Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Utah: Why It Happens and How to Claim What You’re Owed

Unclaimed money can feel like something that happens to “other people,” but in Utah, many residents and former residents have forgotten bank accounts, checks, or deposits waiting to be claimed. If you’ve ever moved, changed banks, or lost track of old accounts, you may have money held by the state without realizing it.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed bank accounts happen in Utah, how the state handles them, and how you can search for and claim your money through official channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only. It does not hold unclaimed money, does not process claims, and is not a government office. Instead, this guide is meant to help you understand the typical steps so you can work directly with the correct Utah agency.

What Is an “Unclaimed Bank Account” in Utah?

An unclaimed bank account is usually a savings, checking, CD, or similar deposit account that:

• Has had no activity for a certain period (commonly 3–5 years, depending on the type of account), and
• The bank has lost contact with the account owner (mail returned, email bounced, or no response), and
• The owner has not responded to notices or updates from the bank.

When that happens and the inactivity period passes, Utah law generally requires the bank to turn that money over to the State of Utah as “unclaimed property.” The money is still yours (or your heir’s) to claim; it has just been transferred from your bank to the state for safekeeping.

Some common types of unclaimed property from financial institutions include:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Money market accounts
• Cashier’s checks and money orders
• Safe deposit box contents (eventually sold, with proceeds held for the owner)

How Bank Accounts Become “Unclaimed” in Utah

Unclaimed accounts are usually the result of normal life changes, not bad behavior. Typical causes include:

1. Moving Without Updating Contact Information

If you:

• Move to a new address,
• Change your email, or
• Get a new phone number

…and do not update your bank, the bank’s statements and notices may start bouncing back. After a period of no contact and no account activity, the account may be considered “dormant” and later “unclaimed.”

2. Switching Banks or Closing Accounts (Or Thinking You Did)

Sometimes people:

• Open a new account at a different bank and slowly stop using the old one.
• Believe they closed an account, but a small balance or fee is left behind.
• Forget about a promotional account, temporary savings, or travel account.

Over time, that small balance can become unclaimed property if there is no activity and no contact.

3. Inherited or Joint Accounts

If a family member dies, their:

• Old bank accounts
• CDs
• Safe deposit boxes

might not be found during probate or estate settlement. If the bank cannot locate the heir or executor, funds can eventually be turned over as unclaimed property in the deceased person’s name.

Likewise, with joint accounts, surviving owners sometimes don’t realize there was another account, especially if only one person handled the finances.

4. Returned Mail or Unread Electronic Notices

Even if you have money in an account, it can become unclaimed if:

• Paper statements and notices are returned as undeliverable, and
• You don’t log into online banking or otherwise contact the bank for a long time.

Utah banks typically must make a good-faith effort to reach you before turning money over to the state, but if they cannot, the funds transition to the state’s unclaimed property program.

Who Manages Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Utah?

In Utah, unclaimed bank accounts and other unclaimed property are typically handled by the Utah State Treasurer’s Office through the state’s Unclaimed Property Division.

Key points:

• Banks and other businesses are required by law to report and transfer unclaimed funds to this state division after a dormancy period.
• The state does not take ownership of the money; it holds it in trust for the rightful owner or their heirs.
• There is usually no deadline for owners or heirs to claim most types of unclaimed bank funds, but the process may be different for safe deposit box contents or certain securities.

To search for and claim money, Utah residents and former residents typically use the state’s official unclaimed property search tool or contact the Utah Unclaimed Property Division directly by phone or mail.

How to Check for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Utah

You do not need a lawyer or a paid service to check for unclaimed accounts. Most people can complete the basic search on their own by following steps like these:

Step 1: Gather Basic Information

Before you get started, it helps to have:

• Full legal name (and any previous names, such as maiden names)
• Current and past Utah addresses
• Approximate years you lived, worked, or banked in Utah
• Business name (if you owned a business that may have had accounts in Utah)

If you are searching for a deceased relative’s property, gather:

• Their full legal name
• Former addresses in Utah
• Date of birth and date of death (if known)

Step 2: Use Utah’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

Utah typically provides an online search database managed by the Utah Unclaimed Property Division.

To find it:

• Search online for phrases like “Utah unclaimed property” or “Utah State Treasurer unclaimed property search”.
• Make sure the website clearly shows it is a State of Utah or Utah government site (for example, look for a “.gov” domain and official state branding).
• Never enter personal information into a site that does not clearly identify itself as an official government resource.

Once you are on the official Utah unclaimed property site, you can:

1. Enter your name (and alternate spellings or prior names).
2. Narrow results by city or address if needed.
3. Review the list of potential matches for your name.

