Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Wyoming: Why They Happen and How to Claim What You’re Owed

Unclaimed bank accounts in Wyoming can quietly sit for years without you realizing they exist. Maybe you moved and forgot to update your address, closed a business, or a relative passed away and left behind an account no one knew about. Over time, these accounts often end up handled by the State of Wyoming’s unclaimed property program.

This guide explains, in plain language, how unclaimed bank accounts usually happen, how Wyoming typically handles them, and how you can search for and claim money through official state channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an informational site only, not a government agency and not a place to file a claim.

What Is “Unclaimed Property” in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, unclaimed property generally refers to money or financial assets that have had no contact or activity from the owner for a certain period of time. For bank accounts, this often includes:

• Checking and savings accounts
• Certificates of deposit (CDs)
• Money orders or cashier’s checks
• Safe deposit box contents (the box contents may be handled differently from cash)
• Credit union accounts

When a bank or financial institution cannot reach the owner and there’s no activity for a specific number of years (called a dormancy period), state law usually requires the institution to turn those funds over to the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office, which manages unclaimed property.

Important points:

• You do not lose ownership just because the funds are reported to the state.
• The state typically holds the money for the rightful owner or heirs, often with no time limit to claim.
• The state does not go out and apply for you; you must usually search and submit a claim through official channels.

How Bank Accounts in Wyoming Become “Unclaimed”

Unclaimed bank accounts usually don’t happen overnight. They follow a pattern that can include several of these factors:

1. No Activity for Several Years

Banks generally look for:

• No deposits or withdrawals
• No balance inquiries or online logins
• No communication from you (no address updates, no responses to letters)

After a period of inactivity (often around 3–5 years for many account types, but this can vary), the account may be labeled dormant.

2. Lost Contact Information

Common scenarios:

• You moved and did not update your address.
• You changed your name (marriage, divorce, etc.) and did not update the bank.
• Mail from the bank was returned as undeliverable.
• Your email address or phone number changed and the bank can’t reach you.

If the bank cannot contact you even after trying, and there is no activity, it may have to turn the funds over to the state.

3. Life Events and Oversights

Unclaimed accounts often appear after:

• A death in the family, where heirs never knew about an account.
• Divorce or separation, where one person thought the other was handling the account.
• Business closures, where old business accounts were never properly closed.
• People with multiple accounts who simply forget about a small balance.

Who Handles Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Wyoming?

In Wyoming, unclaimed property is generally managed by the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office. This office:

• Receives reports and funds from banks and other businesses.
• Maintains a database of owners’ names and reported amounts.
• Reviews claims and supporting documents.
• Approves or denies claims and sends payments to validated owners or heirs.

HowToGetAssistance.org is not connected to the Treasurer’s Office, and you cannot claim funds through this site. To move forward, you will need to use the state’s official unclaimed property search and claim process, usually found on the Wyoming State Treasurer’s official website or by contacting their office directly.

Step-by-Step: How to Search for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Wyoming

The exact layout of the state’s system can change over time, but the general steps are usually similar:

1. Gather Basic Information

Before you search, it helps to have:

• Full legal name (including any former names)
• Current and past addresses in Wyoming
• Business name, if you owned or were connected to a business
• Names of deceased relatives who lived in Wyoming, if you are checking for an estate

2. Use the Official Wyoming Unclaimed Property Search

Wyoming typically offers an online search tool run by the State Treasurer’s Office. To find it safely:

• Go to your web browser and search for: “Wyoming State Treasurer unclaimed property”.
• Make sure you’re on an official state government website (look for “.gov” and verify the site belongs to the State of Wyoming).
• You may also call the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office directly to confirm the correct website or to ask about offline search options.

Once there, most people:

• Enter their name (and possibly city or zip code).
• Review a list of possible matches.
• Select any entries that appear to belong to them, a spouse, or a relative.

3. Check Multi-State Databases (Optional but Helpful)

If you’ve lived in other states, you might also search:

• Each other state’s unclaimed property program (usually run by that state’s treasurer or revenue department).
• A national “missing money” type tool, if the state participates. Many states provide links to trusted multi-state search tools from their official websites.

Always start from the official state site to ensure you’re using recommended resources.

What You May Need to Claim Unclaimed Funds in Wyoming

The documents you need depend on whether you’re claiming for yourself, a business, or a deceased person’s estate. The Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office usually lists required documents with their claim forms.

Below is a general guide (not a complete list for every situation):

Typical Documents for a Personal Claim (Your Own Money)

• Government-issued photo ID
  • Driver’s license
  • State ID card
  • Passport
• Proof of current address
  • Utility bill, bank statement, lease, or tax bill
• Proof of past address, if the unclaimed account lists an old address
  • Old bank statement, pay stub, W-2, or other document linking you to that address
• Social Security number or Tax ID (may be requested for verification)

Additional Documents for Name Changes

If your current legal name is different from the name on the unclaimed account:

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

Documents for Deceased Owners (Heir or Estate Claims)

If you’re claiming on behalf of a deceased person:

• Death certificate
• Will or letters testamentary (if there is a probate estate)
• Letters of administration or similar court documents if you are the appointed personal representative.
• Proof of relationship, such as:
  • Birth certificate
  • Marriage certificate
  • Other legal documentation

Documents for Business Claims

If the unclaimed bank account belongs to a business:

• Business formation documents (articles of incorporation/organization)
• Proof of ownership or authority, such as:
  • Corporate resolution
  • Operating agreement
  • Letter on company letterhead and ID from an officer
• Tax ID number for the business

Quick Reference: Common Claim Situations and Documents

*The Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office has the final say on required documents and may request additional proof.

