Ohio
Statutory term: Unclaimed Funds
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 of inactivity |
| Savings accounts | 5 | Savings deposits; 5 years of inactivity |
| Certificates of deposit | 5 | Matured CDs; 5 years after maturity |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | Wages <= $50 issued after July 1, 2000 are exempt |
| Accounts payable | 3 | General intangible property default |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | Life insurance: 3 years after insured's death per SSDI or policy maturity |
| Securities (cash) | 5 | Cash distributions from securities |
| Securities (shares) | 5 | Stock certificates and equity interests |
| Dividends | 3 | Unclaimed dividend payments |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | Contents of safe deposit boxes |
| Utility deposits | 1 | Utility company deposits and refunds |
| Money orders | 5 | |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | |
| IRA/retirement (cash) | 3 | Traditional IRA cash balances |
Ohio uses the term 'unclaimed funds' rather than 'unclaimed property.' Most intangible property has a 3-year default dormancy. Bank deposits and securities have a longer 5-year period. Life insurance companies report on a Jan 1 - Dec 31 cycle with a May 1 deadline; all other holders use Jul 1 - Jun 30 with a Nov 1 deadline.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Strict
Fee Cap: 10% — Finder fee compensation cannot exceed 10% of the value of the unclaimed funds recovered (ORC 169.13).
Waiting Period: 24 months — Agreements to pay a finder fee entered into within 2 years after the date a report is filed under ORC 169.03(C) are invalid and unenforceable.
Solicitation Rules: Finder agreements entered within the 2-year waiting period after the report filing date are void. Criminal penalties apply for collecting fees under void agreements.