Wyoming’s Unclaimed Property Office: What It Does and What It Might Be Holding for You

The Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office is a state agency that safeguards money and certain types of property that have been separated from their owners. Many people do not realize they may have unclaimed cash, checks, or other assets waiting for them.

This guide explains, in plain language, what the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office is, what it holds, how property ends up there, and how people typically claim it through official channels. HowToGetAssistance.org is an independent information site and is not a government agency or an application portal. To search for or claim any unclaimed property, you must go through Wyoming’s official unclaimed property system or office, not this website.

What Is the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office?

The Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office is part of the state government. Its main job is to:

• Receive and hold unclaimed money and certain assets from banks, businesses, and other organizations.
• Protect and record that property on behalf of the rightful owners.
• Help reunite owners (or their heirs) with the money or property they are legally entitled to.

It does not work like a welfare or benefit program. You are not “applying for help” in the usual sense. Instead, you are:

• Proving you are the rightful owner (or heir) of property that already belongs to you.
• Asking the state to release property being held in your name.

There is usually no fee charged by the state to search for or claim your unclaimed property.

What Types of Property Does the Office Hold?

The Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office typically holds financial assets, not physical items like cars or real estate.

Common Types of Unclaimed Property in Wyoming

Examples of what may be turned over to the state include:

• Uncashed checks (payroll checks, rebate checks, refunds, insurance checks)
• Old bank accounts (checking, savings, money market accounts)
• Certificates of deposit (CDs) that were never claimed
• Utility deposits or refunds (electric, gas, water, phone providers)
• Unclaimed insurance benefits (life insurance, policy proceeds)
• Safe deposit box contents (when abandoned; may later be sold, with proceeds held)
• Unredeemed money orders or cashier’s checks
• Brokerage accounts (stocks, bonds, dividends) that are considered inactive
• Royalties, mineral or oil/gas payments owed but not delivered to the owner
• Vendor payments and credit balances from businesses
• Gift card or store credit balances (when applicable under state law)

Wyoming law decides which types of property must be turned over and when. The details may change over time, so the most accurate, current list will always be on the official Wyoming unclaimed property website or hotline.

How Does Property Become “Unclaimed”?

Property typically becomes “unclaimed” when:

1. No contact with the owner for a certain period (often 1–5 years, depending on the property type).
2. The business or organization cannot locate the owner (wrong address, no response, mail returned).
3. The account or payment is considered inactive or abandoned under Wyoming law.
4. The business is legally required to turn the property over to the state, a process often called “escheatment.”

Examples:

• A paycheck you never picked up or deposited.
• A bank account you forgot about after moving.
• A refund check mailed to an old address and returned.
• An insurance policy benefit owed after someone’s death, but the beneficiary could not be located.

Once the property is turned over, the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office holds it as custodian until the rightful owner (or heir) submits a proper claim.

Who Can Claim Unclaimed Property in Wyoming?

Generally, anyone who is the legal owner of the property or the legal heir/representative of an owner can submit a claim through the official Wyoming process.

Common claimants include:

• Individuals claiming property listed under their own name or Social Security number.
• Heirs or surviving family members claiming for a deceased relative.
• Executors or personal representatives of an estate.
• Business owners claiming property held under a company name or Tax ID.
• Trustees or representatives of trusts or organizations.

You do not have to currently live in Wyoming to have unclaimed property there. You might have property if you:

• Once lived or worked in Wyoming.
• Had a business registered in Wyoming.
• Held a bank account, insurance policy, or job in Wyoming.
• Owned mineral rights or received royalties from Wyoming sources.

What the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office Does (Day to Day)

The office’s main responsibilities usually include:

1. Receiving Reports and Funds from Holders

Businesses and organizations (often called “holders”) are required by law to:

• Review their records to identify inactive or abandoned accounts.
• Attempt to contact the owners before turning property over.
• File reports and transfer the funds or property to the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office after the “dormancy period” ends.

