New York
Statutory term: Abandoned 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 (demand deposits) | 3 | ABP Article 3, Section 300 |
| Savings accounts | 3 | ABP Article 3, Section 300 |
| Wages/payroll | 3 | ABP Article 13, Section 1315 |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | ABP Article 7 |
| Securities/dividends | 3 | ABP Article 5 |
| Utility deposits/refunds | 3 | ABP Article 4 |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | ABP Article 3 (after lease expiration) |
| Gift certificates | 5 | ABP Article 13 |
| Court/escrow funds | 5 | ABP Article 6 |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | ABP Article 13 |
New York uses the term 'abandoned property' rather than 'unclaimed property.' Most property types have a 3-year dormancy period. The state's law pre-dates the Uniform Act (enacted 1943) and has its own unique structure organized by holder type (banking, insurance, utilities, etc.) rather than by property type.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Moderate
Fee Cap: 15% — No agreement for abandoned property location services shall be valid if it provides for payment of a fee in excess of 15% of the value of recoverable property. ABP Section 1416.
Solicitation Rules: Agreements must be in writing, signed and notarized by the rightful owner, and must disclose the free claim alternative in 12-point boldface type.