How To File an Unclaimed Assets Claim in Washington State

Finding out you might have unclaimed money in Washington can be a pleasant surprise—but it also raises practical questions. How do you check if there’s money in your name, and what steps do you take to claim it?

This guide walks through how unclaimed property usually works in Washington State, what to expect from the official claim process, and how to avoid common problems and scams. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government agency or claim portal, but this overview can help you feel more prepared before you contact the official offices.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Washington?

In Washington, unclaimed property (sometimes called unclaimed assets) typically refers to money or financial assets that have been inactive for a certain period of time and could not be returned to the rightful owner.

Common examples include:

• Old bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll checks, vendor checks, refunds)
• Insurance proceeds or policy benefits
• Utility deposits and refunds
• Safe deposit box contents
• Unredeemed gift certificates or credit balances
• Stock dividends or mutual fund accounts

When a business or institution cannot reach you after a required “dormancy” period, it usually turns that property over to the state’s unclaimed property program. In Washington, this is typically handled by the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Unclaimed Property program.

The state holds the property until the rightful owner or heir files a valid claim.

Who Can File an Unclaimed Property Claim in Washington?

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

• The original owner listed on the account or check
• A current or former Washington resident whose property was turned over to the state
• An heir or legal representative of a deceased owner
• A business owner or authorized officer of a company with unclaimed assets
• A guardian, conservator, or trustee with legal authority over someone’s finances

You generally need to show:

• Proof of identity, and
• Proof that you are the person (or represent the person or business) listed on the unclaimed property record.

If you’re claiming as an heir or for a business, expect more documentation requirements than if you’re claiming your own funds.

Step 1: Search for Unclaimed Property in Washington

To start, you need to see whether the state is holding anything in your name.

How to Search

Most people use the official online search tool provided by the Washington State unclaimed property office. You can usually search by:

• Last name and first name
• Business name
• Sometimes previous names, like a maiden name

If you are not comfortable online, you can typically:

• Call the unclaimed property program’s official phone line and ask how to search or request a mailed form.
• Ask if your local public library can help you access the state’s official unclaimed property website.

Tips for Searching

• Try variations of your full legal name and common nicknames.
• Search old addresses if the system allows it.
• If you ever owned a business, search under the business name as well.
• Check for relatives who have passed away—you may be able to file as an heir if you have legal documentation.

If the search shows results that look like they belong to you, you can usually click into those items to start a claim through the official portal or to begin requesting claim forms.

Step 2: Understand the Type of Claim You’re Filing

Different types of claims usually require different documentation. Common claim types in Washington include:

1. Claim as an Individual Owner

You are the person listed on the record.

You will typically need:

• Government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or state ID)
• Proof of your Social Security number (often optional but helpful)
• Proof of past address, if the unclaimed property is tied to a previous residence (old utility bills, bank statements, pay stubs, tax forms, lease agreements)

2. Claim as a Business

You are claiming on behalf of a company.

You will usually need:

• Business identification (EIN or tax ID number)
• Proof you have authority (e.g., corporate officer, owner, manager)
• Business documents, such as:
  • Articles of incorporation or organization
  • Partnership agreement
  • Business license
  • Official letter on company letterhead authorizing you to act

3. Claim as an Heir or Estate Representative

You are claiming for someone who has died.

Documentation often includes:

• Death certificate of the original owner
• Proof of your relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, family tree with documentation)
• Estate documents, such as:
  • Letters testamentary or letters of administration
  • A small estate affidavit, if allowed
  • A will or trust documents, if relevant
• Your photo ID and sometimes your Social Security number

4. Claim as a Guardian, Conservator, or Custodian

If you manage someone else’s finances under a court order, expect to provide:

• Court orders naming you guardian or conservator
• Identification for both you and the protected person
• Any supporting legal documents that show your authority to manage assets

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

Before you start the claim process, it often saves time to gather key documents.

Commonly requested documents:

• Valid photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, U.S. passport)
• Proof of address linked to the unclaimed property record
• Name change documents, if applicable (marriage certificate, court order)
• Tax ID numbers (Social Security number for individuals, EIN for businesses)
• Legal documents for estates, guardianships, or businesses

Helpful Document Checklist

Checking the official Washington unclaimed property website or calling the unclaimed property office is the best way to confirm exactly which documents apply to your situation.

Step 4: File Your Unclaimed Property Claim in Washington

Once you’ve identified property that looks like it belongs to you, you can usually start the claim process.

Washington generally offers:

• Online claim filing
• Mail-in forms
• In some cases, assistance by phone if you need help understanding the steps

A. Filing an Online Claim

Many people find online filing to be the fastest.

Typical steps:

1. Select the properties you want to claim from the search results.
2. Start a claim using the online system.
3. Enter your information, such as:
   • Full name
   • Current mailing address
   • Contact details
   • Relationship to the original owner (if not you)
4. Upload copies of required documents, if the system allows file uploads.
5. Review and submit your claim through the official portal.
6. Make note of any confirmation or claim number shown.

If you cannot upload documents, you may be instructed to print a claim form and mail it with your documents.

B. Filing a Claim by Mail

If you prefer paper:

1. From the official Washington unclaimed property website or phone line, request the correct claim form.
2. Fill out the form completely and sign where required.
3. Attach photocopies (not originals, unless specifically required) of your identification and other documents.
4. Mail the packet to the official unclaimed property mailing address listed on the form.
5. Consider using a mailing method that provides tracking, especially for large claims or original documents.

Step 5: What Happens After You File?

