Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Unclaimed Assets in Wyoming

If you have ever lost track of a bank account, paycheck, refund, or deposit, you may have unclaimed property waiting for you. Wyoming, like every state, has a system to hold these assets until the rightful owner claims them.

This guide explains, step by step, how to find and claim unclaimed assets in Wyoming through the appropriate official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is not a government office and cannot process claims, but this walkthrough can help you understand what to expect and how to get started.

What Are Unclaimed Assets in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, unclaimed property generally means money or financial assets that businesses or organizations were unable to return to the owner after a period of time. When they lose contact with you for a certain number of years, the law usually requires them to send that property to the state.

Typical examples include:

• Inactive bank accounts or credit union accounts
• Uncashed checks, such as:
  • Payroll checks
  • Refund checks
  • Insurance claim checks
• Utility deposits or refunds you never received
• Stock dividends or securities
• Money orders or cashier’s checks
• Safe deposit box contents (usually sold and converted to cash, but rules can vary)
• Insurance policy proceeds
• Gift certificates or store credits, in limited cases depending on state rules

Wyoming’s unclaimed property is usually managed by the state treasurer’s office or a similar agency. That office holds the property for you until you submit a valid claim through its official process.

Who Can Search for Unclaimed Property in Wyoming?

Many people are surprised to find they have money waiting for them. In Wyoming, it is common for the following people to successfully claim unclaimed property:

• Current Wyoming residents
• Former Wyoming residents who once lived, worked, or did business in the state
• Heirs or legal representatives of someone who has passed away
• Business owners, including:
  • LLCs
  • Corporations
  • Partnerships
  • Sole proprietorships
• Nonprofits, churches, and community groups

You may have unclaimed property in Wyoming if:

• You once lived or worked in Wyoming, even decades ago
• You moved and forgot to update your address with a bank or employer
• You changed jobs and never picked up your last paycheck
• You closed a bank account but did not receive the last remaining balance
• A relative died in Wyoming or held accounts with Wyoming-based institutions

You do not need to still live in Wyoming to search or claim; what matters is where the property was originally held or where the business was located.

Step 1: Prepare Basic Information Before You Search

You can often search for unclaimed property with very little information, but having a few details ready can make the process smoother.

Useful information includes:

• Full legal name
  • Include current name
  • Include former names (maiden name, prior married name, legal name changes)
• Names of businesses or organizations you owned or managed
• Last known Wyoming address(es) (home, PO box, or business)
• Approximate years you lived or worked in Wyoming
• Names of close relatives who may have held property (for heirs searching on behalf of a deceased person)

You typically do not need documents just to search. Documents become important when you actually file a claim.

Step 2: Use the Official Wyoming Unclaimed Property Search

Wyoming’s unclaimed property search is usually provided through an official state website managed by the state treasurer or another state department.

To find it, you can:

• Search online for terms like “Wyoming unclaimed property official site” or “Wyoming state treasurer unclaimed property”.
• Verify that the site clearly identifies itself as a Wyoming state government website (for example, it may include “wy.gov” or another official government domain, or state that it is run by the Wyoming State Treasurer).

Once you are on the official Wyoming unclaimed property search page, the general steps are:

1. Enter your name

   • Try your full legal name.
   • Try nicknames or alternative spellings if you have used them in the past.
   • Try former names (maiden or married).

2. Refine your search, if the system offers:

   • City or town
   • Business name
   • Zip code

3. Review the results carefully:

   • Check for your correct spelling
   • Check current and former addresses
   • Check for employers, banks, utilities, or insurers you recognize

If you see a record that could be yours, you can typically start a claim directly from that record through the official website.

Step 3: Identify Which Records You Want to Claim

Each listing usually includes:

• Name of property owner (individual or business)
• Last known address or city
• Name of the company that reported the property
• Sometimes a property type (for example, “wages,” “refund,” “bank account”)
• Sometimes an approximate value range (such as “under $100” or “over $100”)

You should select records that clearly match:

• Your name or business name
• A current or former address
• An employer or company you recognize

If information is incomplete but you suspect it might be yours, you can usually submit a claim for review; the state will compare your documents to what they have on file.

