Colorado
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 | 3 | 3 years; reduced from 5 years under RUUPA adoption |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | 1 year after compensation becomes payable |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | 3 years; includes Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act provisions for death master file matching |
| Securities | 3 | 3 years; reduced from 5 years under RUUPA adoption |
| Utility deposits | 3 | 3 years after last activity |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | 3 years after expiration of lease; reduced from 5 years |
| Gift cards/certificates | 5 | 5 years; exempt if no expiration date or service fee per RUUPA |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | 15 years after issuance |
| Money orders | 5 | 5 years after issuance |
Colorado adopted RUUPA (2016 Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act) via SB 18-240, effective January 1, 2020. Key change was reducing the standard dormancy period from 5 years to 3 years for most property types. The Great Colorado Payback has returned $765 million since its launch in 1987. HB 25-1224 (2025) further updated reporting requirements.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Moderate
Fee Cap: 10% — Finder compensation may not exceed 10% of the value of the property recovered. Agreement must be in writing, signed by the owner, and describe the property and services (CRS 38-13-1301 to 38-13-1304).
Waiting Period: 24 months — Agreements to pay compensation for locating or assisting in recovery of unclaimed property are not enforceable for the first 24 months after the date payment or delivery is made to the Treasury. Agreements entered after 24 months are enforceable.
Solicitation Rules: Agreements must include a statement that the apparent owner may file a claim directly with the administrator (State Treasurer) without charge. The 24-month waiting period and 10% fee cap are statutory.