Step‑by‑Step Guide: How to Find Unclaimed Assets in Virginia

If you have ever moved, changed jobs, or closed a bank account, you might have unclaimed money waiting for you. Virginia has a formal process for holding and returning unclaimed property to the rightful owners.

This guide explains, in plain English, how to search for and claim unclaimed assets in Virginia, what to expect, and how to stay safe from scams. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only—we are not a government agency, and you cannot search or file a claim through this website. Instead, this guide will help you understand how to use official Virginia resources on your own.

What “Unclaimed Property” Means in Virginia

In Virginia, unclaimed property (sometimes called unclaimed assets) usually means money or valuables that a business tried but failed to return to the owner for a certain period of time. After that period, the business is required to turn the property over to the state.

Common examples of unclaimed assets in Virginia include:

• Bank accounts that were forgotten or left inactive
• Uncashed checks, including payroll or refund checks
• Security deposits from utilities, landlords, or phone companies
• Insurance proceeds or policy benefits
• Safe deposit box contents from banks
• Investment accounts, stocks, dividends, or mutual funds
• Credit balances from overpayments to businesses

Virginia’s unclaimed property program typically does not include things like real estate or cars. Those are usually handled through other legal processes.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property in Virginia?

You might be able to claim unclaimed assets in Virginia if you are:

• The original owner listed on the account or check
• A joint owner or co-signer
• A beneficiary named on an insurance policy or account
• An heir or estate representative of someone who has died
• A business owner (for unclaimed business accounts or refunds)

You do not need to currently live in Virginia to have unclaimed property there. You might have a claim if you:

• Once lived, worked, or went to school in Virginia
• Had a Virginia mailing address, P.O. box, or business
• Held a bank account or safe deposit box in Virginia
• Bought insurance or investments through a Virginia company

Step 1: Gather Basic Information Before You Search

Before you start searching the Virginia unclaimed property database, it helps to gather some basic details. This can make your search faster and your claim easier to prove.

Have ready (as applicable):

• Full legal name (including any previous names)
• Aliases, nicknames, or spelling variations (e.g., “Jon” vs. “John”)
• Former addresses in Virginia, including cities and ZIP codes
• Former employers, especially Virginia-based companies
• Past phone numbers or P.O. boxes
• Business names, if you owned or managed a business

If you’re searching for someone else’s property (like a deceased relative), note:

• Their full legal name
• Date of birth and date of death (if applicable)
• Last known address in Virginia
• Your relationship to them

You don’t usually need documents to search, but you will need them if you decide to file a claim.

Step 2: Use Virginia’s Official Unclaimed Property Search

To find unclaimed assets in Virginia, most people use the state’s official online search tool provided by the Virginia unclaimed property program (often housed under the Virginia Department of the Treasury).

You can usually search in a few ways:

• By last name and first name
• By business name
• Sometimes by city or ZIP code to narrow results

How to run an effective search

1. Start with your full legal name.
2. Try common variations and maiden names, if applicable.
3. Run separate searches for each city or ZIP code where you lived or worked in Virginia.
4. If you owned a business, search under the business or trade name as well.

If the official site confirms that the potential match belongs to you, it will usually allow you to begin a claim directly through that site or by giving you instructions to download or request claim forms.

Step 3: Understand Different Types of Claims

Virginia generally separates claims into a few categories, because the documents required may differ.

Typical claim types

• Individual claim – You are the owner listed.
• Business claim – You are authorized to claim on behalf of a business.
• Deceased owner claim – You are an heir or representative of the deceased owner.
• Trust or estate claim – You are a trustee, executor, or administrator.

When you select a claim type, the system (or claim form) usually tells you which documents you need to provide.

Step 4: Documents You May Need to Claim Unclaimed Assets

The exact documents will depend on:

• Your relationship to the owner
• Whether the owner is living or deceased
• Whether the claim is individual or business

Here is a general overview of common documentation:

Always check the official Virginia unclaimed property instructions for the most accurate and up‑to‑date list of required documents, as requirements may change or differ based on claim amount or type.

Step 5: Submit Your Claim Through Official Virginia Channels

After you find property that appears to be yours in the Virginia database, the next step is to submit a claim. You usually have several options, depending on the type and size of the claim.

Common ways to submit a claim

1. Online submission

   • Many straightforward claims can be started and sometimes completed online.
   • You may be asked to upload scanned copies or clear photos of your documents.

2. Mail‑in claim form

   • Some claims require you to print, sign, and mail a claim form.
   • You attach photocopies of required documents (never mail originals unless specifically instructed).

3. In‑person assistance

   • Some people may get help at state-run outreach events, certain state offices, or community information fairs.
   • Availability and locations vary; check with the Virginia Department of the Treasury or the official unclaimed property program office for current options.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process claims or forward your documents; all claims must go directly through Virginia’s official program.

