Washington Unclaimed Property: How to Search and Claim Your Money

Yes. Washington State has an official unclaimed property program administered by the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR). The program holds money and other assets that businesses, financial institutions, insurers, government agencies and other organizations were unable to return to their owners.

You can search Washington unclaimed property for free, submit a claim online and check the status of an existing claim through the state’s official Unclaimed Property system.

What is unclaimed property in Washington?

Unclaimed property is generally money or other assets that an organization owes to someone but has been unable to return because it lost contact with the owner.

After the applicable period, qualifying property may be reported to the Washington State Department of Revenue, which holds it until it can be returned to the rightful owner or another eligible claimant.

Common examples include:

• Bank accounts.
• Uncashed payroll and other checks.
• Insurance proceeds.
• Stocks, bonds and mutual funds.
• Utility and telephone company deposits.
• Customer or patient credits.
• Refunds.
• Contents of safe deposit boxes.

Unclaimed property generally does not mean abandoned houses, land or vehicles. Washington’s program primarily deals with financial assets and certain tangible property transferred through custodial arrangements such as safe deposit boxes.

How much unclaimed property does Washington return?

According to the Washington State Department of Revenue’s FY2025 Annual Report, the Unclaimed Property Program received approximately $503 million in newly reported property during the fiscal year.

During the same period, Washington returned a record $182 million to rightful owners.

The Department also reported that more than $1.7 billion had been returned to owners since the program began.

How to search for unclaimed property in Washington

The safest way to search is through the official Washington State Department of Revenue Unclaimed Property database.

When searching, try:

• Your current legal name.
• Previous names.
• A maiden name.
• Common variations of your name.
• The name of a business you owned.
• The name of a deceased relative whose affairs you are handling.

If you have lived or worked in several states, do not search Washington only. Property is often reported according to an owner’s last known address.

You can use our Unclaimed Property by State guide to continue searching elsewhere.

How to claim unclaimed property in Washington

Finding a listing with your name does not automatically mean the money will be paid immediately.

You normally need to submit a claim so the Department of Revenue can verify that you are entitled to the property.

The general process is:

1. Search the official Washington database.
2. Select the property that appears to belong to you.
3. Follow the instructions to start your claim.
4. Provide the requested personal information.
5. Upload supporting documents if the state asks for them.
6. Submit the claim.
7. Use the official claim-status tool to monitor its progress.
8. If approved, payment is issued to the eligible claimant.

For a general explanation of the process, see our guide on how to find and claim unclaimed property.

What documents are needed for a Washington claim?

There is no single document checklist that applies to every claim.

Depending on the circumstances, Washington may request information or documentation to establish:

• Your identity.
• Your connection to a previous address.
• Ownership of a business.
• Your relationship to a deceased owner.
• Your authority to represent an estate or another person.

Washington’s online system also allows claimants to upload documents for an existing claim when required.

Keep readable copies of anything you submit and make sure the information matches the claim as closely as possible.

How to check your Washington unclaimed property claim status

If you have already submitted a claim, you do not need to start another one simply to find out what is happening.

Washington provides an official online claim-status tool.

How long does a Washington unclaimed property claim take?

There is no single processing time for every Washington claim.

Processing depends on factors such as whether the state can verify the claimant automatically, whether documents are required and whether additional review is necessary.

Washington also uses a process known as Fast Track for qualifying claims.

According to the state’s FY2025 Annual Report, many qualifying Fast Track payments can be issued within five days or less.

This does not mean every claim will be completed within five days. Claims requiring supporting documentation or additional verification can take longer.

Read our complete guide on how long unclaimed property claims can take.

What is Washington Money Match?

Washington operates a program called Money Match.

Money Match allows the Department of Revenue to identify certain owners using available information and automatically return qualifying unclaimed property.

When the state can sufficiently verify the owner and address, the person may receive a check without going through the normal claim process.

The program began in 2023.

According to the FY2025 Annual Report, Washington returned approximately $5.2 million through Money Match during that fiscal year.

Can you claim Washington unclaimed property for a deceased relative?

Potentially, yes.

Unclaimed property belonging to a deceased person may sometimes be claimed by an eligible heir, estate representative or another person with legal authority.

However, simply finding the deceased person’s name in the database does not prove that you are entitled to the money.

Depending on the situation, the state may request documentation showing:

• The owner’s death.
• Your relationship to the deceased owner.
• Your authority to represent the estate.
• Other evidence establishing your right to the property.

