North Carolina
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; 5 years after last indication of interest |
| Savings accounts | 5 | Savings deposits; 5 years after last indication of interest |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | 1 year after compensation becomes payable; some sources say 2 years |
| Commissions | 1 | 1 year after compensation becomes payable |
| Accounts payable | 5 | General business obligations |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | 3 years after obligation to pay arose or insured reached limiting age |
| Securities (cash) | 3 | 3 years after distribution date or returned mail triggers |
| Securities (shares) | 3 | 3 years after distribution date or returned mail triggers |
| Dividends | 3 | 3 years after date prescribed for payment |
| Safe deposit boxes | 2 | Shorter dormancy than bank accounts |
| Utility deposits | 1 | 1 year after deposit or refund becomes payable |
| Customer refunds | 3 | Credit balances |
| Money orders | 7 | |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | |
| IRA/retirement (cash) | 3 | Traditional IRA cash balances |
North Carolina's Unclaimed Property Act was substantially rewritten in 1999 (Session Laws 1999-460) under Chapter 116B, Article 4. Dormancy ranges from 1 to 15 years depending on property type. The NC Cash program (NCCash.gov) is the public-facing brand. Life insurance companies report Jan 1 - Dec 31 with May 1 deadline; all other holders report Jul 1 - Jun 30 with Nov 1 deadline. Due diligence required for property $50+ (first-class mail, 60-120 days before filing) and $25+ for securities.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Strict
Fee Cap: 20% or $1,000, whichever is less — Total fees and costs cannot exceed $1,000 or 20% of the value of the property recovered, whichever is less (G.S. 116B-78). For estates not administered in NC and other property (excluding surplus funds), the fee cap is 20% or $1,000, whichever is less.
Waiting Period: 24 months — An agreement is void and unenforceable if entered into during the period commencing on the date the property was distributable to the owner and extending to 24 months after the date the property is paid or delivered to the Treasurer (G.S. 116B-78(b)).
Licensing Required: Yes — Property finders must be licensed private investigators. Agreements must be signed by a licensed PI with a notarized signature. Property finder regulation and enforcement provisions are in G.S. 116B-78.1.
Solicitation Rules: Finder agreements during the 24-month waiting period are void. Finders must be licensed PIs. The agreement must disclose that the property is held by the NC Department of State Treasurer's Unclaimed Property Program.