Step 3: Look Carefully at the Search Results

Search results typically list:

• Owner name
• Last known address or city in Utah
• Holder name (for example, the bank or business)
• Type of property (e.g., bank account, check, deposit)

If you see an entry that matches your name and a past Utah address, there’s a good chance it may be yours. You can usually click or select that item to begin a claim request.

How to File a Claim for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Utah

Every claim must go through the official Utah Unclaimed Property Division, not through HowToGetAssistance.org or private services. The usual process looks something like this:

1. Start the Claim on the Official Utah Site or by Contacting the Division

After selecting your property in the search results, you are usually prompted to:

• Begin a claim as the owner,
• Or begin as a heir/representative if the original owner is deceased or you are handling affairs on someone’s behalf.

If you cannot use the online system, you can typically reach out to the Utah Unclaimed Property Division by phone or mail to ask how to file a paper claim form.

2. Provide Ownership and Identity Information

You will usually be asked for:

• Full legal name
• Current mailing address
• Phone number and/or email
• Social Security Number (or part of it) to help verify identity
• Date of birth

For a business claim:

• Business legal name
• Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Proof of authority to act for the business

For a deceased person’s claim:

• Information proving your relationship and legal authority (for example, executor or heir).

3. Submit Supporting Documents

The Utah Unclaimed Property Division typically requires documents to show you are the rightful owner. Common examples include:

For your own account:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver license, state ID, passport)
• Proof of current address (recent utility bill, bank statement, lease, etc.)
• Proof of past address shown in the claim (if you have it, such as an old bill, tax document, or pay stub)

For inherited or deceased-owner claims:

• Death certificate for the original owner
• Will, probate documents, or letters testamentary showing you are the personal representative, executor, or legal heir
• Marriage certificate or birth certificate (to show relationship, such as spouse or child)

For business claims:

• Business registration documents
• Proof of authority to act for the business (e.g., corporate resolution, ownership documents, or a letter on company letterhead)

📝 Tip: Every claim is unique. The Utah Unclaimed Property Division may request additional documents if they need more proof of identity or ownership. Responding quickly and clearly helps avoid delays.

Typical Documents Needed at a Glance

Below is a general comparison of what different claim types often require. Exact requirements are set by the Utah Unclaimed Property Division and can vary.

How Long Does the Utah Unclaimed Property Claim Process Take?

Processing time can vary depending on:

• The type and value of the property
• How complete and clear your documents are
• The volume of claims the state is handling at that time

In many cases, simple claims with complete documentation may be resolved within a few weeks, but it can also take longer if:

• Documents are missing or unclear
• The claim is for a deceased person or involves complex estates
• The state must contact the original bank or holder to verify details

The Utah Unclaimed Property Division usually provides some form of claim tracking or status update through its portal or by phone. If you are unsure about the status, you can contact their office directly and provide your claim number.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid them:

1. Incomplete Documentation

If you don’t submit all requested documents, or send unclear copies (blurry, cut off, or missing pages), the claim may be delayed or denied. It’s important to:

• Read instructions from the Utah Unclaimed Property Division carefully.
• Submit legible copies (or originals when specifically required).

2. Mismatched Names or Addresses

If the name on the unclaimed account is slightly different (nickname, misspelling, previous name), and you don’t explain or document the difference, staff may have difficulty confirming you are the correct person.

You can often resolve this by submitting:

• Name change documents (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order)
• Any old documents showing both your former and current name, or matching your old Utah address.

3. Lack of Legal Authority for Deceased Owner’s Property

If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased person, the Utah Unclaimed Property Division needs proof that:

• You are the legal heir, or
• You are the authorized representative of the estate.

When probate was never opened or completed, the state may request alternative documentation or affidavits. If you are unsure, you may wish to contact the unclaimed property office and ask what they accept in situations like yours.

4. Confusion About Ownership

Sometimes multiple people claim the same property (for example, siblings or former spouses). In those cases, the state may:

• Request additional documentation, or
• Require all parties to sign off, or
• Follow Utah law regarding inheritance or community property.

What If Your Claim Is Denied?

If your claim is denied, that does not always mean the end of the process. Typical options include:

• Request clarification: Contact the Utah Unclaimed Property Division to ask why the claim was denied and what specific information was missing or inconsistent.
• Submit additional documents: If you can provide stronger proof of identity, relationship, or ownership, you may be able to reapply or ask to have your claim reconsidered.
• Ask about formal review or appeal: Some states have a process for administrative review if you believe your claim was wrongly denied. Ask the Utah Unclaimed Property Division if such a process exists and how it works.

