an entry that looks like you or a relative, the next steps usually involve filing a claim through the state.

Typical Steps to Claim an Unclaimed Bank Account

While exact instructions can change, the process often looks like this:

1. Select the property to claim
   On the official search results page, there is usually an option to “claim” or “start a claim” for each item that matches your name.

2. Provide your contact information
   The state typically asks for:

   • Full name
   • Current mailing address
   • Phone number
   • Email address (if applicable)

3. Identify your relationship to the property
   You may be asked if you are:

   • The owner
   • A heir or beneficiary
   • A representative of an estate or business

4. Submit required documents
   You will generally need to upload, mail, or fax proof of your identity and ownership.

5. Wait for review
   The unclaimed property office reviews your claim and may:

   • Request additional information
   • Approve the claim and send payment
   • Deny the claim, often with a reason

You cannot complete this process through HowToGetAssistance.org. All claims must go through the official North Dakota unclaimed property office using its official forms and instructions.

Documents Commonly Needed to Claim Unclaimed Bank Accounts

The documents you need depend on whether you are claiming your own account or someone else’s (like a deceased relative’s). Below are common examples; always follow the specific instructions on the official state forms.

If You Are Claiming Your Own Account

You are usually asked to provide:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver’s license, state ID, or passport
• Proof of current address
  • Utility bill, lease, or bank statement
• Proof of former address (if the unclaimed account is tied to an old address)
  • Old utility bill, W-2, pay stub, or tax return showing that address
• Proof of ownership, if requested
  • Old bank statements, passbooks, deposit slips, or account correspondence (if you have them)

If You Are Claiming for a Deceased Relative

Additional documents are typically required, such as:

• Your ID (as above)
• Death certificate for the deceased person
• Proof of relationship
  • Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legal documents
• Estate documents, if applicable
  • Letters testamentary
  • Letters of administration
  • Small estate affidavit (if the estate qualifies under state rules)
• Will or legal heirship documents, if the estate is being probated

When claiming on behalf of an estate or trust, you may need:

• Documents naming you as executor, personal representative, or trustee
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) for the estate or trust, if applicable

If you are unsure which documents apply to your situation, you can contact the North Dakota unclaimed property office directly and ask what is needed for your type of claim.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your Money?

Processing times can vary based on:

• The number of claims being handled
• How complete and clear your documents are
• Whether the claim is simple (your own account) or complex (estate, multiple heirs, or unclear records)

In many cases:

• Simple claims with clear documentation may be processed in a few weeks to a few months
• More complex or disputed claims can take longer

If you want a more exact timeframe, you can ask the North Dakota unclaimed property office if they have current average processing times.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed or Denied

Many problems can be avoided by checking details carefully before submitting your claim. Typical issues include:

• Name mismatches

  • Your ID doesn’t match the name on the unclaimed account (for example, missing middle name or different last name due to marriage/divorce).
  • Solution: Provide name change documents such as a marriage certificate or court order.

• Insufficient proof of address

  • You can’t show that you lived at the address tied to the account.
  • Solution: Look for old records—tax forms, W-2s, old bank statements, or official mail showing that address.

• Missing estate documents

  • When claiming for a deceased person, the state may need proof that you have legal authority to act for the estate.
  • Solution: Provide letters testamentary, letters of administration, or other estate-related court documents.

• Unreadable or incomplete copies

  • Blurry photos or partial pages can slow down processing.
  • Solution: Use clear, complete copies and follow the state’s instructions (for example, whether they require certified copies).

If your claim is denied, the state should provide a reason. You can often correct the issue and resubmit, or contact the office to ask what additional documentation is needed.

Can You Appeal or Ask for a Review?

If you disagree with a decision about your claim, options may include:

• Requesting clarification

  • Ask the unclaimed property office to explain why the claim was denied and what would be needed to approve it.

• Submitting additional documents

  • Provide stronger proof of identity, address history, or relationship to the original owner.

• Formal review or appeal

  • Some states provide a more formal appeal or review process. The North Dakota unclaimed property office can explain what appeal options, if any, are available and how to start them.