2. Safeguarding and Recording Property

When the office receives property, it will typically:

• Create a record in its database listing the owner’s name, last known address, and other details.
• Hold the money or converted value safely for as long as required by state law.
• Maintain public search tools so potential owners can look for their names.

3. Reviewing and Processing Claims

When someone believes they are the rightful owner and files a claim through official channels, the office will:

• Verify identity and ownership based on documents and information provided.
• Request additional proof if there are questions.
• Approve or deny claims according to state law and policy.
• Issue payment (or transfer property value) once a claim is approved.

The office’s role is to be a neutral custodian, following the law to protect both owners and the state.

What the Office Does NOT Do

To keep expectations clear, it helps to know what the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office generally does not do:

• It does not create new benefits or payments; it only holds existing property that already belonged to you.
• It does not decide who should inherit property beyond what the law requires; that is guided by estate, probate, and inheritance laws.
• It does not serve as a general debt relief, welfare, or grant program.
• It does not charge a state fee to search for your own name on the official unclaimed property search.

If someone claims they can “speed up” or “guarantee” your unclaimed property for a large fee, treat this as a warning sign and verify directly with the official Wyoming unclaimed property office.

What the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office Holds: Common Examples

The table below summarizes the most common types of property and what you might need to prove in order to claim them.

The exact documentation requirements can vary by situation, especially for inherited property, business claims, and trusts. The official Wyoming office typically outlines these requirements clearly on its website and in claim instructions.

How to Check for Unclaimed Property in Wyoming

HowToGetAssistance.org cannot perform a search for you, and you cannot claim property through this site. To check whether you have unclaimed property in Wyoming, you usually need to:

1. Use the Official Search Tool

Most states, including Wyoming, provide an online search tool run by the state treasurer or unclaimed property division. You can typically:

• Search by your name (and any previous names, such as a maiden name).
• Search using your business name, if you own or represent a business.
• Narrow results by city or address if needed.

If you do not have internet access or prefer not to search online, you can usually:

• Call the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office directly and ask how to conduct a name search.
• Request that information be sent by mail, if the office offers that option.

2. Review Search Results Carefully

If the search shows potential matches, look for:

• Correct or familiar spelling of your name and any aliases.
• Addresses where you have lived, worked, or done business.
• Businesses or organizations you recognize (employers, banks, insurers, utilities).

If something looks like it could be yours, you typically move on to filing a claim through the state’s official process.

How to Claim Unclaimed Property in Wyoming

The exact steps can vary depending on the type of property and how you are claiming (as an individual, heir, or on behalf of a business). In general, the process often looks like this:

Step 1: Start the Claim on the Official Website or by Mail

For online searches:

1. Select the property you believe is yours.
2. Choose the claim type (owner, heir, business, etc.).
3. Begin the claim process, which usually generates:
   • A claim number, and
   • A list of documents you’ll need to provide.

If you cannot use the online system, the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office can usually tell you how to request a claim form by mail or in person.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

The documents you need depend on who you are and what you’re claiming. This may include:

For individuals claiming their own property:

• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
• Proof of Social Security number (if requested).
• Proof of address that matches the property record (old utility bill, bank statement, lease, mortgage, pay stub).
• Name change documents if your current name differs from what’s on the record (marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order).

For heirs or estates:

• Death certificate of the original owner.
• Legal documents showing your authority (will, letters testamentary, small estate affidavit, or court orders).
• Your ID and, sometimes, proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate).

For business or trust claims:

• Business registration documents (articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, LLC documents).
• Proof that you are an authorized representative (corporate resolution, letter on company letterhead, trust documents).
• Tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN/TIN).

The official Wyoming office typically provides a checklist of what documents are accepted for each claim type.

Step 3: Submit Your Claim Package

You may be asked to:

• Upload documents through the official online system, and/or
• Print, sign, and mail the claim form with copies (and sometimes originals) of your documents to the official mailing address.

Follow the instructions provided on the official Wyoming unclaimed property website or claim form. Do not send original documents unless the office specifically requires them.

