Documents You’ll Usually Need To Claim Unclaimed Assets in West Virginia

If you recently discovered you may have unclaimed money or property in West Virginia, the next question is usually: “What documents do I need to claim it?”

This guide explains the typical paperwork people are asked to provide, how requirements can change based on your situation, and how to move forward through official West Virginia channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site, not a government office and not an application portal. You cannot file or submit a claim through this site, but you can use this overview to be better prepared before you contact the official West Virginia unclaimed property office.

Understanding Unclaimed Property in West Virginia

In West Virginia, unclaimed assets (often called unclaimed property) can include:

• Bank accounts and credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, insurance, etc.)
• Utility deposits and security deposits
• Insurance proceeds and policy benefits
• Stocks, dividends, and mutual funds
• Contents of safe deposit boxes

When a company or financial institution loses contact with the owner for a certain number of years, the property is usually turned over to the state’s unclaimed property division (typically managed by the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office or a similar state agency).

To get that property back, you generally must:

1. Search your name in the official West Virginia unclaimed property database (or contact the state office).
2. File a claim through the official portal or by mail.
3. Provide documents that prove you are the rightful owner or heir.

This article focuses on that third step: what documents you may need in West Virginia and how to organize them.

Core Documents Most Claimants Need

While each claim is reviewed individually, most people are asked for two main types of documents:

1. Proof of identity
2. Proof of ownership or connection to the property

Below is a breakdown of what is commonly requested.

1. Proof of Identity (Current)

The state generally needs to be sure you are who you say you are. Typical documents include:

• Government-issued photo ID (at least one, sometimes two):

  • West Virginia driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • U.S. passport
  • Military ID (if accepted by the state agency)

• Proof of current address, which may include:

  • Recent utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet)
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement or mortgage statement
  • Recent pay stub with your name and address

Some claims can be completed with just a current ID, but others may require both photo ID and address documentation. Requirements may vary slightly depending on the type and size of the claim, so check the instructions from the official West Virginia unclaimed property office.

2. Proof of Ownership / Connection to the Asset

To release the property, the state usually needs proof tying you to the business or account that reported the unclaimed property. Common examples:

• Old bank statements or passbooks
• Canceled checks or deposit slips
• Statements from investment accounts or brokerages
• Insurance policies or claim letters
• Pay stubs showing the company that issued the unclaimed check
• Utility or service bills for the account in your name
• Official mail from the same address and period the claim references
• Tax documents (W-2, 1099, or other forms) related to the reporting company

If the property was reported under a previous address or former name, documents that connect you to that old address or name are usually needed.

Special Situations and Extra Documents

Some claims are more complex than others. Below are common situations and the extra paperwork typically requested in West Virginia.

If Your Name Has Changed (Marriage, Divorce, or Other)

If the property is listed under a former name, the state usually asks for documents that connect your current legal name to that prior name:

• Marriage certificate (if you changed your last name)
• Divorce decree that shows your previous and current names
• Court order for a legal name change
• Adoption decree, if relevant

You may still need:

• Current photo ID (with your current name)
• Any documents showing you lived at the old address tied to the property

If You’re Claiming on Behalf of a Deceased Person (Heir or Estate)

If a family member passed away and has unclaimed assets, you may be able to file as a(n):

• Executor/administrator of the estate
• Heir or beneficiary (for example, spouse, child, or other relative)

Typical documents for these claims in West Virginia include:

1. Proof related to the deceased person

   • Death certificate (certified copy is often required)
   • Documents showing the deceased person’s last address and identity (old ID, mail, tax forms, etc.)

2. Proof of your legal right to claim

   • Letters testamentary or letters of administration (issued by a probate court) if you are the personal representative
   • Last will and testament, if available
   • Small estate affidavits or similar documents, if West Virginia law allows and the estate qualifies
   • Heirship affidavits, if requested

3. Your own identification

   • Government-issued photo ID
   • Proof of relationship (for example, birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other official record) if the state requests it

Heir and estate claims are often reviewed more carefully and may require additional signatures, notarization, or court documents. It’s important to follow the exact instructions from the official West Virginia unclaimed property office.

If You’re Claiming for a Business or Organization

If the unclaimed property belongs to a business, nonprofit, or other organization, you generally need to prove:

1. The entity exists (or existed)
2. You are authorized to act for that entity

Common documentation:

• Business formation documents, such as:

  • Articles of incorporation
  • Articles of organization
  • Partnership agreement
  • Trade name or fictitious name registration

• Proof of employer ID:

  • IRS letter showing the EIN (Employer Identification Number)

• Authorization documents:

  • Corporate resolution or board minutes naming you as an authorized signer
  • Letter on official company letterhead authorizing you to act on behalf of the business
  • Power of attorney, if you are a third-party representative

• Proof of connection to reported address/account:

  • Old business bank statements
  • Invoices or contracts tied to the property
  • Tax filings with the same business name and address

• Your personal identification:

  • Government-issued photo ID

Business claims can be more document-heavy, especially if the business has changed names, merged, dissolved, or moved out of West Virginia.

If You’re Claiming for a Minor or Someone Under Guardianship

If you’re a parent, guardian, or conservator making a claim for another person, you typically need:

• Your government-issued photo ID
• Proof of your legal authority, such as:
  • Birth certificate (if parent)
  • Guardianship or conservatorship order from a court
• The minor’s or ward’s identification, when available (birth certificate, school ID, or Social Security card, depending on instructions)
• Any documentation connecting the minor to the property or account

The state may require additional forms or notarized statements in these cases.