How to Submit a Claim for Unclaimed Bank Accounts in Wyoming

Every state’s process is slightly different, but Wyoming typically follows these kinds of steps:

1. Start the Claim Online (or Request a Form)

After using the online search tool:

• Select the property that appears to belong to you.
• The system may walk you through creating a claim with your contact details.

If you cannot use the internet, you may:

• Call the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office and ask whether they can mail you claim forms.
• Visit your local public library for internet and printing help.

2. Complete the Claim Form

On the claim form, you may be asked for:

• Full legal name and any former names
• Current mailing address and phone number
• Social Security number or Tax ID
• Relationship to the original owner (if not you)
• Explanation of your right to the funds (owner, heir, executor, business representative, etc.)

Fill everything out accurately and legibly. Incomplete or incorrect forms are a common reason for delays.

3. Attach Required Documents

Attach copies (not originals, unless specifically requested) of:

• ID
• Proof of address
• Legal documents (marriage license, death certificate, court orders, etc.)

Some systems allow documents to be uploaded online; others may require mailing them to a specific address.

4. Submit Through Official Channels Only

You will usually submit your claim:

• Online through the official Wyoming unclaimed property portal, or
• By mail to the address listed on the claim form or on the State Treasurer’s official website.

Do not send documents to unofficial websites or third parties unless you are absolutely sure they are legitimate and you understand any fees they may charge. The Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office typically does not charge you to file a claim directly.

What Happens After You File a Claim?

Once your claim is submitted:

1. Review and Verification
   Staff at the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office usually:

   • Verify your identity.
   • Compare your information with the original account records.
   • Confirm your legal right to the funds.

2. Additional Information Requests
   If something is missing or unclear, they may:

   • Send you a letter or email.
   • Call the phone number you provided.
   • Request additional documents (e.g., more detailed proof of relationship or authority).

3. Approval or Denial
   When the review is complete:

   • Approved claims generally lead to a payment (commonly a check mailed to your address or other method listed by the state).
   • Denied claims are usually accompanied by a written explanation or instructions on what you can do next if you disagree.

4. Processing Time
   The timeline can vary. Some claims are resolved in a few weeks; more complex cases (for estates, large amounts, or multiple heirs) can take several weeks to a few months.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Understanding common problems can save time:

• Missing documents

  • No proof of identity or address.
  • No death certificate or legal authority for estate claims.

• Information doesn’t match

  • Name or Social Security number is different from records, without supporting documents for the change.
  • Address history cannot be verified.

• Unclear legal right to funds

  • Multiple heirs, but only one is claiming without proper documentation.
  • No proof the business is yours or that you have authority to act for it.

• Incomplete forms

  • Required fields left blank.
  • Illegible handwriting, making it hard to verify information.

If your claim is denied, you can usually:

• Contact the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office to ask why.
• Ask what additional documentation might resolve the issue.
• In some cases, follow any appeal or review process if provided by the agency.

How Appeals or Reviews Typically Work

If you disagree with a denial:

• Start by calling or writing to the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office to clarify the reason.
• Ask what documents, if any, could change the outcome.
• If the office has a formal appeals process, they should be able to explain:
  • Whether you can resubmit a strengthened claim.
  • Whether there is a specific form or letter required.
  • Whether there are any deadlines for asking for a review.

Not every situation has a formal appeal procedure, but many questions can be resolved by supplying better documentation or correcting mistakes in the initial claim.

Tips to Avoid Losing Track of Bank Accounts in the Future

Even after you claim any funds you find, it helps to prevent the problem from happening again:

• Update contact information whenever you move or change your name.
• Use your accounts regularly, even small transactions, to show activity.
• Enroll in online banking and check accounts at least a few times a year.
• Maintain a simple list of all bank accounts, credit union accounts, CDs, and safe deposit boxes.
• Let a trusted family member or executor know where you keep key financial records, especially if you have several accounts.

How to Make Sure You’re Using an Official Wyoming Channel

Because unclaimed money can attract scams, it’s important to verify that you are dealing with an official government office, not a third party pretending to be one.

Here are practical checks:

• Look for “.gov” in the website address and confirm it belongs to the State of Wyoming.
• If in doubt, call the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office using a phone number you look up independently (for example, from the State of Wyoming’s main government site or a printed government directory).
• Be cautious of:
  • Anyone who guarantees they can get you money for a large fee.
  • Requests for upfront payments or unusual payment methods.
  • Emails or messages that look urgent or threatening, or that come from strange addresses.

You can choose to use professional help if you wish, but most people can file directly with the state at no cost other than their own time.

If You Don’t Find Anything in Wyoming

If your search in Wyoming does not show any unclaimed bank accounts:

• Try searching:
  • Other states where you lived or worked.
  • States where a deceased relative lived or held accounts.
• Double-check:
  • Spelling variations of your name (e.g., with or without a middle initial).
  • Former names, such as a maiden name.
• Consider searching for:
  • Old business names.
  • Names of trusts or estates, if applicable.

Finding nothing in one search does not always mean there is nothing anywhere. Property may still be with a bank that hasn’t turned it over yet, or in another state’s custody.

By understanding how unclaimed bank accounts arise in Wyoming and how the Wyoming State Treasurer’s Office typically handles them, you can take concrete steps to search for your name, gather the right documents, and file a claim through official state channels if you discover money that belongs to you or your family.