Step 4: Start a Claim Through the Official Wyoming Process

Once you select a record you believe is yours, the official site typically walks you through a claim form. While details can vary, you can generally expect to:

1. Confirm ownership type

   • Individual owner
   • Joint owners
   • Business
   • Executor, heir, or legal representative of a deceased person

2. Provide contact information

   • Full name
   • Mailing address
   • Phone number
   • Email address

3. Answer identity or ownership questions

   • Relationship to the reported address or business
   • Whether you lived at a given address during a certain time

4. Submit the claim so the state can instruct you on next steps, including what documents to mail or upload.

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot submit this claim for you. All claiming must be done through the official Wyoming unclaimed property office.

Step 5: Gather Commonly Required Documents

The Wyoming unclaimed property office typically requires proof to:

• Verify your identity
• Confirm your address history
• Show your legal right to the property

Exact requirements may differ depending on the type of claim (individual, business, estate, etc.), but people are commonly asked for some combination of the following:

For Individual Claims

• Valid photo ID, such as:
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of current address, such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Bank statement
  • Lease agreement
• Proof of former address if it does not appear on your current ID:
  • Old utility bill
  • Tax document
  • Pay stub
  • School or employment records, if accepted

For Name Changes

If your current name is different from the name on the unclaimed property record, you may need:

• Marriage certificate
• Divorce decree showing name change
• Court order for a legal name change

For Deceased Owner / Estate Claims

If you are claiming on behalf of someone who has passed away, you may be asked for:

• Death certificate
• Proof of your authority, such as:
  • Letters testamentary
  • Letters of administration
  • Court order appointing you as executor or personal representative
• Will or estate documents, if applicable
• Proof of relationship (if you are an heir and not the official executor):
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate

For Business Claims

If the property belongs to a business, the state may ask for:

• Proof of business existence or authority, such as:
  • Articles of incorporation
  • Business license
  • Partnership agreement
• Proof you can act for the business, such as:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Letter of authorization on company letterhead
  • Documentation showing you own or manage the business

The official instructions from the Wyoming unclaimed property office will tell you exactly which documents to provide and how to submit them (mail, upload, or fax, depending on their system).

At-a-Glance: Typical Documents by Claim Type

*Exact requirements may vary. Always follow the official Wyoming instructions for your specific claim.

Step 6: Submit Your Supporting Documents Correctly

After you file a claim on the official Wyoming site, the state usually instructs you to send supporting documents in one of these ways:

• Upload online through the official secure portal
• Mail copies to the state unclaimed property address
• Fax documents, in some cases

Some general tips:

• Follow the official instructions exactly – method, address, and any reference numbers.
• Include any claim number or reference code on your documents or cover page.
• Only send copies, unless the office specifically asks for originals.
• Make sure documents are clear and readable (no blurry photos or cut-off text).

If you are unsure, you can usually call the official Wyoming unclaimed property office or state treasurer’s office for guidance.

Step 7: What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once Wyoming receives your claim and documents, the typical process is:

1. Initial review

   • Staff check that your claim form is complete and that you submitted the requested documents.

2. Verification

   • They compare your documents against the information reported by the business (name, address, account details, etc.).

3. Decision

   • If everything matches, the claim is usually approved and processed for payment.
   • If information is missing or unclear, they may contact you for additional documents or clarification.

4. Payment

   • If approved, payment is often made by check mailed to you.
   • Some agencies may offer direct deposit, but you would need to verify if Wyoming’s office does this and how it works.

Processing times can vary. It may take several weeks or longer, depending on:

• Volume of claims
• Complexity of your documentation
• Whether additional information is required

The official Wyoming site may provide an estimated timeline or instructions on how to check the status of your claim with their office.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding frequent issues can help you avoid delays:

• Name mismatch

  • Example: You file under a nickname, but the account was in your full legal name and you do not provide documents tying the two together.