Keep records of:

• Your claim number
• All documents submitted
• Any letters or emails from the state

This can be very helpful if you need to follow up or request a review.

How Long Does Utah Keep Unclaimed Bank Funds?

In many states, most unclaimed property is kept indefinitely for the rightful owner. Utah generally holds unclaimed bank accounts and similar funds until they are claimed, but the handling of certain items may differ:

• Cash funds (bank balances, checks, deposits) are usually held until claimed.
• Safe deposit box contents may be held for a limited time, then sold. The sale proceeds (not the physical item) are then held for the owner or heirs.

For the most accurate details, you can ask the Utah Unclaimed Property Division how they handle the specific type of property listed in your claim.

Is There a Deadline to Claim Your Unclaimed Bank Account?

For typical bank account balances and cash types of unclaimed property, most states, including Utah, do not have a strict deadline for you or your heirs to file a claim. However:

• It is usually best to claim as soon as you discover it, especially if you may need to gather documents or track down estate records.
• For some items (like proceeds from sold stock or safe deposit boxes), there may be special rules or timing considerations.

If you are unsure whether time limits apply to your specific property, you can give the Utah Unclaimed Property Division the property ID and ask for clarification.

Costs, Fees, and Third-Party “Finders”

Does It Cost Money to Claim Unclaimed Property in Utah?

Typically, filing a claim directly with the Utah Unclaimed Property Division does not require a fee. You may have to pay for:

• Notarizing certain documents (if required)
• Copies of official records (such as a death certificate)

…but the state itself usually does not charge a percentage of your claim.

About “Finders” or “Recovery Services”

You might receive letters, emails, or calls from companies or individuals offering to help you:

• Find unclaimed property, or
• File the claim on your behalf

…in exchange for a fee or percentage of any recovered amount.

Important points:

• These services may be legal but optional. You are not required to use them.
• Most people can successfully complete a claim on their own, especially for simple cases.
• If you choose to work with a third party, read any contract carefully and consider whether the fee is worth the help they provide.

If anything feels high-pressure, unclear, or suspicious, you can ignore the offer and instead contact the Utah Unclaimed Property Division directly using contact information from an official state source.

How to Verify You Are Using an Official Utah Channel (Scam-Avoidance Tips)

Because unclaimed property involves money, it can attract scams. To help protect yourself:

1. Check the Website Address

• Look for a “.gov” domain and clear references to the State of Utah.
• Avoid entering personal details on websites that look generic, have many ads, or do not clearly identify themselves as government sites.

2. Be Wary of Unsolicited Requests

If you receive a call, email, or letter saying you are owed money:

• Be cautious if they ask for full Social Security Numbers, bank account numbers, or payment upfront to get your money.
• Legitimate Utah unclaimed property staff typically do not demand fees or your full bank details over email or text.

If you are unsure, you can:

• Look up the Utah Unclaimed Property Division’s phone number on your own (through a trusted directory or the state government website), and
• Call them directly to ask if the contact you received is legitimate.

3. Never Pay to Receive a Check from the State

If someone claims you must:

• Pay a “release fee”
• Wire money
• Purchase gift cards

…before your unclaimed funds are sent, it is almost certainly a scam. The official Utah agency generally does not require payment to release your property.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Utah’s Unclaimed Property Search?

If you do not see any matches in Utah’s database, you might still have unclaimed property elsewhere. Consider:

• Searching other states where you have lived, worked, or banked.
• Searching under maiden names, former names, and common misspellings.
• Checking for business names if you owned or managed a company in another state.

Many states offer their own official unclaimed property search tools, usually run by the state treasurer or a similar office.

Additionally, if you believe a specific Utah bank account should be listed but is not:

• Contact the bank directly with any old account numbers or identifying information.
• Ask whether the funds were turned over to Utah’s unclaimed property program or handled in some other way.

Practical Next Steps for Utah Residents

If you think you might have an unclaimed bank account in Utah, you can:

1. List every Utah bank or credit union you’ve used, plus approximate dates and addresses.
2. Search the official Utah unclaimed property site using your current and former names.
3. Review results carefully and start a claim on any entries that match your history.
4. Gather documents: ID, proof of address, and any estate or name-change records.
5. Submit your claim through the official Utah Unclaimed Property Division and keep copies of everything.
6. Follow up with the Division if you have questions about processing time, missing documents, or possible appeals.

By understanding how unclaimed bank accounts arise and how Utah’s system works, you can take organized, confident steps to recover any funds that may belong to you or your family—directly through the official state channels that handle these claims.