If you are dealing with an estate, read our guide on who can claim unclaimed money from a deceased relative.

Does Washington keep unclaimed property permanently?

The Washington State Department of Revenue acts as a custodian of unclaimed property until it can be returned to the rightful owner or another eligible claimant.

Ordinary unclaimed funds do not simply disappear because they were transferred to the state.

There is an important distinction for certain tangible contents of safe deposit boxes.

Washington may eventually sell certain unclaimed tangible property after the applicable holding period.

If physical property is sold, the proceeds can continue to be held for the owner or eligible claimant according to the applicable rules.

What is not considered Washington unclaimed property?

The phrase unclaimed property can be misleading.

Washington’s program generally focuses on financial assets and certain property held by custodians.

It generally does not mean:

• Abandoned houses.
• Land.
• Vehicles.
• Ordinary abandoned personal belongings.

A house that appears abandoned, for example, does not automatically become part of the state’s Unclaimed Property Program.

Is Washington Unclaimed Property legitimate?

Yes. Washington’s Unclaimed Property Program is administered by the Washington State Department of Revenue.

Searching the official state database is free.

However, scammers and private companies may also contact people about supposed unclaimed money.

Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you are dealing with an official government resource.

If you receive a suspicious message, read our guide on unclaimed property scams and suspicious offers.

Can a company charge you to recover Washington unclaimed property?

Private companies may offer asset-recovery or finder services.

However, you can search Washington’s official database yourself for free.

For most people, the first step should therefore be to use the state’s own database before paying a third party.

Why does money become unclaimed?

Money can become unclaimed for many ordinary reasons.

Common examples include:

• Moving without updating your address.
• Changing your name.
• Forgetting an old bank or investment account.
• Failing to cash a check.
• Leaving a utility deposit behind after moving.
• An insurance payment not reaching you.
• A business losing contact with a customer or shareholder.
• A relative dying without family members knowing about every account.

This is why it can be useful to search periodically, especially after moves, name changes or the death of a family member.

Should I search for unclaimed property in other states?

Yes, if you have connections to other states.

Washington’s database contains property reported to Washington.

If you previously lived, worked, owned a business or maintained accounts elsewhere, another state may be holding property associated with you.

Browse our Unclaimed Property by State directory to continue your search.

Washington Unclaimed Property contact information

For questions about an existing claim, the Washington State Department of Revenue lists the following Unclaimed Property contact information:

Contact information can change, so verify the current details on the Washington Department of Revenue website before calling or mailing documents.

Frequently asked questions about Washington Unclaimed Property

Does Washington State have unclaimed property?

Yes. The Washington State Department of Revenue administers the state’s Unclaimed Property Program and holds qualifying property until it can be returned to the rightful owner or another eligible claimant.

How do I search for unclaimed money in Washington?

Use the official Washington State Department of Revenue Unclaimed Property database. Searching is free and can be done online.

Is ClaimYourCash legitimate?

Yes. ClaimYourCash is a name used by Washington to promote its Unclaimed Property Program. When submitting personal information, make sure you are using the official Washington State Department of Revenue system.

Is it free to claim unclaimed property in Washington?

The Washington Unclaimed Property Program is a free public service. You can search the official database yourself without paying a finder simply to locate property.

How long does a Washington unclaimed property claim take?

It depends on the claim. Certain qualifying Fast Track payments may be issued within five days or less, while claims that need supporting documentation or additional review may take longer.

Can I claim unclaimed property for a deceased relative?

An eligible heir, estate representative or another legally authorized claimant may be able to recover property belonging to a deceased owner. Documentation may be required to prove the right to claim it.

What is Washington Money Match?

Money Match is a state program that allows Washington to automatically return certain unclaimed property when the Department can sufficiently verify the owner and address.

Should I search only in Washington?

No. If you have lived, worked or maintained financial accounts in other states, search those states as well.

Bottom line

Washington has an official Unclaimed Property Program, and searching the state database is free.

If you think an old account, uncashed check, insurance payment, refund or another asset may belong to you, start by searching the Washington State Department of Revenue database.

If you find a possible match, follow the state’s claim instructions, provide only the documentation requested and use the official claim-status tool to monitor your case.

You can also read our complete guide to finding and claiming unclaimed property or browse the Unclaimed Property by State directory.

Important information: UnclaimedPropertyGuide.net is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with the Washington State Department of Revenue or any U.S. government agency. We do not hold unclaimed property or process claims. Always use official government channels when submitting claims or sensitive personal information.