Documents You’ll Usually Need To Claim Unclaimed Assets in Wyoming

If you’ve discovered money or property listed in your name in Wyoming’s unclaimed property system, the next step is proving that the funds truly belong to you. That almost always comes down to having the right documents ready.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains, in plain language, which documents are commonly required, how they change by situation, and what to expect when you file a claim through official Wyoming channels. This site is not a government agency and does not process claims, but it can help you understand how to get organized before you contact the official office.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, unclaimed property usually means money or assets that a business or organization tried—but failed—to return to the rightful owner. After a certain period of inactivity, they are turned over to the State of Wyoming to safeguard until the owner (or heir) claims them.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts that were forgotten or inactive
• Uncashed checks (payroll, refunds, insurance payments)
• Utility and security deposits
• Insurance policy proceeds
• Brokerage or investment accounts
• Contents from safe deposit boxes (handled differently and often require extra documentation)

Wyoming law generally requires the State to hold this property until claimed, but you must follow the official claims process to receive it.

Who Can Usually Claim Unclaimed Property in Wyoming?

The documents you need depend heavily on who you are in relation to the property. Common claimant types include:

• Original owner (the person or business listed on the property)
• Heir or beneficiary (when the owner has died)
• Executor/personal representative of an estate
• Business representative (for property in a company’s name)
• Guardian or conservator (for minors or adults under guardianship)

Each of these roles typically comes with different documentation requirements.

Core Documents Most Wyoming Claimants Need

No matter what type of claim you are filing, there are a few documents Wyoming’s unclaimed property program commonly asks for.

1. Proof of Identity

You’ll almost always be asked for a government-issued photo ID, such as:

• Driver’s license
• State-issued ID card
• U.S. passport
• Military ID

For online claims, you may need to upload a clear image or copy. For mail-in claims, you may need to send a photocopy. Some programs request that copies be notarized, so check the specific instructions on the official Wyoming unclaimed property website or claim form.

Tip: Make sure the name on your ID matches the name on the claim, or be prepared to show documents that explain any name change.

2. Proof of Social Security Number or Tax ID

Wyoming commonly requires proof of your Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN) for individuals, or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for businesses.

Acceptable documents may include:

• Social Security card
• W-2 or 1099 form
• Recent pay stub showing full SSN
• Tax return (with SSN visible)
• Letter from the IRS showing EIN (for businesses)

The exact list can vary. If you are unsure, call the state unclaimed property office or review the instructions on the official claim form for what they accept.

3. Proof of Address or Ownership Connection

You typically need to show that you are connected to the address or account tied to the unclaimed property. This is critical in Wyoming’s review process.

You might be asked to provide:

• Utility bills (electric, gas, water, internet, phone)
• Bank or credit card statements
• Lease agreements or mortgage statements
• Property tax bills
• Insurance policy documents
• Official mail from government agencies

Ideally, these documents should:

• Show your name, and
• Show the same address or information that appears on the unclaimed property listing, and
• Be from or around the time the account went inactive, if possible.

Extra Documents by Claim Type in Wyoming

The basic identity and address documents are usually just the start. Wyoming often needs additional paperwork depending on the situation.

Summary: Common Wyoming Unclaimed Property Documents by Claim Type

Always check the specific instructions your Wyoming unclaimed property office provides, because they can update forms and requirements.

Documents for Individual Claimants (Original Owner)

If the property is listed in your own name, and you are alive and claiming it for yourself, you usually need:

1. Government-issued photo ID
2. Proof of SSN (card, tax form, or official document)
3. Proof of address or ownership link, such as:
   • A utility bill showing the address on file
   • A bank statement from the relevant bank
   • A lease, mortgage, or property tax bill
   • Paperwork from the company that originally held the funds
4. Completed claim form (online or paper, provided by the official Wyoming office)
5. Signature (sometimes notarized, depending on amount and type of property)

If your current name or address is different from what appears on the property listing, that’s where additional documents come in.

