California unclaimed property: search & claim for free
The California State Controller's Office holds unclaimed paychecks, bank accounts, deposits, and refunds owed to current and former California residents. Searching California Unclaimed Property takes about a minute and costs nothing.
How to claim unclaimed money in California
- 1
Search the official California database
Go to California Unclaimed Property — the official search run by the California State Controller's Office — and search your name, including maiden or former names. Searching is free.
- 2
Search every name and address variation
Repeat the search for nicknames, misspellings, and every California address you've had. Businesses report property under the details they had on file.
- 3
Start a claim for each match
Select your properties and start a claim directly on the official site. You'll be asked to verify your identity and connection to the reported address.
- 4
Submit proof and track the payout
Upload or mail the requested documents (photo ID, proof of address, sometimes an SSN). The California State Controller's Office reviews the claim and pays approved amounts — processing commonly takes a few weeks to a few months.
Documents you may need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of current address
- Proof of your past California address (if claiming under it)
- Social Security number (for verification on many claims)
Good to know
- Searching and claiming is always free — never pay a finder’s fee.
- You can claim on behalf of deceased relatives as an heir, with extra documentation.
- California runs its own search — check California Unclaimed Property directly rather than relying on multi-state sites.
California unclaimed property FAQ
How do I find unclaimed money in California?
Search your name for free on California Unclaimed Property, the official California unclaimed-property search run by the California State Controller's Office. Check every name variation and past California address.
Is the California unclaimed property search free?
Yes. Searching and claiming through the California State Controller's Office is completely free. Never pay a finder's fee for property you can claim yourself.
What kinds of unclaimed property does California hold?
Typical property includes uncashed paychecks, dormant bank accounts, security deposits, insurance proceeds, refunds, safe-deposit-box contents, and stocks or dividends.
What if I've lived outside California?
Search every state you've lived or worked in — property is reported to the state of your last known address on the account. Most states also participate in MissingMoney.com.
Owed more than unclaimed property in California?
Quovrd also matches you against open class action settlements, refunds, recalls, and travel compensation based on where you've lived and what you own — free.
Quovrd is an informational tool — not a law firm, claims service, or government agency — and is not affiliated with the California State Controller's Office. We do not file claims on your behalf, and eligibility and payouts are never guaranteed. A linked page may be guidance, support, a directory, a tracker, or a filing destination. Confirm the responsible organization, deadlines, eligibility, and instructions before submitting personal information, and never pay a fee to claim money that is rightfully yours. Read the full disclaimer.