Documents You Need To Claim Unclaimed Property in Utah

If you’ve found money or property listed in your name on Utah’s unclaimed property site, your next step is usually proving that you are the rightful owner. That proof comes from the documents you submit with your claim.

This guide explains which documents are typically needed to claim unclaimed assets in Utah, why they matter, and how to get ready before you go through the official state process.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It does not accept claims, process payments, or manage unclaimed property. To actually file a claim, you’ll need to use Utah’s official unclaimed property office or website.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Utah?

Utah’s unclaimed property program holds money and certain assets that businesses or financial institutions could not return to the owner. This can include:

• Old bank accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, dividends)
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Insurance proceeds or policy benefits
• Safe deposit box contents
• Stock dividends or investment accounts
• Gift card balances (in some situations)

When these accounts sit inactive for a certain period and the company can’t reach the owner, they are turned over to the state to safeguard until someone claims them.

To get the money or property back, you typically must:

1. Search for your name on Utah’s official unclaimed property search tool.
2. File a claim with the state.
3. Submit documents proving ownership and identity.

This article focuses on step 3: what documents to gather and why.

Core Categories of Documents You May Need

Most Utah unclaimed property claims are built around three main document groups:

1. Proof of identity
2. Proof of address or ownership
3. Extra documents for special situations (such as deceased owners, businesses, name changes, or legal authority)

The exact list can vary by claim type, dollar amount, and specific situation, so the state may request more or fewer items than what’s listed here. Use the information below as a preparation checklist before following instructions from the official Utah unclaimed property office.

1. Proof of Identity (Required for Almost All Claims)

Utah typically requires you to prove you are the person listed on the claim (or an authorized representative).

Common acceptable ID documents

At least one of these is usually required, and sometimes a second form is requested:

• State-issued driver license or ID card
• U.S. passport or passport card
• Military ID
• Permanent Resident Card
• Tribal ID (if applicable)

To avoid delays, it’s best if your ID:

• Is current and not expired
• Shows your full legal name
• Matches the name on the claim (or can be connected with name-change documents such as a marriage certificate)

If you don’t have a standard photo ID, the Utah office may accept alternate identification, such as:

• Birth certificate (usually as secondary ID, not by itself)
• Social Security card (often as a supporting document, not primary)
• Other government-issued IDs

In those cases, be prepared that the official office may ask for extra documentation or notarized forms.

2. Proof of Address or Ownership

In addition to your identity, Utah usually asks you to show some link between you and the account, address, or company listed by the original holder.

Common proof of address documents

If the unclaimed asset shows a specific address, especially an old address, you may need one or more of these:

• Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet, etc.)
• Bank statement
• Credit card statement
• Lease or rental agreement
• Mortgage statement
• Property tax statement
• Pay stub or employer statement (for payroll checks)
• Insurance policy or statement

Ideally, the document should:

• Show your name
• Show the same address as the unclaimed property listing
• Be from around the time the account was active (if possible)

If you don’t have documents from that exact time, the Utah office may still accept more recent or alternative evidence, but they may ask more questions or request additional proof.

Proof of account or ownership

For some claims, Utah may also request documents from the original account, such as:

• Old bank passbooks or account statements
• Copies of uncashed checks
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Policy documents from life insurance or annuities
• Stock certificates or brokerage statements
• Safe deposit box rental agreements

Not everyone has these records, especially for old accounts. If you don’t, that doesn’t automatically disqualify you. However, any document connecting you to the original holder can make processing easier and faster.

3. Extra Documents for Special Situations

Certain claims require more than just ID and proof of address. The table below summarizes common situations and the additional documents that are often required in Utah.

Below are more details on these categories.

