Montana
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 | 5 | Checking, savings, and other deposit accounts |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | Uncashed payroll or wages |
| Insurance proceeds | 5 | Life insurance, annuity proceeds |
| Securities | 5 | Stocks, dividends, mutual funds |
| Utility deposits | 5 | Utility refunds and deposits |
| Safe deposit boxes | 5 | After lease/rental period expires |
| Gift certificates | 3 | 3 years after December 31 of the year certificates were sold |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | 15-year dormancy period |
| Money orders | 5 | After issuance |
| Accounts payable | 5 | Vendor credits and AP balances |
Montana adopted RUUPA-based updates via HB 136 (effective 2023), replacing its prior UUPA-based act. The Department of Revenue administers the program. Due diligence notifications required for property valued at $50 or more, sent 60-120 days before filing. HB 88 (2025) allows auto-matching unclaimed property to owners via tax records for amounts up to $1,000. Over $98M has been returned to Montana citizens historically.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Moderate
Waiting Period: 24 months — An agreement by an owner to locate, deliver, recover, or assist in recovery of presumed-abandoned property is void and unenforceable if entered into during the period commencing on the date the property was presumed abandoned and extending to 24 months after the date the property is paid or delivered to the administrator (MCA 70-9-825).
Solicitation Rules: No specific solicitation restrictions beyond the 24-month waiting period and enforceability requirements under MCA 70-9-825.