Iowa
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 | No depositor contact with financial institution for 3 years |
| Wages/payroll/commissions | 1 | Shortest dormancy period; commissions also 1 year |
| Insurance proceeds | 5 | Life insurance policies; longer than most property types |
| Securities (dividends/shares) | 3 | Unclaimed dividends, undelivered stock certificates |
| Utility deposits | 1 | Same as wages |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | Contents become unclaimed after 3 years |
| Traditional IRA (cash) | 3 | Individual retirement accounts |
| Accounts payable/credit balances | 3 | Standard commercial property |
| Money orders | 3 | Shorter than many states |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | Longest dormancy period |
| Matured bonds/coupons | 3 | Unredeemed bond coupons or interest payments held by fiduciary |
Iowa's unclaimed property program is branded as the 'Great Iowa Treasure Hunt.' General dormancy is 3 years, with 1-year periods for wages, commissions, and utility deposits. Insurance has a 5-year dormancy. Reports due November 1 for the fiscal year ending the preceding June 30. Due diligence notifications required for property valued at $50+. Record $33.6M returned in 2025 calendar year (53,226 claims), surpassing 2024 record by $2.7M. Over $587M currently in safekeeping.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Strict
Fee Cap: 15% — Locator fees or compensation cannot exceed 15% of the amount of the property subject to claim. This is one of the lower fee caps among US states.
Waiting Period: 24 months — Agreements or contracts between finders/locators and owners to pay compensation to recover property are unenforceable if made within 24 months of the date the property was received by the division. Also unenforceable if the holder possesses property deemed abandoned but not yet timely reported.
Solicitation Rules: No finder agreements valid within 24 months of property receipt by the state. Agreements covering unreported property are also unenforceable. Handwritten agreements are not accepted.