Alabama
Statutory term: Unclaimed Property
Overview
Search for Unclaimed Property
This program provides a public search portal where you can look up unclaimed property.
Search Now →Key Statistics
Dormancy Periods
The dormancy period is how long property must be inactive before it is considered unclaimed and reported to the state.
| Property Type | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bank accounts (checking/savings) | 3 | 3 years of inactivity |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | 1 year after becoming payable |
| Insurance proceeds (life, matured) | 3 | 3 years after becoming payable |
| Securities/dividends | 3 | 3 years of inactivity |
| Utility deposits | 1 | 1 year after service termination |
| Utility refunds | 1 | 1 year after becoming payable |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | 3 years after lease expiration |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | 15 years after issuance |
| Money orders | 5 | 5 years after issuance |
| Mineral proceeds | 3 | 3 years of inactivity |
| Certificates of deposit | 3 | 3 years after maturity or last activity |
| Credit memos | 1 | 1 year from date issued |
| IRA/Keogh plans | 3 | 3 years after distribution date or required distribution |
| Court/government agency funds | 1 | 1 year after becoming distributable |
Alabama enacted its own Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act in 2004 (Ala. Code 35-12-70 et seq.). Most property types have a 3-year dormancy period. The State Treasurer holds over $1 billion in unclaimed property. Reporting deadline is November 1 each year covering the 12 months preceding July 1.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Moderate
Fee Cap: 10% — Total compensation may not exceed 10% of the value of the amount claimed (Ala. Code 35-12-93).
Waiting Period: 24 months — Agreement is void and unenforceable if entered into during the period from presumed abandonment through 24 months after the property is paid or delivered to the Treasurer (Ala. Code 35-12-93).
Solicitation Rules: No specific statutory prohibition on unsolicited contact, but agreements must meet detailed disclosure requirements.