Unclaimed Property California — How to Search and Claim

California's official unclaimed property database

California's unclaimed property program is managed by the State Controller's Office. The official database is at claimit.ca.gov. Search by name (try all variations), or by business name if you're searching for a company's unclaimed funds.

California has more unclaimed property than any other state — partly due to its size, and partly because of its large number of former residents who moved away without collecting all their financial accounts.

What California commonly holds

• Forgotten savings and checking accounts from closed banks (CalFed, Washington Mutual, and others)
• Uncashed insurance dividend checks and policy refunds
• Stock and mutual fund dividends from California-based companies
• Security deposits from California rentals
• Uncashed payroll checks from California employers
• Utility deposit refunds (PG&E, SoCal Edison, LADWP)

How to file a California unclaimed property claim

1. Go to claimit.ca.gov and search your name
2. Click "Claim It" next to any property that appears
3. Create an account or continue as guest
4. Complete the online claim form with your SSN and contact information
5. Upload a copy of your government-issued photo ID
6. For larger claims (>$5,000), California may request additional documentation
7. Submit and track your claim online — California has a good status tracking system

California processes most claims in 60–90 days. Payment is issued by warrant (check) unless you opt into direct deposit.

Also search these California-adjacent federal databases

• IRS — uncashed California tax refunds or federal refunds for CA residents
• PBGC — pension benefits from California-based companies that closed
• HUD — FHA mortgage refunds if you had an FHA loan on a California property

Other state unclaimed property guides