Utah’s Unclaimed Property Office: What It Does and How to See What It’s Holding for You

The Utah Unclaimed Property Office is a state-run program that safeguards money and other financial assets that have been abandoned, forgotten, or lost track of over time. Many people are surprised to find that the state may be holding funds in their name and that there is a process to claim it back.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, what the Utah Unclaimed Property Office does, what types of property it holds, who can claim it, and how to move forward through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only—it is not a government office and does not process claims.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Utah?

In Utah, unclaimed property typically means money or financial assets that belong to you but were turned over to the state because:

• The company holding the money couldn’t contact you, or
• There was no activity on the account for a certain period (often a few years), or
• Mail was returned as undeliverable.

The Utah Unclaimed Property Office holds this property until the rightful owner (or their heirs) files a valid claim through official state channels.

This usually does not include real estate or cars, but it can include a wide range of financial assets.

What Does the Utah Unclaimed Property Office Do?

At a high level, the Utah Unclaimed Property Office:

• Receives and safeguards unclaimed funds from businesses, banks, and other “holders”
• Keeps records of who the property originally belonged to (as reported by the holder)
• Provides tools for the public to search for their name
• Reviews and approves or denies claims submitted by individuals and businesses
• Distributes funds to people who can prove ownership

The office acts like a custodian, not an owner. The money still belongs to the rightful owner, and in most cases there is no deadline to claim your property once it is in the state’s custody.

What Types of Property Does Utah’s Unclaimed Property Office Hold?

Utah’s unclaimed property program typically covers non-real estate financial property. Common examples include:

H3: Common Types of Unclaimed Property

The Utah office may hold:

• Old bank accounts
  • Checking or savings accounts
  • Money market accounts
• Uncashed checks
  • Payroll checks
  • Vendor or contractor payments
  • Refund checks from companies or government entities
• Utility and service deposits
  • Utility bill deposits
  • Apartment or landlord security deposits
• Insurance-related funds
  • Life insurance benefits where the beneficiary was not located
  • Refunds of premiums
• Investment and brokerage assets
  • Stocks, dividends, or bond payments
  • Mutual fund accounts
• Retirement-related funds
  • Certain types of retirement accounts or distributions that couldn’t be delivered
• Safe deposit box contents
  • Jewelry, documents, coins, and other small valuables from bank safe deposit boxes after a dormancy period

The exact items held can change over time. Cash and checks are the most common, but there can also be physical property from safe deposit boxes. When safe deposit items are involved, the state may hold them for a set period and may eventually sell or dispose of them according to state law, keeping the proceeds for the rightful owner.

Who Can Claim Property From the Utah Unclaimed Property Office?

You may be able to claim unclaimed property in Utah if you are:

• The person listed as the owner of the property
• A former Utah resident who had accounts or relationships with Utah businesses
• An heir or legal representative of a deceased person who had unclaimed property
• A business owner or authorized representative of a company with unclaimed funds
• A trustee, executor, or personal representative of an estate

The key point is that you must be able to prove a legitimate connection to the name, address, or account associated with the property.

What Information Does Utah Use to Match You to Property?

When businesses send property to the state, they usually provide:

• Owner name (individual or business)
• Last known address (mailing or residential)
• Social Security Number (SSN) or tax ID, if available
• Account or policy numbers
• Approximate dollar amounts
• Type of property (e.g., payroll check, utility refund, stock dividend)

The Utah Unclaimed Property Office uses this information to match searches and claims to the correct property. That’s why your name, previous addresses, and sometimes SSN can all matter when you’re searching and claiming.

Typical Steps to Search for Utah Unclaimed Property

HowToGetAssistance.org does not host search tools, but you can typically look for unclaimed property in Utah through the state’s official unclaimed property website or portal. The process often looks like this:

1. Go to the state’s official unclaimed property site.
   Look for the Utah State Treasurer or Utah Unclaimed Property Office website—not a private “search” company.

2. Search by name.

   • Enter your first and last name.
   • Try other spellings or former names (such as maiden names).
   • Search for old addresses or cities where you used to live in Utah.

3. Review matching results. You may see:

   • Your name with a past address
   • Possible matches that share your name but different addresses
   • Business names you own or once owned

4. Select property that appears to be yours. Check:

   • Spelling of name
   • City and address
   • Type of property (e.g., “payroll check” or “insurance refund”)

5. Begin a claim through the official portal. The site will usually ask for:

   • Contact information
   • Relationship to the property (e.g., “owner,” “heir,” “company officer”)

Always make sure you are on a .gov website or a site clearly identified as an official Utah state website before entering personal information.

Documents You May Need to Claim Utah Unclaimed Property

The Utah Unclaimed Property Office typically requires proof of identity and proof of ownership. The exact documents depend on your situation, but common items include:

H3: For Individuals Claiming Their Own Property

You may be asked for:

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Utah driver license or ID
  • Passport
• Proof of Social Security Number
  • Social Security card
  • Tax document showing full SSN
• Proof of current address
  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Bank statement
• Proof of connection to the reported address or account
  • Old utility bill or statement showing your name and that address
  • Pay stubs or employment records (for payroll checks)
  • Insurance or policy documents

H3: For Heirs or Estates

If you’re claiming on behalf of a deceased relative, be prepared for more documentation, such as:

• Death certificate
• Proof of your relationship to the deceased
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
• Estate documents, if applicable
  • Will naming you
  • Letters testamentary or letters of administration
  • Court appointment as executor or personal representative

H3: For Businesses

If you are claiming as a business:

• Proof of business existence
  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Business license
• Tax ID (EIN) documentation
• Proof of authority to act
  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter on company letterhead
• Proof of address or account ownership related to the claim

Quick Reference: Who Typically Needs What?

