Lost Your Old Records? What To Do When You Don’t Have Paperwork for Unclaimed Assets

If you think you might have unclaimed money or property but you no longer have the old paperwork, you are not alone. Many people move, change banks, change jobs, or lose files over the years, then later hear about unclaimed assets and worry they can’t prove anything.

In most cases, you can still search for and claim unclaimed assets without old documents. You may need to provide other proof and answer questions, but missing paperwork usually does not automatically disqualify you.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how the process typically works, what to do if you don’t have records, and how to move forward through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, does not run unclaimed property programs, and is not an application portal. This article is for general information to help you understand common steps and where to contact official offices.

Understanding Unclaimed Assets When You Don’t Have Paperwork

Unclaimed assets usually means money or property that belongs to you but has been turned over to a state unclaimed property program or similar agency after being inactive for a certain time. Common examples include:

• Old bank accounts and CDs
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, dividends)
• Utility deposits
• Insurance payouts or policy benefits
• Retirement accounts or employer stock plans
• Contents of safe deposit boxes

Many people no longer have:

• Old account statements
• Policy numbers
• Pay stubs
• Closing documents

State and other official agencies typically understand this. Their systems are usually designed to:

• Let you search by your name and sometimes your former addresses
• Verify your identity with current documents instead of old statements
• Ask for supporting proof only when needed

The key is to start with an official search, then gather enough proof to show you are the right person to receive the asset.

Step 1: Start with an Official Unclaimed Property Search

You don’t need old paperwork to start. You usually only need:

• Your full legal name
• Any prior names (maiden name, name before marriage or divorce, etc.)
• Cities or states where you’ve lived or worked

Where to search

Because rules differ by state, most people need to:

1. Check your state’s official unclaimed property website

   • Each state typically has its own state treasurer or unclaimed property division.
   • You can usually find it by searching for your state name plus terms like “official unclaimed property” or “state treasurer unclaimed.”

2. Search other states where you previously lived or worked

   • Unclaimed accounts are usually held in the state where the company is based or where you last had the address on file.

3. Search under all possible names

   • Former last names
   • Common misspellings
   • Middle initial vs. full middle name

If you are unsure which office is correct, you can often call your state treasurer’s office, department of revenue, or dial 211 and ask for help finding the official unclaimed property program.

Step 2: Understand What Kind of Proof Agencies Usually Ask For

Even without old statements, agencies generally want enough documentation to show:

1. You are the person named on the account or policy, and
2. You lived at, or were connected to, the address listed on the claim.

Here are typical documents that may be accepted:

Proof of identity (current)

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport)
• Social Security card (sometimes requested)
• Tax ID number (for business claims)

Proof of address / ownership (past or present)

• Recent or past utility bills
• Lease agreements or mortgage documents
• Tax bills or property records
• Bank statements from any time period (even if not for the lost account)
• Employment records (for payroll or retirement claims)
• Marriage certificate or name change order (if the claim is under a different name)
• Probate documents (if claiming on behalf of someone who has died)

You usually do not need the original account statement or policy if you can show:

• You are the person (or heir) named, and
• You had a clear connection to the address or employer involved.

Step 3: Build a “Replacement Paper Trail”

If you don’t have old paperwork, you can often re-create a paper trail:

1. Use your credit history

Requesting your credit report through an official source can help you see:

• Old addresses
• Employer names
• Some prior accounts and lenders

This can remind you which banks, utilities, or insurers to ask for records from.

2. Ask old employers or HR departments

For wages, retirement, or stock-related unclaimed funds, you can contact:

• Former employer HR departments
• Payroll departments
• Pension administrators or plan sponsors

You can ask them for:

• Letters stating your dates of employment
• Confirmation that you were part of a plan
• Any record of unclaimed final paychecks or benefits

3. Request copies from banks or insurers

Even closed accounts may leave a record. Depending on how long ago it was, some institutions may provide:

• Confirmation letters stating you once held an account or policy
• Copies of year-end statements or 1099 forms
• Archived account summaries

They may not keep full details forever, but sometimes even a simple confirmation letter is enough to support your claim with the state.

4. Use public records

Useful records can include:

• Property tax records (to show you owned or lived at an address)
• Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
• Probate records (if claiming as an heir)

These can often be obtained through your county clerk or other local offices.

Step 4: Completing an Official Claim Without Old Paperwork

Once you find an asset in your name through the official search, there is usually a claim form process. Without old paperwork, expect a few extra steps.

Typical steps include:

1. Complete the official claim form

   • Forms are usually available online on the state unclaimed property site or can be mailed by request.
   • You may need to provide your current contact information, Social Security number, and details about your connection to the listed address.

2. Submit required identification

   • A copy of your photo ID (front and back)
   • Sometimes a notarized signature may be required for higher-value claims.

3. Provide alternative proof of connection

   • Bills, leases, tax documents, employment records, or any other proof that connects you to the name and address on the claim.

4. Explain missing documents, if asked

   • Some forms include a space for notes or explanations.
   • You can briefly state that records were lost, destroyed, or never received.

5. Mail or upload documents through the official channel only

   • Follow instructions on the state’s official website or letter from the agency.
   • If you are unsure whether a site is official, call the state treasurer’s office or the number listed on a state government website to verify.