If your situation is complex (for example, multiple heirs disputing the same property), you may also consider speaking with a private attorney who is familiar with estate or property law in North Dakota.

Do Unclaimed Bank Accounts in North Dakota Expire?

In many states, once money is turned over as unclaimed property, the state holds it indefinitely for the rightful owner or heirs.

However, policies can change, and some contents of safe deposit boxes (like physical items) may be handled differently than cash. To know exactly how North Dakota handles time limits, auctions, or long-term holding, you would need to:

• Review information on the official North Dakota unclaimed property website, or
• Call the state’s unclaimed property office and ask about how long property is held and what happens to physical items.

Are There Fees to Claim Unclaimed Bank Accounts?

Generally:

• Official state unclaimed property offices do not charge you a fee to file a claim or to receive your own unclaimed property.
• You may choose to hire a paid “finder” or locator service, but this is optional, and those services usually charge a percentage of the recovered amount.

If someone contacts you and asks for upfront payment or personal information before you even verify the property, take extra care to confirm you are dealing with an official North Dakota agency and not a scam.

How to Avoid Scams When Claiming Unclaimed Accounts

Unclaimed money can attract scammers. To protect yourself:

Verify You Are on an Official Site or With an Official Office

Look for:

• A “.gov” website address
• Clear mention of the State of North Dakota and unclaimed property division or similar name
• Official contact information, such as:
  • A phone number listed on North Dakota government directories
  • A mailing address tied to a known state office

If you are not sure, you can:

• Call the North Dakota State Treasurer’s Office (or the state office listed in phone directories) and ask to be directed to the unclaimed property program
• Ask them to verify the correct website and mailing address

Be Cautious With Personal Information

When working with official state offices, it is normal to provide:

• Your full name
• Mailing address
• Date of birth
• Copies of ID documents

However, be cautious if:

• You receive unsolicited calls or emails claiming you have money, especially if they demand:
  • Upfront payment
  • Your full Social Security number right away
  • Your bank account password or PIN

Legitimate state agencies generally do not ask for your online banking login or PIN.

Watch Out for High-Pressure “Finder” Services

Some private companies send letters or call you offering to “help you get your unclaimed money” for a percentage fee. These services may be legal, but you should know:

• You can often find and claim property yourself for free through the official North Dakota unclaimed property office.
• If you sign a contract with a finder, read the terms carefully, including:
  • Fee percentage
  • How long the agreement lasts
  • Whether you can cancel

If you are unsure, you can:

• Ask the unclaimed property office whether a finder is necessary (usually it is not)
• Consider reviewing the contract with a private attorney

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

If your search in North Dakota turns up nothing, you might consider:

• Searching in other states where:

  • You lived or worked
  • You went to college
  • You held previous bank accounts

• Checking under:

  • Former names
  • Business names (if you owned or managed a business)

It is also possible that:

• The account is still held by the bank and has not yet been turned over as unclaimed property, or
• The account was closed and funds were already withdrawn or used without your realizing

If you believe you had an account with a specific bank, you can contact the bank directly and ask:

• Whether they show any closed or dormant accounts in your name
• Whether any funds were turned over to North Dakota’s unclaimed property program

The bank may refer you back to the state unclaimed property office if the funds have already been reported.

Key Takeaways for North Dakota Unclaimed Bank Accounts

• Unclaimed bank accounts in North Dakota are handled as unclaimed property and held by the state until claimed.
• Accounts often become unclaimed after years of inactivity and failed attempts by the bank to contact the owner.
• You can typically search for unclaimed accounts for free using the official North Dakota unclaimed property website or by contacting the state’s unclaimed property office.
• To claim money, you will usually need proof of identity, address, and ownership—and, for deceased relatives, estate and relationship documents.
• Claims must be submitted directly to the official North Dakota unclaimed property program, not through HowToGetAssistance.org or any non-government site.
• Be cautious of scams and high-fee services; in many cases, you can handle the process yourself at no cost through the state.

If you suspect you have an old North Dakota bank account—or a family member might—your next step is to contact the official North Dakota unclaimed property office or visit the state’s unclaimed property website and start a search under all relevant names.