A. Claims for a Deceased Person (Heirs and Estates)

If the unclaimed property belonged to someone who has died, Utah usually requires proof that:

1. The owner is deceased, and
2. You have legal authority or are the rightful heir.

Common documents may include:

• Death certificate (certified copy often required)
• Will naming an executor, if there is one
• Letters testamentary or letters of administration from a Utah court (for estates that went through probate)
• Small estate affidavit (if the estate is small enough under Utah law and probate was not opened)
• Court order of distribution, if the estate was settled by a judge
• Proof of relationship:
  • Birth certificate (for child claims)
  • Marriage certificate (for spouses)
  • Other documents showing a legal relationship

The specific combination depends on:

• Whether the estate went through probate
• The value of the unclaimed property
• How many heirs or beneficiaries there are

Utah’s unclaimed property office may provide guidance sheets or instructions for heir claims. It is often helpful to contact the office directly if your situation is complicated.

B. Claims on Behalf of a Business

If the unclaimed asset belongs to a business or organization, the state usually wants proof that:

• The business exists (or existed), and
• You are authorized to claim on its behalf.

Typical documents for Utah business claims may include:

• Articles of incorporation or articles of organization
• Business license or registration certificate
• IRS letter showing the Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Operating agreement (for LLCs), or corporate bylaws (for corporations)
• A corporate resolution or letter on company letterhead authorizing you to act
• Photo ID of the authorized representative
• Documents connecting the business to the unclaimed property (e.g., bank statements, vendor records, account statements)

If the business has been dissolved, be prepared to provide:

• Dissolution documents, and
• Evidence showing who is legally entitled to any remaining business assets.

C. Claims Involving Name Changes

If your current legal name is not the same as the name listed on the unclaimed property, you’ll need to show how the names are linked. Utah commonly accepts:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree showing both old and new names
• Court order for a legal name change
• Adoption records (for some situations)

You typically still need:

• Photo ID with your current name
• Supporting documents that connect former name → current name

D. Claims for Minors or People Under Guardianship

If the property belongs to a minor child or a person under legal guardianship or conservatorship, Utah usually requires:

For a minor child’s property:

• Child’s birth certificate
• Parent’s or legal guardian’s photo ID
• Documents connecting the child or the household to the address on the claim

For an adult under guardianship or conservatorship:

• Court order appointing you as guardian or conservator
• Your photo ID
• Any other documents requested by the state confirming your authority

Step-by-Step: Preparing to Claim Unclaimed Assets in Utah

While you must always follow the instructions from Utah’s official unclaimed property program, the process often looks like this:

1. Search for Unclaimed Property

• Use Utah’s official unclaimed property search tool (not a third-party site).
• Search by your current and former names, and possibly:
  • Maiden names
  • Business names (if you own or owned a business)
  • Family member names (especially deceased relatives)

2. Start a Claim Through the Official Channel

When you find property that appears to be yours, the Utah system typically:

• Lets you start a claim online, or
• Provides instructions for paper claim forms.

You may be asked for:

• Your contact information
• Social Security Number or last four digits (for identity verification)
• Details to connect you to the property (e.g., past addresses, employers)

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot file or transmit claims. To actually start a claim, you must go through the Utah state unclaimed property office.

3. Review the Documentation Requirements

After you start a claim, the Utah system usually generates a claim form or checklist showing exactly what’s required from you. This can vary depending on:

• Claim type (individual, business, estate)
• Claim amount
• Whether there are special circumstances (name change, deceased owner, etc.)

Print or save this list and use it as your primary guide.

4. Gather and Organize Your Documents

Based on your situation, collect:

• Primary ID (driver license, state ID, or passport)
• Proof of address/ownership (bills, statements, leases, etc.)
• Any needed special documents:
  • Death certificate and probate papers (for estates)
  • Business documents (for business claims)
  • Marriage or name change documents
  • Guardianship or power of attorney documents

Make clear copies (front and back when relevant). Some claims may require notarization of certain forms—follow the instructions from the Utah office.

5. Submit the Claim Packet

Depending on Utah’s current procedures, you may:

• Upload documents online through the official portal,
• Mail copies to the address listed on your claim form, or
• In some cases, deliver documents in person to a state office.

Pay close attention to:

• Mailing addresses
• Any claim ID number
• Required signatures and dates

Keep copies of everything you send.