Handling Name Changes in Wyoming Claims

Name differences are common and usually solvable if you can prove the connection.

You may need:

• Marriage certificate (to connect maiden and married names)
• Divorce decree (if you reverted to a previous name)
• Court order of name change
• Adoption records (for some situations)

Aim to create a clear “paper trail” from the name on the property to your current legal name.

Claiming Unclaimed Property for a Deceased Person

When the listed owner has died, Wyoming usually treats the claim as an estate matter. You cannot simply step in as an heir without documentation.

Typical documents for heirs or beneficiaries

Depending on Wyoming’s procedures and whether there is a formal estate, you may be asked for:

• Certified death certificate of the owner
• Your photo ID and SSN proof
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificate (child or parent)
  • Marriage certificate (spouse)
  • Other legal documents noting you as heir or beneficiary
• The will showing you as beneficiary or
• Letters testamentary, letters of administration, or similar documents that show you are the court-appointed personal representative
• For small estates, affidavit of heirship or small estate affidavit, if Wyoming law allows and the state accepts it for unclaimed property
• Any estate tax ID or related documents, if the estate has one

The Wyoming unclaimed property office may have different procedures based on the value of the property and whether the estate was probated. Check directly with them for the official requirements.

Claiming as Executor or Personal Representative

If you are acting as an executor, administrator, or personal representative of an estate, you typically must show legal authority to act on the estate’s behalf.

You may need:

• Letters testamentary, letters of administration, or order appointing personal representative from a Wyoming court (or another state, if applicable)
• Death certificate of the owner
• Your photo ID
• Proof of your SSN or TIN
• If the estate has its own Tax ID, documents from the IRS
• Occasionally, supporting documents like the will or trust if they clarify distribution

Funds may need to be paid to the estate, not to you personally, depending on Wyoming’s rules and the court documents.

Claiming Business Unclaimed Property in Wyoming

Businesses also frequently have unclaimed property. To claim on behalf of a company, nonprofit, or other entity, you typically need both business documents and personal identification.

Common requirements:

• Proof you represent the business, such as:
  • Corporate officer listing (e.g., from Secretary of State)
  • Board resolution or letter on company letterhead authorizing you to act
  • Power of attorney, if relevant
• Business registration documents, such as:
  • Articles of incorporation/organization
  • Certificate of good standing
  • Fictitious business name (DBA) registration
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) documentation from the IRS
• Proof of the business’s address or operations related to the unclaimed property:
  • Old utility bills
  • Bank statements
  • Vendor contracts or invoices
  • Tax filings
• Your own photo ID and possibly SSN proof

If the business has merged, changed names, or dissolved, you may need to provide:

• Merger documents
• Name change filings
• Dissolution records
• Any documents that connect the former entity to the current claimant

Guardianship or Conservatorship Claims

When you are claiming on behalf of a minor or an adult under guardianship, Wyoming usually requires proof that you have the legal authority to manage their property.

You may need:

• Court order appointing you as guardian or conservator
• Photo ID of the guardian/conservator
• Proof of SSN for the ward (the person whose property this is)
• Proof of connection to the address or account, similar to an individual claim
• Sometimes, a separate tax ID if a conservatorship estate has one

Funds in these situations may be subject to court oversight even after they’re released by the state.

How to Submit Documents to Wyoming’s Unclaimed Property Program

How you send documents depends on how you file your claim:

1. Online claims (if offered by Wyoming)

   • You typically upload scanned copies or photos of your documents.
   • File types and size limits are usually listed on the official portal.
   • Some documents (like affidavits or certain estate papers) may need to be printed, notarized, and then scanned.

2. Mail-in claims

   • You complete an official claim form from the Wyoming unclaimed property office.
   • You attach photocopies or certified copies of required documents.
   • Some states require the claim form to be notarized—check the signature section carefully.