Step 4: Wait for Review and Follow-Up

Once you submit your claim:

• The office will review your documents to confirm identity and ownership.
• They may contact you if additional information or clarification is needed.
• Processing times can vary depending on:
  • The volume of claims.
  • How complex your situation is (for example, estate claims can take longer).

If your claim is approved, the office will usually:

• Issue a check for the value of your property, or
• Provide instructions for receiving the funds or proceeds.

If your claim is denied, the office should provide an explanation and may tell you what you can do if you disagree.

Common Reasons Claims Are Delayed or Denied

Claims can be slowed down or rejected if certain requirements are not met. Some frequent issues include:

• Incomplete forms (missing signatures, unanswered questions).
• Missing identification (no photo ID, unclear copies).
• Name discrepancies (no proof of a name change; names spelled differently with no explanation).
• Insufficient proof of address (no document that ties you to the address listed with the property).
• Heirship not proven (claiming for someone who has passed away without providing legal documentation or death certificate).
• Lack of authority for businesses or estates (no proof you are authorized to act on behalf of the company or estate).

To avoid delays, read Wyoming’s official instructions carefully and be sure your documentation is complete, legible, and consistent.

How Reviews, Reconsiderations, or Appeals Usually Work

If your claim is denied and you believe there has been an error, steps for asking for a review or appeal may include:

1. Reading the denial letter closely to understand the reason.
2. Contacting the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office and asking:
   • What additional documents are needed, or
   • Whether there is a formal appeal process.
3. Providing corrected or additional documents if the issue was incomplete information.
4. Following any written appeal procedures explained by the office, which might involve submitting a new packet or a written statement.

Appeal procedures and options can change, so rely on the current instructions given directly by the official Wyoming office, not secondhand information.

Verifying You’re Using an Official Wyoming Channel (Scam-Avoidance Tips)

Because unclaimed property can attract scammers, it’s important to make sure you are working with the real Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office.

Here are practical tips:

• Check that the website is clearly identified as a Wyoming state government site (for example, it often includes “.gov” and clearly states it is part of a state agency like the state treasurer).
• Call the Wyoming State Treasurer’s office or unclaimed property division using a phone number you find from a trusted, official government directory.
• Be cautious of:
  • Unsolicited emails, calls, or letters that demand a large fee to claim your property.
  • Anyone who asks for payment upfront to give you information you can get from the state for free.
  • Requests to send sensitive personal information (like your full Social Security number) through insecure channels that do not clearly belong to the state.

There are legitimate “finders” or “locators” who may offer to help people with unclaimed property for a fee, but you are not required to use them. Most people can work directly with the official Wyoming office at no cost for basic services.

If you are unsure whether a contact is legitimate, reach out directly to the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office or to the broader Wyoming state government main line and ask to be transferred to the correct department.

What If You Don’t Find Any Unclaimed Property?

If a search does not show any property in your name in Wyoming:

• You may want to try searching:
  • Previous names (including nicknames or maiden names).
  • Old addresses or different spellings of your name.
• Consider whether you should also search in other states where you have lived, worked, done business, or had accounts.
• Remember that new property can be turned over to the state each year, so:
  • It can be helpful to check again periodically.

Even if you don’t find property right now, learning how the system works can help you:

• Keep your contact information updated with banks, employers, and companies.
• Cash checks promptly.
• Respond to letters from businesses asking to confirm your address or account status.

Alternatives and Related Resources

If you are looking for financial support and discover that you do not have unclaimed property, you may consider:

• Contacting 211 by phone to ask about local assistance programs for housing, utilities, food, or healthcare.
• Reaching out to county social services or human services departments in Wyoming for information on income-based programs.
• Checking with community organizations, nonprofits, or legal aid if you need help understanding estate or inheritance issues related to unclaimed property.

These resources are separate from the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office, but they may help with broader financial or legal questions.

By understanding what the Wyoming Unclaimed Property Office does and what it holds, you can decide whether it makes sense to search for your name, gather documents, and move forward through Wyoming’s official channels to reclaim money or assets that may already be yours.