What If You’re Claiming for a Deceased Relative and Have No Paperwork?

Many unclaimed assets are for people who have passed away, and families often don’t have their old files. The process can still move forward, but there are usually extra steps.

You may typically need:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Proof you are the executor, administrator, or legal heir
  • Will or letters testamentary, if there was a probate
  • Affidavit of heirship, if allowed in your state
• Documents linking the deceased person to the address on the claim
  • Old bills, mortgage, or tax records
• Your own ID and proof of your relationship (e.g., birth certificate, marriage certificate)

If you don’t have probate documents or are unsure about your status as an heir, it can help to:

• Contact the probate court where the person lived
• Ask the state unclaimed property office what documentation they accept in cases without formal probate

Different states have different rules for heir claims, so it’s important to get instructions directly from the official office in that state.

Typical Documents That Can Substitute for “Old Paperwork”

Below is a quick comparison of common unclaimed asset situations and alternative documents that may be accepted when you do not have the original records.

This table is only an example. Actual requirements vary by state and specific program, so final instructions should come from the official office handling your claim.

Common Reasons Claims Get Delayed When You Don’t Have Old Records

When paperwork is missing, it’s especially important to avoid issues that can slow everything down. Common problems include:

• Name mismatches

  • Example: The claim is under a maiden name, but no supporting documents show your name change.

• Insufficient address proof

  • The state can’t clearly see that you ever lived at or were associated with the address showing in their records.

• Unclear relationship to a deceased owner

  • Heir claims might stall if there is no probate document, will, or accepted affidavit.

• Unverified websites or mailing addresses

  • Sending documents to a non-official site or address can delay the process and create risks.

You can often reduce delays by:

• Including all name-change documents (marriage certificates, court orders).
• Providing more than one proof of address if possible.
• Calling the official unclaimed property office to ask exactly what they need in complex cases.

If You Can’t Recover Enough Proof

Sometimes, even after your best efforts, you may not be able to gather what the agency needs. When that happens, there are still a few things you can try.

1. Ask about alternative documentation

Some states allow:

• Affidavits (sworn statements) in place of certain documents
• Additional identity verification methods
• Accepting secondary documents such as school records or older IDs

You can call or write to the state unclaimed property program and ask:

• “What alternatives do you accept if I cannot locate [specific document]?”

2. Consider legal guidance for complex or large claims

For substantial amounts, disputed heirship, or complicated estates, some people choose to consult:

• A consumer law attorney
• An estate or probate attorney

They can explain your options and what proof might meet your state’s legal standards. This is usually done independently from any state agency.

3. Keep your information updated with the state

Even if your first attempt doesn’t succeed, it can still help to:

• Keep your current address and contact information updated with the unclaimed property program
• Hold onto any decision letters they send; these can be useful if you later find more documentation and reapply or ask for a review

How Reviews, Appeals, or Reconsideration Usually Work

If your claim is denied or you receive a notice saying more information is needed, you may have options:

1. Read the decision letter carefully

   • It usually explains what was missing or why the proof was not accepted.

2. Gather any additional documentation you can

   • Sometimes even one extra document (for example, an old W-2 or a utility bill) can change the outcome.

3. Contact the agency to clarify next steps

   • Ask whether they accept appeals, reconsideration requests, or supplemental documentation.
   • Procedures vary by state—some have a formal appeal process, others handle it informally.

4. Follow their instructions exactly

   • Use the mailing address, fax number, or online upload portal listed in their letter or on the official site.
   • Keep copies of everything you send.

If you feel there’s a mistake, you can politely explain your situation in writing, attach whatever additional proof you have, and ask the agency to review your claim again.

How to Tell If You’re Using an Official Channel (and Avoid Scams)

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it is important to confirm you are dealing with an official agency, especially when you are sending personal documents.

Here are common safety tips:

• Look for a .gov website

  • In many states, the official unclaimed property program is on a state government .gov site.

• Verify by phone using a public number

  • Instead of calling a number from an email or ad, look up your state treasurer, controller, or department of revenue on a government listing and use that phone number.

• Be cautious of fees

  • Many states let you search and claim unclaimed property for free directly through the state.
  • Some businesses legally offer “finder” services for a fee, but using them is optional. You can generally work directly with the state at no cost beyond things like notary or mailing fees.

• Do not send personal documents through unverified links

  • If unsure, contact the state unclaimed property office and ask how they prefer to receive documents.

If something feels suspicious, you can also ask your state attorney general’s consumer protection office for guidance on verifying whether a service is legitimate.

Key Takeaways If You Don’t Have Old Paperwork

• You can usually still claim unclaimed money or property without original account or policy documents.
• Start with an official state unclaimed property search using your name, former names, and past addresses.
• Focus on collecting current ID and alternative proof that connects you to the name and address on the claim.
• For deceased relatives, expect to provide death certificates, proof of heirship, and documents tying the person to the address.
• If your claim is delayed or denied, you can often submit additional documentation or ask how to request a review or reconsideration.
• Always use official state websites and offices and be cautious about sharing personal information with unverified services.

By taking these steps and working directly with the official unclaimed property program in your state, you can often move forward even if your old paperwork is long gone.