Documents You Need To Claim Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin

Finding out you might have unclaimed money or property in Wisconsin can be exciting—but actually getting it usually requires the right documents. This guide explains which documents are typically needed, why they matter, and how to get ready to file a claim through official Wisconsin channels.

HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site. It does not process claims, hold any property, or connect to government systems. To claim money or property, you’ll need to work directly with the official Wisconsin unclaimed property office or its approved online portal.

What Is Unclaimed Property in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, unclaimed property usually means money or assets that a business or institution has been holding for you but lost contact with you for a certain period. After that time passes, the property is turned over to the state’s unclaimed property program, which holds it until the rightful owner (or heir) claims it.

This often includes:

• Bank accounts and credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, insurance)
• Utility deposits and refunds
• Stocks, dividends, and mutual funds
• Insurance proceeds or benefits
• Safe deposit box contents (these may have additional steps)
• Some other types of intangible financial assets

This guide focuses on the documents typically needed to prove you’re entitled to those assets in Wisconsin.

Key Factors That Affect What Documents You Need

The exact paperwork you’ll need usually depends on:

1. Who you are in relation to the property

   • Original owner
   • Heir or beneficiary
   • Legal representative (attorney, personal representative, trustee)
   • Business owner or officer

2. Type of property

   • Cash or checks
   • Securities (stocks, mutual funds)
   • Safe deposit box items
   • Insurance proceeds

3. How you’re filing

   • Through the official Wisconsin online claim portal
   • By mailing a claim form and documents
   • Possibly in person at a state Treasury or Department of Revenue office (if that’s offered)

The Wisconsin unclaimed property office will list what’s required for your specific claim, but the sections below describe what is commonly requested so you can prepare.

Core Documents Almost Everyone Needs

Most claimants in Wisconsin will need some combination of these core documents:

1. Proof of Identity

Expect to need at least one government-issued photo ID:

• Wisconsin driver’s license
• State ID card
• U.S. passport
• Military ID (when accepted)
• Tribal ID, if applicable

If your current ID doesn’t match the name on the account (for example, if you changed your name), you’ll also need supporting documents such as:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree (showing name change)
• Court order approving legal name change

2. Proof of Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax ID

Wisconsin’s unclaimed property office often asks for something that shows your SSN or Tax Identification Number, such as:

• Social Security card
• W-2 or 1099 form
• Pay stub with full or partial SSN
• Tax return (relevant pages as instructed by the state)

This helps the state verify that you’re the correct person, especially if there are other people with similar names.

3. Proof of Address or Connection to the Address on the Claim

Because many unclaimed accounts are tied to an old address, you’ll usually need to show you lived or received mail there:

Common documents include:

• Utility bill (electric, gas, water, internet)
• Lease or rental agreement
• Mortgage statement
• Bank statement
• Official government mail (tax notice, benefit letter, etc.)
• Old pay stub or employment record showing that address

If the address is very old and you no longer have documents, the state may accept alternative records; you would typically need to contact the Wisconsin unclaimed property office to ask what they’ll accept.

Additional Documents Based on Claim Type

Different situations require different supporting documents. The table below gives a quick overview before we go into detail.

Quick Snapshot: Common Wisconsin Unclaimed Property Documents

*The exact list will come from the official Wisconsin unclaimed property office for each claim.

Documents for Individual Owners (Living Person, Personal Claim)

If you’re the original owner of the unclaimed property, your claim is usually the most straightforward.

You’ll typically be asked for:

1. Government-issued photo ID

   • Current Wisconsin driver’s license or state ID is most common.

2. Proof of SSN or Tax ID

   • Social Security card, W-2, or 1099.

3. Proof of current address

   • Utility bill, bank statement, pay stub, or government correspondence.

4. Proof of prior address (if different from current)

   • Utility bill, lease, or other document listing the same address tied to the unclaimed account.

5. Any documents related to the account (if available)

   • Old bank statement
   • Cancelled check
   • Insurance policy
   • Letter from the company that held the funds

Even if you don’t have account-specific documents, the claim may still be approved if you provide solid identity and address proof. The state typically explains if more detail is needed.

Claiming Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Person in Wisconsin

When the owner has passed away, the process is more complex. Wisconsin usually requires both proof of the owner’s death and proof that you’re legally entitled to the property.

