California holds more unclaimed property than any other state — over $14 billion and counting. That money comes from dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, forgotten insurance policies, abandoned safe deposit boxes, and thousands of other sources. The State Controller’s Office holds onto it until the rightful owner files a claim.
If you’ve ever lived, worked, or done business in California, there’s a real chance some of that money is yours. Here’s how to find it.
Where to Search for California Unclaimed Property
California’s official unclaimed property database is managed by the State Controller’s Office. You can search it for free at claimit.ca.gov. Enter your name and the system will return any unclaimed property records associated with you.
A few tips to get the most out of your search:
- Try different name variations. Search your current legal name, maiden name, previous married names, and common misspellings. The database matches exactly, so “Rob” and “Robert” may return different results.
- Search your business name too. If you’ve owned or operated a business in California, search the business name as well.
- Check for deceased relatives. Heirs can claim unclaimed property belonging to family members who have passed away.
You can also search through MissingMoney.com, which includes California in its multi-state search, or go to Unclaimed.org for a direct link to the state program.
Who’s Holding the Most Unclaimed Money?
Not all unclaimed property comes from the same place. The companies and institutions that report the most unclaimed funds to California tend to be large banks, insurance companies, and financial services firms. Based on our analysis of California’s unclaimed property data, the top holders include:
| Holder Name | Unclaimed Amount |
|---|---|
| Bank of America – California | $299,640,994 |
| Bank of America NA | $249,458,411 |
| Metropolitan Life Insurance Company | $201,202,584 |
| Prudential Insurance Company | $192,198,328 |
| Wells Fargo Bank NA | $141,383,913 |
| Charles Schwab | $110,842,100 |
| JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. | $76,967,708 |
| Charles Schwab & Co. Inc | $68,396,467 |
| MetLife Inc Common (CA) | $63,498,376 |
| MUFG Union Bank N.A. | $62,154,112 |
If you’ve ever had an account with any of these companies, it’s especially worth running a search. Bank of America alone has turned over more than half a billion dollars in unclaimed property to the state across its various entities.
How to File a Claim
Once you find a match on claimit.ca.gov, you can start the claims process directly on the site. Here’s what to expect:
For claims under $1,000: California offers a simplified online process. You’ll typically need to verify your identity with your Social Security number and provide a current mailing address. Many small claims can be processed entirely online.
For claims over $1,000: You’ll need to submit additional documentation. This usually includes a government-issued photo ID, proof of Social Security number, and documents connecting you to the property (such as old account statements, pay stubs, or correspondence from the holder).
For heir claims: If you’re claiming property belonging to a deceased relative, you’ll need a certified death certificate, proof of your relationship to the owner (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.), and in some cases, letters testamentary or small estate affidavits.
Processing times vary. Simple claims can be resolved in a few weeks, while more complex claims — especially those involving large amounts or estate documentation — can take several months.
Common Types of Unclaimed Property in California
The $14+ billion held by California comes from a wide variety of sources. The most common types include dormant checking and savings accounts, uncashed payroll and dividend checks, life insurance proceeds where beneficiaries couldn’t be located, abandoned safe deposit box contents, unclaimed security deposits and utility refunds, forgotten stock and mutual fund holdings, and court-ordered settlements that were never collected.
Many people are surprised to find property they didn’t know existed — especially uncashed checks from former employers or old insurance policies from relatives.
Avoid Scams
Searching for and claiming unclaimed property in California is completely free through the State Controller’s Office. You should never pay a fee to search the database or to file a claim.
Be cautious of “finder” services that send letters claiming they’ve located unclaimed property in your name and offering to recover it for a percentage fee (often 10-35%). While some of these services are legal, they’re using the same free public database you can search yourself. California law caps finder fees and requires finders to be registered with the state, but you’re almost always better off filing the claim directly.
Don’t Stop at California
If you’ve lived in other states, you should search those databases too — unclaimed property is reported to the state of your last known address. For a complete walkthrough of every state and federal database worth checking, read our complete guide to finding unclaimed money. You may also want to check for unclaimed deposits from failed banks or matured savings bonds.
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