Requirements can change, so it’s important to follow the document list provided by the official Utah portal or office for your specific claim type.

What Happens After You File a Claim With Utah’s Unclaimed Property Office?

Once you submit a claim through the official state website or by mail, the general process usually includes:

1. Initial review

   • The office checks that your claim is complete.
   • If documents are missing, they may contact you for more information.

2. Verification

   • Staff compare your documents against the information reported by the original holder.
   • They confirm that your identity and address history reasonably match the property record.

3. Approval or denial

   • If approved, the office typically issues a check or otherwise releases the property according to state procedures.
   • If denied, they explain the reason, often by letter or email.

4. Processing timeline

   • Timelines vary, but claims often take several weeks to a few months depending on:
     • Claim complexity
     • Workload at the office
     • Whether additional documents are needed

If you have questions about the status of your claim, you would contact the Utah Unclaimed Property Office directly using their official phone number or customer service contact—not through HowToGetAssistance.org.

Common Reasons Utah Unclaimed Property Claims Get Delayed or Denied

People sometimes run into avoidable problems when claiming property. Typical issues include:

• Incomplete documentation

  • Missing proof of identity or address history
  • Not including required estate or business documents

• Name or address mismatches

  • Claim filed under a nickname instead of full legal name
  • No documents connecting you to the old address listed on the property

• Unclear relationship to the owner

  • Heirs without enough documentation to prove relationship
  • Business claims filed by someone without clear authority

• Incorrect or outdated forms

  • Using an old claim form when the office now requires updated information

If your claim is denied, the notice from the Utah Unclaimed Property Office generally explains what was missing or why the match could not be confirmed. You may be able to correct the issue and submit again.

Can You Appeal a Decision?

The options to challenge or appeal a denied claim depend on Utah’s current laws and procedures, which can change over time. In many states, people can:

• Submit additional documentation and re-open the claim
• Ask for a review or clarification from the unclaimed property office
• In some cases, pursue further legal options, such as court review, especially for complex estate or business disputes

If you receive a denial and believe it is in error, it may help to:

• Carefully read the reason for denial
• Collect stronger proof of identity or relationship
• Contact the office’s customer service line to ask what documentation they recommend

For legal questions or disputes, some people choose to consult an attorney familiar with probate, estates, or property law in Utah.

Is There a Deadline to Claim Utah Unclaimed Property?

For many types of unclaimed property, Utah typically does not impose a hard deadline once the property is in state custody. The state usually holds it indefinitely for the rightful owner or their heirs.

However:

• Some safe deposit box contents may be held for a certain time and then sold or otherwise disposed of under state law, with proceeds credited to the owner’s name.
• Rules can change, so it’s wise to claim known property sooner rather than later.

The safest approach is to check periodically and promptly follow up if you find property that looks like it belongs to you.

Is There a Fee to Claim Unclaimed Property in Utah?

Typically, Utah does not charge you a fee to file a claim directly with the Utah Unclaimed Property Office through official channels.

However, you should be aware of:

• Finder or locator services
  Some private companies or individuals offer to help you find and claim property for a percentage of what you receive. In many cases, you can locate and claim the property yourself at no cost by using the state’s official resources.

• Scam attempts
  Be cautious with anyone who:

  • Demands upfront payment
  • Pressures you to sign documents quickly
  • Refuses to give clear details about the property or their identity

You are not required to use a third-party service to claim your property.

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official Utah Channel (Scam Avoidance Tips)

Because unclaimed property involves real money, scams can occur. To protect yourself:

• Look for a .gov address
  Utah’s official government sites typically use a .gov domain.

• Verify office identity

  • Search independently for “Utah Unclaimed Property Office” or “Utah State Treasurer unclaimed property.”
  • Compare phone numbers and mailing addresses across multiple official-looking sources.

• Do not share full SSN or banking info on unfamiliar sites
  Only enter sensitive information when you are certain the site is an official Utah state government portal.

• Be skeptical of unsolicited calls, emails, or texts

  • If someone contacts you about unclaimed property and asks for personal or banking information, write down their name and number.
  • Hang up or ignore the message, then contact the Utah Unclaimed Property Office using contact details you find yourself through trusted sources.

If you believe you’ve encountered a scam, you can report it to your state consumer protection office or attorney general’s office.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Utah?

If you don’t see any unclaimed property in your name in Utah, you still have some options:

• Check other states where you’ve lived or worked.
  Unclaimed property is held by the state where the business or financial institution is located or where the last known address was, which may not always be Utah.

• Search under former names.
  Include:

  • Maiden names
  • Previous married names
  • Common misspellings of your name

• Check for relatives’ names.
  You might discover unclaimed property for parents, grandparents, or siblings. Only the rightful owner or legitimate representative can claim, but knowing it exists can help your family.

If you still can’t find anything, it often just means no property has been reported under your information. There’s usually nothing else to do unless you receive a notice or new information later.

Key Takeaways for Utah Unclaimed Property

• The Utah Unclaimed Property Office holds money and financial assets that businesses could not return to their rightful owners.
• Common items include old bank accounts, uncashed checks, utility deposits, insurance payouts, and safe deposit box contents.
• You may be able to claim property if you are the owner, an heir, a business representative, or an estate representative, as long as you can provide proof of identity and ownership.
• To move forward, you must use the official Utah unclaimed property website or office, not HowToGetAssistance.org.
• Claims can be delayed or denied if documentation is incomplete or does not clearly match the property.
• Utah generally does not charge a fee to claim property directly through official state channels.
• Always verify that you are on a legitimate government site before entering personal information, and be cautious of unsolicited offers to “help” for a fee.

When you’re ready to act, your next step is to locate the official Utah Unclaimed Property Office website or phone line and follow their instructions to search and, if appropriate, submit a claim.