Illinois
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 | 765 ILCS 1026/2-201 |
| Certificates of deposit | 3 | 765 ILCS 1026/2-201 |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | 765 ILCS 1026/2-201 (exception to general rule) |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | 765 ILCS 1026/2-201 |
| Securities/dividends | 3 | 765 ILCS 1026/2-201 |
| Utility deposits/refunds | 3 | 765 ILCS 1026/2-201 |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | 765 ILCS 1026/2-201 |
| Money orders | 3 | 765 ILCS 1026/2-201 |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | 765 ILCS 1026/2-201 |
| Government-held property | 3 | 765 ILCS 1026 (property held by government entities) |
Illinois adopted the 2016 Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (RUUPA) effective January 1, 2018 (P.A. 100-22), replacing the former Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (765 ILCS 1025, now repealed). The general dormancy period is 3 years, with wages/payroll at 1 year and traveler's checks at 15 years. The I-Cash program (Illinois' largest consumer-protection initiative) has returned over $2.2 billion since Treasurer Frerichs took office.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Strict
Fee Cap: 10% — A finder's fee for property that has been in the custody of the administrator for more than 24 months shall be limited to not more than 10% of the amount collected. 765 ILCS 1026/15-1302.
Waiting Period: 24 months — Finder agreements cannot provide compensation for property that has been in the custody of the administrator for less than 24 months. Agreements entered into before the 24-month period are void. 765 ILCS 1026/15-1302.
Licensing Required: Yes — All unclaimed property finders operating in Illinois must apply for and obtain a license through the Illinois State Treasurer's Office. Finders charging a contingent fee must also hold an active private detective license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Ill. Admin. Code tit. 74, Section 760.650.
Solicitation Rules: Finders must be licensed through the Illinois State Treasurer's Office. Agreements must disclose the free claim alternative through the I-Cash program. No solicitation is permitted for property held by the Treasurer for less than 24 months.