1. Proof of Death

Common documents include:

• Certified death certificate
• In some cases, obituary or probate records may support your claim, but usually a death certificate is central.

2. Proof of Your Relationship to the Deceased

Depending on your situation, you may need:

• Birth certificate (if you are a child of the deceased)
• Marriage certificate (if you are a surviving spouse)
• Adoption records (for adopted children, when relevant)
• Other legal documents that show you are a legal heir or beneficiary

3. Estate and Legal Authority Documents

If the estate is or was in probate, or if a court has named someone to handle the estate, Wisconsin commonly asks for:

• Letters of Testamentary or Letters of Administration (showing you are the personal representative or administrator)
• Order Determining Heirship (if one was issued)
• Will (if it names you as beneficiary and is recognized by the court)
• Small estate affidavit or equivalent (if applicable in Wisconsin and accepted by the unclaimed property office)

The specific documents required can vary with the size of the estate and how far the probate process has gone. The unclaimed property staff usually explains what they’ll accept based on your specific claim.

4. Your Identity and SSN

Even for a deceased person’s claim, you typically must provide:

• Your photo ID
• Your SSN or Tax ID proof
• Sometimes proof of your address

Claiming on Behalf of a Business or Organization

If the unclaimed property belongs to a business, nonprofit, or other organization, the state will want to be sure you’re authorized to claim it.

Typical documents include:

1. Business Identification

   • Articles of incorporation or articles of organization
   • Partnership agreement
   • Business license
   • Certificate of good standing, if needed

2. Proof of Authority to Act

   • Corporate resolution naming you as an authorized representative
   • Letter on company letterhead authorizing you to claim property
   • Documentation showing your position (e.g., owner, partner, corporate officer)

3. Tax Identification Number (EIN)

   • IRS letter with EIN
   • Tax returns or official document showing the EIN

4. Proof of Address / Business Location

   • Utility bills
   • Lease agreements
   • Bank statements in the business name

If the business has closed or dissolved, you may also need:

• Dissolution documents
• Evidence that you are the successor in interest or final owner of any remaining assets

Claiming for a Minor or Incapacitated Adult

If you are claiming money on behalf of a child or someone who is legally incapacitated, Wisconsin will usually require documentation that shows your legal authority.

For a Minor Child

Common documents:

• Child’s birth certificate (showing you as parent)
• Your photo ID
• Any legal guardianship papers if you are not the biological or adoptive parent
• Child’s SSN document (Social Security card or accepted alternative), if requested

For an Incapacitated Adult

If you are managing the affairs of an adult who cannot manage their own finances:

• Court order appointing you as guardian, conservator, or power of attorney (whichever applies and is recognized by Wisconsin)
• Your photo ID
• Proof of the adult’s SSN and, in some cases, their ID (if available)

The state’s unclaimed property office may specify exactly which legal documents they need based on the kind of authority you hold.

Special Cases: Stocks, Mutual Funds, and Safe Deposit Boxes

Some types of property call for extra documentation.

Securities (Stocks, Mutual Funds, Dividends)

If your claim involves securities:

You may need:

• Account statements from a brokerage or transfer agent
• Stock certificates, if you have them
• Any transaction records you still possess

Wisconsin’s unclaimed property office often works with financial institutions to confirm ownership. You still need to provide ID, SSN, and any supporting documentation that shows the connection between you and the account.

Safe Deposit Box Contents

Safe deposit box contents turned over to the state may require:

• Your photo ID
• Proof that you were the box renter or co-renter
• For deceased owners, the same estate and probate documents described earlier
• Sometimes additional release or inventory documents, which the state may provide

Because physical items can be more sensitive (jewelry, documents, collectibles), the procedures for retrieving them are usually more detailed. The official Wisconsin office can explain what’s needed in your specific situation.

How to Submit Documents to the Official Wisconsin Office

How you send your documents depends on the state’s current procedures, which are usually explained on the official unclaimed property website or claim form.

Common methods:

1. Online upload

   • Many people start their claim online and then upload scanned copies or clear photos of:
     • ID
     • SSN proof
     • Address documents
     • Legal documents
   • You may still be asked to mail originals or certified copies for some items (such as death certificates).

