California
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Checking/savings accounts | 3 | CCP § 1513(a)(1)(A) |
| Certificates of deposit | 3 | CCP § 1513(a)(1)(A), after maturity |
| Wages/payroll/commissions | 1 | CCP § 1513(a)(7) |
| Cashier's checks | 3 | CCP § 1513(a)(4) |
| Money orders | 7 | CCP § 1513(a)(5) |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | CCP § 1513(a)(3) |
| IRAs/retirement plans | 3 | CCP § 1513(a)(6)(A), § 1518 |
| Safe deposit box contents | 3 | CCP § 1514 |
| Life insurance proceeds | 3 | CCP § 1515 |
| Stocks/dividends | 3 | CCP § 1516 |
| Dissolved business distributions | 0.5 | CCP § 1517, 6 months |
| Utility deposits | 3 | CCP § 1520 |
| Ordered refunds | 1 | CCP § 1519.5 |
| All other property | 3 | CCP § 1520, default |
California's default dormancy period was shortened from 15 years (1959) to 7 years (1976) to 3 years (1990, current). Properties under $50 typically receive no owner notification before escheat. CA is the largest state UP program at $15B+ held, the 5th-largest revenue source for the state general fund.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: High
Fee Cap: 10% of claim value — Per CCP § 1582(a)(2)(C), the fee or compensation agreed upon may not exceed 10% of the recovered property. This is among the most restrictive caps in the nation. Exception: county probated estates have no fee cap. Owners can challenge any agreement as based on excessive or unjust consideration at any time per § 1582(a)(3).
Waiting Period: 12 months after delivery to Controller — Per CCP § 1582(a)(1)(A), agreements entered between the date a holder files the notice report and the date property is delivered to the Controller are invalid. Per § 1582(b), records remain confidential until publication of notice or one year after delivery. In practice, finders must wait until property appears in the public database.
Solicitation Rules: Finders may contact owners only after property has been published in the public database or one year after delivery to the Controller, whichever comes first. The SCO reviews all investigator agreements for compliance.