Pennsylvania
Statutory term: Abandoned and Unclaimed Property
Overview
Search for Unclaimed Property
This program provides a public search portal where you can look up unclaimed property.
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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 | 72 P.S. Section 1301.3 |
| Certificates of deposit | 3 | 72 P.S. Section 1301.3 |
| Wages/payroll/commissions | 2 | 72 P.S. Section 1301.5 (exception: 2-year period) |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | 72 P.S. Section 1301.4 |
| Securities/dividends | 3 | 72 P.S. Section 1301.6 |
| Utility deposits/refunds | 3 | 72 P.S. Section 1301.7 |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | 72 P.S. Section 1301.3.4 (from lease expiration date) |
| Money orders | 7 | 72 P.S. Section 1301.8 |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | 72 P.S. Section 1301.8 |
| Court/government property | 3 | 72 P.S. Section 1301.9 |
Pennsylvania's Disposition of Abandoned and Unclaimed Property Act uses a 3-year general dormancy period for most property types. Key exceptions include wages/payroll/commissions at 2 years, money orders at 7 years, and traveler's checks at 15 years. Holders must send a final notice to the owner between 60 and 120 days before reporting property to Treasury. Annual reporting deadline is April 15. There is no statute of limitations on claiming -- property can be claimed regardless of how long it has been held. One in ten Pennsylvanians is estimated to have unclaimed property, with average claims around $1,000.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Strict
Fee Cap: 15% — Under Pennsylvania law, a finder is not permitted to charge more than 15% of the total amount of the abandoned and unclaimed property claimed. The agreement must clearly state the fee or compensation. 72 P.S. Section 1301.11a.
Licensing Required: Yes — All finders and property recovery professionals must complete an application and be certified (registered) by the Pennsylvania Treasury. The finder must submit a signed and notarized application with a recent color photograph, attesting under penalty of perjury that they have not been convicted of a felony or offenses involving theft, forgery, perjury, or fraud in the previous 10 years. Registration certificates are valid for 2 years and must include a unique registration number. 72 P.S. Sections 1301.11a and 1301.11b.
Solicitation Rules: Finders must hold a valid registration from the Pennsylvania Treasury. Treasury maintains a public list of registered finders. Finders must use their registration number in all correspondence and agreements.