Step 6: What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once you have submitted a claim through Virginia’s official unclaimed property program:

• The state reviews your information and documents.
• Staff typically verify:
  • Your identity
  • Your connection to the account or property
  • Legal authority if you are claiming for someone else, a business, or an estate

Typical timelines

Processing time can vary depending on:

• Claim complexity (simple name match vs. estate claim)
• How complete and clear your documents are
• Volume of claims being handled at that time

Some straightforward claims may be resolved within a few weeks, while more complex or estate-related claims can take longer.

If the claim is approved, payment is usually made by check or, in some cases, direct deposit, as directed by the official program.

If documents are missing or unclear, the program may:

• Send you a request for additional information
• Place the claim on hold until you respond

Common Reasons Virginia Unclaimed Property Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Many delays come from small issues that are fairly easy to avoid.

Common problems include:

• Incomplete claim forms – Missing signatures, missing pages, or skipped questions.
• Unclear copies of documents – Blurry or cut‑off photos, unreadable scans.
• Name mismatches – Not explaining maiden names, nicknames, or spelling differences.
• Insufficient proof of address – No documents connecting you to the old address on file.
• Missing estate or authority papers – For deceased owners or business claims.

To reduce problems:

• Double‑check you’ve filled out everything clearly and completely.
• Provide legible, complete copies of requested documents.
• Include explanations of any name changes (for example, “Name changed from Jane Smith to Jane Johnson after marriage in 2015”).

If your claim is denied, the state may send an explanation. In some cases, you may be able to:

• Submit additional documentation to correct the issue
• Refile a corrected claim
• Ask the program for clarification through its official contact number or mailing address

Specific appeal or review options may vary, so you will need to follow the instructions provided by Virginia’s official unclaimed property program.

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Assets in Virginia?

Many states, including Virginia, treat unclaimed property as held indefinitely for the rightful owner, rather than taking it permanently. This approach is often called “no statute of limitations” on unclaimed property returns.

However:

• It is still wise to claim as soon as you can, especially for estates, because documents may become harder to obtain over time.
• Certain records or underlying accounts may only be available for a limited number of years before they are archived.

To be sure, review any time‑limit information provided in Virginia’s official unclaimed property materials or contact the state’s unclaimed property office directly.

How to Check for Unclaimed Property in Multiple States

If you have moved around, you may have unclaimed property in other states besides Virginia. Usually, you should check:

• Every state where you have lived
• States where you worked or conducted business
• States where your employer or financial institutions were based

Most states maintain a free official database where you can search by name. Some national-level tools also point you to each state’s official search page.

Remember: you must file a separate claim with each state where you find property.

Protecting Yourself From Unclaimed Property Scams

Anytime money is involved, scams can appear. Legitimate unclaimed property services in Virginia are generally run by the state and allow you to search and claim your property for free.

Watch out for:

• Companies that demand high fees to “find your money”
• Unsolicited calls, texts, or emails saying you have unclaimed money but asking for your SSN, bank account, or payment upfront
• Websites that look official but charge a fee just to search your name

You can reduce your risk by:

• Making sure the website or office you use is clearly identified as a Virginia state government resource (look for .gov addresses, official seals, and state agency names like “Virginia Department of the Treasury”).
• Calling the Virginia unclaimed property program or Treasury office using a phone number you look up independently (for example, on a state government directory) to confirm you are on the right site.
• Avoiding giving out sensitive information like full Social Security number or bank account numbers by phone or email unless you are certain you are speaking with the official program.

Many people choose to file claims on their own using the official state database rather than through paid third-party services.

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

Sometimes a person may find a record that might be theirs but cannot provide enough proof. In other cases, they may suspect there is unclaimed property but nothing appears in the database.

Here are some possible next steps:

• Gather more documentation – Old tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, or lease agreements may help link you to the property.
• Contact the official Virginia unclaimed property office – Staff may be able to explain what additional proof is typically acceptable.
• Check again later – It can take time for new unclaimed accounts to be turned over to the state and added to the database.
• Search other states – The money might have been turned over in a different state, especially if a company’s main office is elsewhere.

If you are not able to claim the property, it usually remains with the state until someone with sufficient documentation comes forward.

Quick Recap: How to Find Unclaimed Assets in Virginia

1. Gather basic information – Names (including old names), past addresses, and employer or business names in Virginia.
2. Use Virginia’s official unclaimed property search tool – Search under all relevant names and locations.
3. Identify each matching record – Confirm the name and last known address appear to be yours.
4. Select the correct claim type – Individual, business, deceased owner, or estate/trust.
5. Collect required documents – ID, proof of address, Social Security number, and, if needed, estate or business papers.
6. Submit your claim through Virginia’s official channels – Online, by mail, or with help from an official state office.
7. Respond promptly to any follow‑up requests – This helps avoid delays and increases your chance of approval.

Using these steps, you can work directly with Virginia’s official unclaimed property program to search for and claim any assets that may belong to you or your family.