Quick Document Reference: What You Might Need

Below is a simple overview. Exact requirements can vary, so always check the instructions from the official West Virginia unclaimed property office.

Use this table as a starting checklist, then verify with the state’s official instructions.

How the Claim Process Usually Works in West Virginia

The exact process can change over time. Typically, people in West Virginia go through steps like these:

1. Search for Your Name or Business

You can usually:

• Use the official West Virginia unclaimed property search tool (accessible through the state treasurer or similar state agency), or
• Contact the unclaimed property division by phone or mail to ask how to search.

You search by:

• Your name (and any previous names)
• Business name, if applicable
• Sometimes by city, address, or other filters

2. Submit a Claim Through Official Channels

When you find property that appears to be yours, you normally:

• Start a claim online through the official state website, or
• Request a paper claim form from the unclaimed property office to submit by mail.

You’re usually asked for:

• Basic information (name, address, Social Security number or tax ID, contact info)
• Details of the property you’re claiming
• Any supporting documents, either uploaded or mailed, depending on the process used

👉 You cannot file a claim or upload documents through HowToGetAssistance.org. You must use West Virginia’s official unclaimed property office or website.

3. Provide Supporting Documents

After you start the claim, the state may:

• Immediately ask you to upload or mail documents, or
• Review your claim and then send a follow-up request for specific items.

Typical instructions might include:

• Copies of your ID
• Copies of proof of address
• Documents showing your connection to the account or company
• Legal documents if this is an estate, business, or guardianship claim

Some documents may need to be notarized, especially affidavits, estate-related forms, or legal authorizations. The claim instructions should clearly state when notarization is required.

4. State Review and Decision

Once your documents are received, the state’s unclaimed property staff typically:

• Review your claim for completeness and consistency
• Compare your documents with what was reported by the business or institution
• Request additional information if anything is unclear

If approved, the state usually issues:

• A check, or
• Directions to access certain types of property (for example, stock shares), depending on what type of asset you claimed.

Processing times can vary. Some claims close quickly; others, especially estates or complicated business claims, can take longer.

Common Reasons for Delays or Denials

Understanding where people often run into issues can help you prepare better documents from the start.

1. Incomplete or Missing Documents

Some of the most common issues:

• No photo ID provided
• No document tying you to the old address listed for the property
• For estate claims, missing death certificate or probate documents

Tip: Before submitting, compare your paperwork with every item the official West Virginia instructions mention for your claim type.

2. Name or Address Mismatch

Problems often arise when:

• The property is under a maiden name or prior married name
• The address listed is very old and you do not have any records from that time
• The spelling of your name is different on different documents

You may need to submit:

• Name change documents
• Old utility bills, tax documents, or bank statements
• Additional explanation, sometimes via an affidavit, if requested by the state

3. Unclear Legal Authority (Estate or Business Claims)

Claims can be held up if the state cannot clearly see that:

• You are the court-appointed personal representative of an estate
• You are authorized to act for a corporation, LLC, partnership, or nonprofit
• The business or estate documents do not match the property information

In those cases, the unclaimed property office may request:

• Updated letters of administration/testamentary
• Corporate resolutions, bylaws, or additional ID
• Clarifying paperwork from the court or business records

Appeals, Clarifications, and Re-Submitting

If your claim is denied or closed, you are often allowed to:

• Ask for an explanation from the unclaimed property office
• Provide additional documents or clarifications
• In some cases, re-file the claim with more complete or corrected information

West Virginia, like many states, may have specific procedures or timelines for:

• Requesting a review or
• Filing an appeal, especially for more complex or high-value claims.

Your denial or closure letter from the official office usually outlines next steps and any deadlines for response.

How to Confirm You’re Using Official West Virginia Channels

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it’s important to protect your information.

Here are practical tips:

• Check the agency name.
  For West Virginia, unclaimed property is typically handled by the State Treasurer’s Office or an equivalent official state department.

• Look for “.gov” domains.
  Official state websites usually end in “.gov”. Be wary of look-alike sites with extra words or unusual endings.

• Be cautious about fees.
  The state unclaimed property office usually does not charge you to file a claim. Some private “finders” or “locators” charge a fee to help you, but the official state claim process itself is typically free.

• Avoid sharing full SSN or ID details on unofficial sites.
  Only enter sensitive information on clearly identified state government sites or when directed to do so by official staff.

• Verify phone numbers.
  If someone calls you about unclaimed property, you can hang up and independently look up the West Virginia Treasurer’s official number (from the state’s main site or a trusted source) and call back to confirm.

Getting Help if You’re Unsure About Documents

If you are confused about which documents are needed for your specific claim, you can:

• Call the West Virginia unclaimed property office directly and ask for guidance
• Visit a local library or legal aid office to get help understanding forms
• Talk to a probate attorney if the claim involves a complex estate

You can also dial 211 in many areas to be connected with local resources that may help you understand the process or find legal assistance if needed.

Remember:

• HowToGetAssistance.org is not connected to the West Virginia government and cannot view, process, or submit your claim.
• All official actions—searching, filing, uploading documents, and following up—must be done through West Virginia’s official unclaimed property channels or authorized offices.

By gathering the right identification, proof of ownership, and any extra legal documents ahead of time, you can usually make your West Virginia unclaimed property claim smoother and reduce the chances of delays.