6. Wait for Review and Respond to Follow-Up Requests

After submission, the Utah unclaimed property office will review your claim. They may:

• Approve it and issue payment or instructions for retrieving property
• Ask for additional documentation
• Deny the claim if they cannot verify ownership

If the office contacts you for more information, respond promptly to avoid delays or closure of your claim.

Common Reasons Utah Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Many people face delays for reasons that can be prevented with careful preparation. Typical issues include:

• Missing documents
  For example, submitting ID but no proof of address, or no death certificate for a deceased-owner claim.

• Mismatched names
  If the name on the ID doesn’t match the claim and there is no name-change documentation.

• Incomplete estate paperwork
  Heirs sometimes submit only a death certificate, but no probate orders or small estate affidavit when those are required.

• Unclear business authority
  Claims on a business account without showing that the claimant is an officer, owner, or authorized agent.

• Unreadable or poor-quality copies
  Dark, cut-off, or blurry documents can slow review.

• Not responding to follow-up questions
  If the Utah office requests more information and doesn’t receive it, the claim may be closed.

If your claim is denied, Utah typically explains why. You can often:

• Correct the issue (such as sending the missing document), and
• Resubmit or file a new claim, depending on the reason for denial.

If you believe the decision was made in error, you can contact the Utah unclaimed property office directly and ask what options exist for review or appeal.

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

Because unclaimed property can involve money, scammers sometimes try to charge high fees or collect personal data.

Here are practical ways to protect yourself:

• ✅ Look for a .gov website
  Utah’s official state agencies normally use websites ending in “.gov”, not “.com” or “.org,” for their main portals.

• ✅ Check the agency name
  The real office will be some variation of “Utah State Treasurer’s Office” or “Utah Unclaimed Property Division,” not a generic-sounding business.

• ✅ Be cautious of upfront fees
  Utah itself does not usually charge a fee for you to search for or claim your own property. Some private “finder” services may charge a percentage, but they are not required to claim your money.

• ✅ Verify phone numbers independently
  If someone calls you claiming to be from unclaimed property, hang up and look up the official number yourself on Utah’s main state government website or through a directory, then call back.

• ✅ Protect your Social Security Number
  Only provide such information through the official state application or mailed forms you initiate, not through unfamiliar third-party sites or unsolicited links.

If you’re unsure whether a website or caller is legitimate, you can:

• Contact your state treasurer or unclaimed property office using a number listed on Utah’s main government directory.
• Call 211 for general guidance on contacting official state agencies (though 211 does not process unclaimed property claims).

Quick Utah Unclaimed Property Document Checklist

Use this as a starting point before you follow the exact instructions from the official Utah office:

For individuals (your own property):

• ✔ Photo ID (driver license, state ID, passport, etc.)
• ✔ Proof of address matching the property record (utility bill, statement, lease)
• ✔ Social Security number (or last four digits, if requested)
• Optional but helpful: old account statements, checks, policies, or other proof

For heir/estate claims:

• All of the above, plus:
• ✔ Death certificate
• ✔ Will and/or probate documents (letters testamentary, letters of administration, court orders)
• ✔ Small estate affidavit (if applicable under Utah law)
• ✔ Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate)

For business claims:

• ✔ Business registration documents
• ✔ EIN or tax ID proof
• ✔ Corporate resolution or authorization letter
• ✔ Authorized representative’s photo ID
• ✔ Records linking the business to the property (statements, invoices, etc.)

For name change or legal authority situations:

• ✔ Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order for name change
• ✔ Power of attorney, guardianship, or conservatorship orders, if claiming for someone else

By gathering these documents ahead of time and carefully following the directions from Utah’s official unclaimed property office, you can usually reduce delays and make it easier for the state to confirm that you are the rightful owner.

HowToGetAssistance.org can help you understand the process, but only Utah’s official unclaimed property program can accept and decide your claim. For up-to-date requirements, always refer to the current instructions from the Utah state agency that administers unclaimed property.