3. In-person assistance (if available)

   • Some state treasurer or revenue offices can answer questions or review documentation needs.
   • You still generally must submit the claim form and copies of key documents according to their rules.

Always follow the directions given by the official Wyoming unclaimed property office. If instructions conflict with what you read elsewhere, rely on the official instructions.

What Happens After You Submit Your Claim?

Once your documents are received through official channels, Wyoming typically:

1. Reviews your claim form for completeness.
2. Verifies your identity and your connection to the property.
3. Checks legal authority if you are an executor, heir, business representative, or guardian.
4. Contacts you if more documents are needed.
5. Approves or denies the claim and, if approved, issues payment (often by check or direct deposit, depending on their policy).

Processing times can vary based on:

• How complete your documentation is
• The complexity of the claim (e.g., estates vs. simple single-owner accounts)
• How many claims the office is handling at that time

If you have not heard back within the timeframe mentioned in the instructions, you can usually call the Wyoming unclaimed property office to ask about the status.

Common Reasons Wyoming Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Many delays and denials can be avoided by double-checking your documents before you submit them.

Frequent issues include:

• Missing proof of identity or unreadable ID copies
• No proof of SSN or TIN when required
• Name mismatch with no supporting name-change documents
• Insufficient address/ownership proof connecting you to the property
• Estate paperwork missing when the owner is deceased
• No clear authority to claim on behalf of a business, estate, or ward
• Unsigned or undated forms
• Not following the notarization requirement when it applies

If your claim is denied, the denial notice usually explains why and may tell you what you can do next, such as:

• Submitting additional or corrected documentation
• Filing a new claim
• Contacting the office to clarify an error

How Reviews and Appeals Typically Work

Wyoming may have an internal review or appeal process if you disagree with a decision. Procedures vary, but commonly:

• You can submit additional evidence or explanation letters.
• You may be able to request a supervisor review at the unclaimed property office.
• For more complex disputes (especially related to estates or competing claimants), the issue might involve legal proceedings in court.

The denial letter or the official website usually explains your options. If you’re dealing with a significant amount of money or a complicated estate, some people choose to consult an attorney who understands Wyoming property and probate law.

How to Verify You’re Using the Official Wyoming Channel

Because unclaimed property can involve sensitive personal information and money, it’s important to avoid scams.

Here are ways to confirm you’re on a legitimate, official channel:

• Look for references to the State of Wyoming, such as the State Treasurer’s Office or a clearly identified state department.
• Check that the mailing address and phone number belong to a state government office (you can verify through a state government directory or by calling a publicly listed main number and asking to be transferred).
• Be cautious of third-party “finders” who:
  • Demand large upfront fees
  • Press you to sign quickly
  • Ask for unusual personal information not required on official forms
• Remember that you can claim your own property directly through the state without paying a private company, although some people choose to hire help.

If something feels off, you can:

• Call the state treasurer’s office or the state’s main government information line.
• Ask them to confirm that the website, phone number, or mailing address you are using is indeed part of Wyoming’s unclaimed property program.

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

Sometimes, even if you believe the property is yours, you may not be able to provide enough documentation for Wyoming to approve your claim.

Options you can consider:

• Search again using variations of your name, former addresses, or business names to see if another listing matches your records better.
• Request clarification from the unclaimed property office about what specific documents they would accept as proof, if any.
• For deceased-owner or complex business situations, speak with a legal professional to see whether a different legal route (probate action, court order, etc.) is possible under Wyoming law.

If the state ultimately decides the claim cannot be verified, they will usually keep safeguarding the property in case someone with better documentation comes forward later.

By gathering the right documents upfront—photo ID, SSN/TIN proof, address/ownership records, and any special legal papers tied to estates, businesses, or guardianships—you can greatly improve your chances of a smooth, timely unclaimed property claim in Wyoming. When in doubt, rely on instructions and checklists provided directly by the official Wyoming unclaimed property office, as those control how your specific claim will be handled.