Rhode Island
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 | 3 | Checking, savings, and other deposit accounts |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | Unclaimed wages and payroll |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | Life insurance, annuity proceeds |
| Securities | 3 | Stocks and dividends; 5-dividend rule applies for presumption period |
| Utility deposits | 3 | Utility refunds and deposits |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | 3 years after lease/rental period expires |
| Checks/drafts | 3 | Outstanding checks and bank drafts |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | 15-year dormancy period |
| Money orders | 3 | After issuance |
Rhode Island's law is based on a modified 1981 UUPA. General Treasurer's office administers the program. Over 300,000 Rhode Islanders have unclaimed property waiting to be returned. In 2024, $15M was returned through approximately 20,000 claims. The new official website domain is FindRIMoney.gov. Due diligence letters required within 120 days of reporting deadline for property valued at $50 or more. Revenue projections: $42M in FY2024, $27.2M in FY2025.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Moderate
Fee Cap: 10% — Finders' fees cannot exceed 10% of the value of the property recovered, consistent with the Model Uniform Unclaimed Property Act approach. At least 14 other states use the same 10% cap.
Waiting Period: 24 months — Agreements entered into within 24 months of delivery of property to the state are unenforceable.
Solicitation Rules: Finder services are legal but must comply with the 10% fee cap. The state emphasizes that the Treasury provides the search service at no cost.