After the Washington unclaimed property office receives your claim, the typical process is:

1. Initial review
   Staff check that your form is complete and that required documents are attached.

2. Verification
   They compare your information with the record they have from the company that turned over the funds. They may verify:

   • Name and address history
   • Social Security or tax ID numbers
   • Relationship to the original owner

3. Follow-up requests (if needed)
   If something is missing or unclear, they may:

   • Send a letter
   • Email you (if you provided an address)
   • Call you using the phone number you listed

4. Claim decision
   If approved, the state typically issues payment, often by check mailed to your address on file. In some cases, there may be options for direct deposit, depending on current procedures.

   If denied, you should receive a notice explaining why, and sometimes what you can do next.

Typical Timelines

Processing times can vary based on:

• Claim complexity (individual vs. estate or business)
• Volume of claims
• Whether follow-up documents are needed

For simpler claims with complete documentation, people often see results within a few weeks, but more complicated cases—especially estates—can take longer. For current time estimates, contact the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Unclaimed Property program directly.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common problems can help you avoid them:

• Incomplete forms
  Missing signatures, skipped sections, or unclear answers can slow things down.

• Missing or incorrect documents
  For example:

  • No proof of address for the time period of the unclaimed property
  • Missing death certificate in an heir claim
  • No proof of authority in a business claim

• Name mismatches
  If your name changed and you don’t include proof (marriage certificate, court order), the claim may be held.

• Unclear relationship to the owner
  In heir or estate claims, not providing enough legal documentation to show you’re entitled to the property can lead to denials.

• Expired or illegible ID
  Blurry or outdated ID copies can trigger requests for better documentation.

If your claim is delayed, you can usually call or email the unclaimed property office with your claim number to ask about the status and whether additional information is needed.

Can You Appeal or Ask for a Review?

If your claim is denied or partially approved (for example, the state only approves some items):

• Review the denial notice carefully. It often lists the reason.
• Many people can resubmit a claim with more complete documentation.
• Some cases may allow a more formal appeal or review process through the Washington State Department of Revenue.

To understand your options:

• Contact the unclaimed property customer service line listed on your notice.
• Ask what steps are available if you believe the decision was made in error.
• If the matter is complex or involves a significant amount of money, some people choose to speak with an attorney familiar with estate or property law for legal advice. (HowToGetAssistance.org does not provide legal services.)

How Long Do You Have to Claim Unclaimed Property in Washington?

In many states, unclaimed property does not expire once it is turned over to the state—Washington typically holds it until it is claimed. That said, specifics may vary for certain asset types.

Even if there is no strict deadline, it usually makes sense to file your claim as soon as you can, especially if you:

• Have documents readily available now
• Are dealing with a recent death or estate while information is fresh
• Want to reduce the chance of moving again and complicating communication

When in doubt, check with the Washington unclaimed property office to confirm current rules for any special types of assets.

Avoiding Scams and Verifying Official Channels

Because unclaimed money can be involved, scammers sometimes try to take advantage of people.

Here are ways to protect yourself:

Signs You’re on an Official Washington Channel

• The site clearly identifies itself as part of Washington State government (for example, the Department of Revenue).
• Contact information includes .gov email addresses and government office phone numbers.
• The website does not ask you to pay a fee just to search your name.

Red Flags to Watch For

• Requests for upfront fees to “find” or “release” your unclaimed property
• High-pressure phone calls or emails claiming you’ll “lose” your money if you don’t act immediately
• Requests for highly sensitive information (like full Social Security number or bank logins) through unsecured or unofficial channels
• Messages that do not clearly state they come from a Washington government agency or a known business that might have owed you money

Washington does allow paid “finders” or asset locators in some scenarios, but you are never required to use them. The state’s process is intended to be free for owners who claim directly through the official office.

If you are unsure whether a letter, email, or call is legitimate:

• Look up the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Unclaimed Property office phone number independently (for example, from a printed government resource or directory) and call them directly.
• Do not rely on the phone number or web link provided in a suspicious message.

What If You Don’t Qualify or Can’t Prove the Claim?

Sometimes, a person believes the property is theirs but cannot meet the documentation requirements, or the state determines they are not the rightful owner.

If that happens:

• Ask the unclaimed property office what specific documents or proof are missing and whether any alternatives are allowed.
• If the property actually belongs to a different person with a similar name, you may not be able to claim it.
• For heir or estate issues, you may need to:
  • Open or update an estate case in court, or
  • Seek guidance from an attorney to establish your legal right to inherit.

Even if you cannot claim a specific asset, you may still want to:

• Search again using other names or addresses you’ve used.
• Encourage family members—especially older relatives—to search for their own unclaimed property.

Key Takeaways for Filing an Unclaimed Property Claim in Washington

• Washington’s unclaimed property program holds lost or abandoned money and assets until the rightful owner or heir claims them.
• You can usually search for free using the state’s official unclaimed property website or by contacting the Washington State Department of Revenue’s Unclaimed Property program.
• To claim property, be prepared with:
  • Photo ID
  • Proof of past addresses
  • Legal documents if claiming for a business, estate, or another person
• You can typically file a claim online or by mail through the official Washington state channels.
• Claims can be delayed or denied if forms are incomplete, documentation is missing, or the relationship to the original owner is not proven.
• If denied, you can usually ask for clarification and, in some cases, resubmit or seek a review.
• Watch out for scams and verify that you are using an official Washington government office or website.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot process your claim, but using these steps, you can move forward with confidence by working directly with Washington’s official unclaimed property program.