How To File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Virginia: Step‑by‑Step Guide

Many people are surprised to learn they may have money or other property waiting for them with the state. In Virginia, this is called unclaimed property or unclaimed assets. This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed property works and how to file an unclaimed assets claim in Virginia through official state channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency, does not hold unclaimed property, and cannot file or process claims. This article is meant to help you understand the typical process so you can take the next step directly with the official Virginia unclaimed property office.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Virginia?

Unclaimed property generally refers to money or other financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their owner for a period of time. In Virginia, this often includes:

• Bank accounts (checking, savings, CDs) left inactive
• Uncashed checks, including payroll or refund checks
• Utility deposits or refunds
• Insurance proceeds or refunds
• Stocks, dividends, and mutual funds
• Safe deposit box contents (after a holding period, usually sold and converted to cash)
• Gift certificates or credit balances (in some cases)

If the company or institution holding the asset cannot contact the owner for a certain number of years, state law usually requires them to turn it over to the Virginia unclaimed property program for safekeeping.

Virginia then keeps these funds until someone files a valid claim as the owner, heir, or other authorized party.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Virginia?

You may be able to file a claim in Virginia if you are:

• The original owner listed on the account or asset
• A joint owner on the account
• A legal heir or beneficiary of a deceased owner
• An executor, administrator, or personal representative of an estate
• An authorized representative of a business, trust, or organization that is the owner

To succeed with a claim, you generally need to:

• Show that you are the person (or entity) named in the state’s unclaimed property listing, or
• Show a legal right to claim on that person’s behalf (for example, as an heir or legal representative).

How to Search for Unclaimed Property in Virginia

The first step is to see whether there is any unclaimed property listed under your name.

1. Use the Official Virginia Unclaimed Property Search

Virginia’s unclaimed property program offers an official online search tool managed by the state treasury. You can typically find it by searching online for:

• “Virginia unclaimed property” or
• “Virginia treasury unclaimed property search”

Make sure that:

• The site clearly shows it is managed by the Commonwealth of Virginia or the Virginia State Treasurer.
• The web address and branding match the state’s official style.

If you are unsure, you can contact the Virginia Department of the Treasury directly using the phone number listed on the state government’s main website and ask to be connected to the unclaimed property division.

2. Search by Name and Location

Once on the official search page, you can usually search by:

• Last name and first name
• Business name (if you are checking for a company)
• Sometimes city or ZIP code

Tips:

• Try different versions of your name (with and without a middle initial, maiden names, past married names).
• Search for current and prior addresses, especially if you moved inside or out of Virginia.
• If you own a small business, search under the business name and your personal name.

If your name appears, the listing will generally show:

• The owner name
• The holder name (e.g., bank, employer, insurance company)
• A property ID or claim number
• The general type of property (e.g., wages, checking account, refunds)
• Sometimes an approximate amount range (not always exact)

Overview: Typical Steps to File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Virginia

Here is the basic process many people follow:

1. Search the official Virginia unclaimed property database.
2. Select the property listings that appear to belong to you.
3. Start a claim through the official online portal or request a paper claim form.
4. Gather documents to prove your identity and your right to the property.
5. Submit the claim form and documents (online upload or mail, depending on the system).
6. Wait for review by the Virginia unclaimed property office.
7. Respond to any requests for additional information.
8. Receive payment or a decision once the claim is approved or denied.

The details can vary based on the type of property and your relationship to the owner (for example, your own claim vs. a deceased relative’s claim).

