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Facts About Unclaimed Property


Nearly $264 million worth of property has been returned to Minnesota residents since the Unclaimed Property Program began in 1969. As of June 2009, over $400 million worth of property still remained unclaimed. New property totaling more than $45 million has been received since July 1, 2009 and $12 million has been returned (as of December 31, 2009).

Reports of unclaimed property are received on November 1st of each year. In 2009, the department received over $62 million from the November 1st, 2008 reporting. The department also received the contents from 554 safe deposit boxes and over 8,800 security related holdings.

The department has returned 41 percent of unclaimed property reported to the state to the rightful owners through the unclaimed property program.

How to File a Claim


If you see your name, or that of a deceased relative, in the newspaper advertisement or on this web site, you can download a claim form. Or you can search for a name in the Unclaimed Property Owner's Database.

Please read the instruction sheet, which is included with the claim form for the documentation you are required to submit to prove ownership of the property. Be prepared to submit:

  • a copy of current, legal picture identification

  • a copy of your social security card or a document with your SS# recorded on it

  • evidence of residence

  • evidence of doing business with the former holder of the property.

Additional information and documentation may be required depending on the type of property and the relationship of the claimant to the owner. Please examine the claim form and instruction sheet to locate the type of owner you are and submit the documentation listed with the completed and notarized form. The cash amount of the property, or the number of shares the Unclaimed Property Office is holding, can be obtained by email at unclaimed.property@state.mn.us, or by calling 651-296-2568.

After the claim form is sent in and approved, you will receive a check for the amount of your property within 90 days. Owners with claims for stock will receive shares or the cash value of the securities if the State of Minnesota held the shares for more than a year. If you feel that abandoned property of yours, or that of a deceased relative, may be held outside of Minnesota, you can link to the other state's unclaimed property web sites at www.unclaimed.org.