Georgia
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 accounts | 5 | Demand deposits at banking/financial organizations |
| Savings accounts | 5 | Savings deposits at banking/financial organizations |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | Unpaid wages and commissions |
| Commissions | 1 | Unpaid commissions |
| Accounts payable | 5 | General intangible property |
| Insurance proceeds | 5 | Life insurance and endowment proceeds per O.C.G.A. 44-12-198 |
| Securities (cash) | 5 | Undistributed dividends and distributions |
| Securities (shares) | 5 | Stock certificates and equity interests |
| Dividends | 5 | Undistributed dividends of business associations |
| Safe deposit boxes | 2 | Shorter dormancy than most property types |
| Utility deposits | 5 | Utility company deposits and refunds |
| Customer refunds | 5 | Credit balances and customer overpayments |
| Money orders | 7 | |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | |
| IRA/retirement (cash) | 5 | Traditional IRA cash balances |
Georgia's Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (O.C.G.A. 44-12-190 et seq.) generally uses a 5-year dormancy period for most property types, with notable exceptions for wages (1 year), safe deposit boxes (2 years), and money orders (7 years). Insurance companies report Jan 1 - Dec 31 with an April 30 deadline; all other holders use Jul 1 - Jun 30 with an October 31 deadline. Due diligence letters required for property valued at $50 or more, sent 60-120 days before filing.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Moderate
Fee Cap: 10% — Fees for recovery or assistance in recovery of unclaimed property reported and delivered to the commissioner cannot exceed 10% of the value of the property recovered. A separate Claimant Designated Representative (CDR) program starting July 1, 2024 allows registered CDRs to charge different rates under DOR-managed agreements.
Waiting Period: 24 months — All agreements to pay compensation for recovery of property reported and delivered to the commissioner are unenforceable for 24 months after the date of payment or delivery of property to the commissioner.
Licensing Required: Yes — Starting July 1, 2024, all Claimant Designated Representatives (CDRs) providing locator services must register with the Georgia Department of Revenue. CDR claims are limited to no more than five properties per claim.
Solicitation Rules: All property must be paid directly to the owner, not to the finder. Agreements entered within the 24-month waiting period are void.