Documents You May Need for a Virginia Unclaimed Property Claim

The state uses documents to verify that you are the rightful owner or heir. Requirements can change, but many claimants are asked for some combination of the following:

1. Proof of Identity

Typically, you may be asked to provide:

• Government-issued photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • U.S. passport or other valid passport
• Social Security number (or last four digits), shown on:
  • Social Security card
  • Tax document
  • Pay stub
  • Other acceptable record

2. Proof of Address or Ownership Connection

To show a link between you and the address or company on the claim, Virginia may request:

• Utility bills, bank statements, or credit card statements with your name and the address listed on the property
• Lease agreements, mortgage documents, or property tax records
• Old pay stubs or W‑2s (for wage-related claims)
• Insurance policy documents (for insurance-related claims)
• Business records (for business claims), such as:
  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Business license
  • Tax documents listing the business name and your role

3. Additional Documents for Special Situations

For deceased owner or other complex claims, you may also need:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Will or trust documents showing beneficiaries
• Letters testamentary, letters of administration, or other court documents naming you as executor or administrator
• Affidavit of heirship or similar forms required by the Virginia unclaimed property office
• Marriage certificate (e.g., to prove a name change from maiden name to married name)
• Court orders related to guardianship, conservatorship, or power of attorney (for certain non‑deceased claims)

The exact documents required will depend on the type of claim, the amount, and your specific situation. The official claim instructions usually list what is required for your claim type.

Where and How to File Your Virginia Unclaimed Property Claim

How you file your claim in Virginia often depends on:

• The type of property
• The amount
• Whether you are filing as an individual, heir, or business

1. Filing Online (Common for Many Claims)

Many people can file directly through Virginia’s official unclaimed property online portal:

1. From the official search results, you usually click a button like “Claim” or “File a Claim” next to each property you believe is yours.
2. You may be prompted to create an online account or provide contact information.
3. The portal typically asks questions to confirm:
   • Your relationship to the property
   • Your current address
   • Your Social Security number or tax ID (for identity verification)
4. You may be able to upload digital copies of required documents (ID, proof of address, etc.).
5. At the end, you review and electronically sign or certify that the information is true.

If you are uncomfortable filing online, or if your claim is more complex, there is often a paper option.

2. Filing by Mail (Paper Claim Form)

Some people prefer or are required to file by paper form, such as:

• Claims for a deceased owner
• Claims where support documents are extensive or must be originals or certified copies
• Situations where the online system directs you to print and sign a form

Typical steps:

1. Print the claim form from the official Virginia unclaimed property website or request it by phone or mail from the office.
2. Fill it out completely and legibly, making sure names and addresses match your supporting documents where possible.
3. Attach copies of required documents (and original or certified documents if specifically required).
4. Sign and date the form; some claims may need a notarized signature.
5. Mail the completed packet to the address provided on the official form.

If you are unsure where to mail your claim, call the Virginia Department of the Treasury – Unclaimed Property Division using a phone number listed on a Virginia government site and confirm the correct mailing address.

Quick Comparison: Online vs. Mail Claims in Virginia

Processing times vary and can depend on the number of claims the state is handling and whether your documentation is complete.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once the Virginia unclaimed property office receives your claim:

1. Initial review

   • Staff check that the form is complete and that required documents are included.
   • They verify your identity and your connection to the property.

2. Follow-up requests (if needed)

   • If something is missing or unclear, they may send you a letter, email, or call requesting additional documentation or clarification.
   • Your claim may be delayed until you respond.

3. Approval or denial

   • If approved, the state generally issues payment to you or your designated payee (usually by check).
   • If denied, they should provide a reason, and you may be able to submit more information or refile.

4. Processing time

   • Timeframes vary, but many claims take several weeks to a few months, especially if documentation is complex or requires special review.

The official Virginia unclaimed property office can give the most current information on expected processing times.

Common Reasons Virginia Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common issues can help you avoid problems:

• Name mismatches

  • The name on your ID does not match the name on the claim (e.g., maiden vs. married name) and no proof of name change is provided.

• Insufficient proof of address or ownership

  • No documentation connects you to the address or account listed in the property record.

• Missing or unclear heir/estate documents

  • For deceased owners, lack of a death certificate, will, or court documents showing your legal right to the property.

• Incomplete application

  • Sections of the form left blank, missing signatures, or no Social Security/tax ID when required.

• Unreadable copies

  • Documents that are too dark, blurry, or cut off, making it hard for staff to verify information.