• Insufficient proof of address

  • You cannot show that you lived at the address associated with the property when required.

• Missing authority documents (heirs and estates)

  • No letters testamentary, no proof that you are the executor, or no proof of relationship for heir claims.

• Unclear business authority

  • The person filing for a business cannot show they are authorized to claim on behalf of that business.

• Incomplete claim form

  • Required fields left blank or missing signatures, if a paper form is involved.

If your claim is denied, the state usually provides a reason. You can often:

• Submit additional documents to address the issue, or
• File a new claim with more complete information, depending on the situation and the office’s instructions.

Can You Appeal a Denial?

Wyoming’s exact appeal or review process may differ depending on the case and the agency’s policies. In many states, options might include:

• Requesting a review of the decision in writing
• Providing additional evidence that supports your claim
• In more complex or disputed cases, seeking legal advice for further options

To learn what applies in Wyoming, you can:

• Contact the Wyoming unclaimed property office or state treasurer’s office directly
• Ask if they have a formal appeal or reconsideration process
• Follow any written instructions in the denial letter or email

How Often Should You Check for Unclaimed Property?

Unclaimed property is reported to the state on an ongoing basis, usually once a year by banks, insurers, utilities, and other businesses. It can be helpful to:

• Check once a year for your name and any business or organization you manage
• Check whenever:
  • You move to a new address
  • A relative passes away
  • You close a business
  • You lose track of a refund or check you expected

There is typically no fee to search for or claim your unclaimed property through the official Wyoming state office.

Watch Out for Unclaimed Property Scams

Because unclaimed property can involve money, scammers sometimes try to take advantage of people. Common warning signs include:

• Upfront fees

  • Someone asks you to pay a fee to search for your money or to “release” your funds. Official state sites usually let you search and claim for free.

• Unsolicited calls or emails

  • A person contacts you claiming you have money waiting but pressures you to act immediately or share:
    • Social Security number
    • Bank account number
    • Credit card information

• Imitation websites

  • Sites that look official but charge you to search or claim, or do not clearly identify who runs them.

To protect yourself:

• Verify you are on an official Wyoming state website (look for clear references to the state treasurer or Wyoming government).
• If in doubt, call the Wyoming state treasurer’s office or unclaimed property office using a phone number you find on an independently verified government source.
• Be cautious about sharing sensitive personal information unless you are confident you are on an official, secure site.

Some private “finders” or “locators” may legally offer to help locate and claim property for a fee. If you choose to use one, it is wise to:

• Understand that you can always file a claim yourself directly with the state at no charge.
• Carefully review any contract and be sure you understand the fee and what service they actually provide.

What If You Don’t Find Anything in Wyoming?

If your search in Wyoming shows no results, you may still want to:

1. Check other states where you have:

   • Lived
   • Worked
   • Attended school
   • Owned property
   • Opened bank accounts

2. Check under former names

   • Maiden names or prior married names
   • Names used in business or professionally

3. Search for relatives

   • If a close family member has passed away, there may be unclaimed property in their name.

4. Revisit later

   • Businesses may report property in a future reporting cycle; checking again after a year or so can be useful.

Key Takeaways for Finding Unclaimed Assets in Wyoming

• Wyoming holds unclaimed money and property from banks, employers, utilities, and other companies when they cannot reach the owner.
• Anyone with a connection to Wyoming—current or former residents, businesses, and heirs—can check to see if they are owed money.
• You should:
  1. Go to the official Wyoming unclaimed property website (typically through the state treasurer or similar agency).
  2. Search by name (including former names and business names).
  3. Select records that match your information.
  4. Submit a claim through the official portal or process.
  5. Provide supporting documents (ID, proof of address, proof of authority, and other paperwork as instructed).

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot check for you, submit claims, or issue payments. To move forward, your next step is to use Wyoming’s official unclaimed property resources or contact the state treasurer’s unclaimed property office directly for the most current instructions.