2. Mailing copies

   • Some claims can be handled by mailing:
     • A completed, signed claim form
     • Photocopies or certified copies of supporting documents
   • Always follow the exact instructions from the Wisconsin unclaimed property office about whether originals, certified copies, or regular copies are acceptable.

3. In-person submission (if available)

   • Some people choose or are required to provide documents at a state office counter.
   • Check with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue or State Treasurer’s Office to see if this is offered.

In all cases, the official office should explain whether:

• Notarization is required
• They must receive certified copies (instead of regular photocopies)
• Original documents will be returned or kept

What Happens After You Submit Your Claim and Documents

After you send your claim and documentation to the official Wisconsin unclaimed property office, the typical steps include:

1. Initial Review

   • Staff checks whether all required documents were included.
   • If anything is missing or unclear, they may send a request for more information.

2. Verification

   • The state compares your documents with:
     • The original account records
     • Address history
     • Any identifiers (SSN, TIN, etc.)
   • They may contact the original holder (bank, insurer, employer) for confirmation in some cases.

3. Decision

   • If approved, the state issues payment or otherwise transfers the property to you.
   • For securities, they may:
     • Sell the securities and send you a check, or
     • Transfer them into your name (depending on the state’s rules and the type of security).
   • For safe deposit box items, they may schedule a pick-up or follow a separate release process.

4. Timeline

   • Processing time can vary. Some claims are resolved within a few weeks; more complex cases (especially estates) can take longer.
   • If you haven’t heard back, you can usually call or email the official Wisconsin unclaimed property office with your claim number for a status update.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Denials

People in Wisconsin often run into problems when:

• They don’t include proof of prior address tied to the property.
• Their name has changed, but they don’t provide documentation of the change.
• Copies of documents are unclear or cut off (blurry scans, missing corners).
• They don’t sign the claim form where required, or they skip notarization when it’s requested.
• They submit incomplete estate documents for a deceased person’s claim.
• They claim on behalf of a business without proof of authority (no officer documents, no authorization letter).

You can reduce the risk of problems by:

• Reading the state’s instructions carefully for each claim.
• Double-checking that every required document is included.
• Making sure your copies are legible, uncropped, and well lit if you upload or mail them.

How to Verify You’re Using the Official Wisconsin Channel (Avoiding Scams)

Unclaimed property attracts scammers who might pretend they can get your money faster—for a fee—or trick you into sharing personal information.

To protect yourself:

• Look for a .gov website
  • Wisconsin’s official unclaimed property program is operated by a state government agency, such as the Department of Revenue or Treasurer’s Office.
• Be cautious with companies that charge a “finder’s fee”
  • Some “heir finder” or “locator” services are legal but unnecessary; you can usually claim property directly from the state at no cost, other than any notary or mailing fees.
• Never send your SSN, ID, or banking details to:
  • Unsolicited emails
  • Text messages
  • Social media messages
• Verify phone numbers and addresses
  • Use contact details listed on official Wisconsin state government materials, not just what you see in an email or advertisement.
• Ask questions if someone contacts you claiming you have unclaimed money:
  • What state is the property in?
  • Which agency holds it?
  • Can they tell you how to search for it yourself through the state?

If you are ever unsure, you can call a main Wisconsin state government information line or your local county offices and ask how to reach the unclaimed property program directly.

If You Don’t Have Every Document

Many people worry they cannot claim their property because they’ve lost old records. In practice, Wisconsin’s unclaimed property staff are often used to working with incomplete paperwork, within legal limits.

If you’re missing something:

• Gather all documents you still have related to:
  • Your identity
  • Your past addresses
  • The company or account in question
• Start a claim through the official portal or office, and explain the situation in any note or comment section.
• Contact the unclaimed property office directly and ask:
  • What alternative documents they will accept
  • Whether you need a notarized affidavit or other sworn statement

They typically cannot waive legal requirements, but they may suggest acceptable substitutes or walk you through the options.

By understanding the documents needed to claim unclaimed assets in Wisconsin before you start, you can gather what you need and avoid extra back-and-forth. Once you’re ready, your next step is to go to the official Wisconsin unclaimed property program—either through its government website, phone line, or office—and follow their instructions for searching for your name and submitting a claim.