If you receive a denial and believe you are entitled to the property, you can generally:

• Contact the unclaimed property office directly to understand the exact issue, and
• Ask whether corrected or additional documentation can be submitted, or whether you need to file a new claim.

Tips for a Smoother Virginia Unclaimed Property Claim

• Use your legal name: Match the spelling and format on your official ID as closely as possible.
• Explain name changes: If your last name is different from what appears on the listing, include:
  • A marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order showing the change.
• Include multiple proofs: When in doubt, attach more than one document that ties you to the address or account.
• Organize your papers: Label copies with the claim number or property ID if possible.
• Respond quickly: If the Virginia office requests additional information, answer as soon as you can to avoid delays.
• Keep copies: Save copies of everything you submit, including forms and IDs.

Special Situations

Claiming Property for a Deceased Relative in Virginia

If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased family member, typical steps include:

1. Search under their name in the official Virginia unclaimed property database.
2. Start a claim listing yourself as the claimant and indicating that the owner is deceased.
3. Provide documents such as:
   • Death certificate
   • Will or trust showing you as beneficiary, or
   • Letters of administration/testamentary naming you as personal representative
   • Identification for yourself
4. Follow any additional instructions from the unclaimed property office, which may vary depending on:
   • Whether there was a will
   • Whether an estate has been opened in court
   • The claimed amount

Virginia may have specific rules for small estates, which can sometimes be handled with simplified forms. Check the instructions provided by the unclaimed property division or consult a legal professional if you need help.

Claiming Business or Organization Property

If the owner listed is a business, nonprofit, or other organization, you are usually asked to provide:

• Proof that the business is active or that you are authorized to act for it, such as:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Business license
  • Corporate resolution or authorization letter
• Your personal ID and contact information
• Relevant tax ID numbers (such as an Employer Identification Number, or EIN)

The official claim form and instructions usually explain what documents are required for business entities.

Verifying You Are Using Official Virginia Channels (Scam Avoidance)

Because unclaimed property can involve money, scams are common. Keep these points in mind:

• No fee required from the state

  • The Virginia unclaimed property office typically does not charge you a fee to search or file a claim directly with the state.
  • Some private “finders” or “locators” offer to help for a fee or percentage. This may be legal in some circumstances, but it is optional, and you do not need to pay anyone to file a claim yourself.

• Check for official government branding

  • The website should clearly identify itself as part of the Commonwealth of Virginia or Virginia Department of the Treasury.
  • Avoid entering personal information on sites that do not look official or ask for unusual fees.

• Protect your personal information

  • The Virginia program may need your Social Security number or tax ID to verify your identity, but you should only provide this through:
    • The official online portal, or
    • On an official form you mail back to the address provided by the state.
  • Be cautious of unsolicited emails or calls asking for sensitive information. If uncertain, hang up and call the official phone number listed on a Virginia government website.

• Be skeptical of high-pressure tactics

  • If someone contacts you claiming you have unclaimed property and demands immediate payment or personal data to “release” it, treat it with caution.
  • You can independently verify by searching your name on the official Virginia unclaimed property site or calling the state office directly.

If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove Ownership

Sometimes a person finds a listing that might be theirs but cannot provide enough proof, or the property truly belongs to someone else with a similar name.

Possible next steps include:

• Contact the Virginia unclaimed property office

  • Explain your situation and ask what kinds of documentation might be acceptable.
  • They may suggest alternate forms of proof or clarify what is and is not possible.

• Check for property in other states

  • If you moved frequently or lived elsewhere when the account existed, consider checking the unclaimed property sites of other states where you lived or worked. Each state has its own process.

• Ask family members

  • If an older relative may have forgotten accounts or policies, you might encourage them to search under their names or give them information on how to contact the state program.

Remember, HowToGetAssistance.org does not handle claims, but the official Virginia unclaimed property office can walk you through state-specific questions and current procedures.

By understanding how unclaimed property works in Virginia, gathering the right documents, and filing directly through the official state channels, many people are able to successfully reclaim forgotten accounts, refunds, or other assets in their name or in the name of a loved one.