District of Columbia
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 | |
| Certificates of deposit | 3 | |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | |
| Money orders (non-bank) | 7 | |
| Official bank checks/money orders | 3 | |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | |
| Life insurance proceeds | 3 | Matured policies |
| Casualty insurance | 3 | |
| Utility deposits/refunds | 1 | |
| Dividends | 3 | |
| Securities | 3 | |
| Bonds/debt | 3 | |
| Mineral proceeds | 3 | |
| IRA/Keogh | 3 | |
| Gift certificates | 5 | |
| Credit memos | 3 | |
| Vendor-vendor payments | 3 | |
| Dissolution/liquidation | 0 | 60 days |
| Fiduciaries | 3 | |
| Court/agency funds | 1 | |
| Other property | 3 | Default dormancy |
DC adopted the RUUPA in 2021 (D.C. Law 24-45), replacing the prior Ch. 1 (41-101 et seq.). Most property types have a 3-year dormancy. Reports due October 31 for most holders; life insurance companies report by April 30. Due diligence required for items valued at $50+. No statute of limitations on claims; owners or heirs may claim at any time. Dissolution/liquidation has an unusually short 60-day dormancy period.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Moderate
Fee Cap: None specified (RUUPA model) — Under D.C. Code 41-163.01 (RUUPA), agreements must disclose the amount or value of property expected to be recovered, computed before and after fees. The prior law (repealed 41-137) had a 10% cap; the current RUUPA-based statute does not impose an explicit percentage cap but requires full fee disclosure.
Waiting Period: None specified under current law — The current D.C. Code 41-163.01 (RUUPA model) requires that agreements be in writing, signed, and disclose property value and fees, but does not specify a mandatory waiting period after delivery. The repealed 41-137 had a 7-month restriction.
Solicitation Rules: Under D.C. Code 41-163.01, finder agreements are enforceable only if in writing, clearly state the nature of the property and services, are signed by the apparent owner, and disclose expected recovery value before and after fees. The DC government provides free search and claims services.