South Dakota
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 | Demand, savings, or matured time deposit accounts |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | Unclaimed wages and payroll |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | Life or endowment insurance, annuity contracts |
| Securities | 3 | Stock or other intangible ownership interest in a business association |
| Utility deposits | 3 | Utility refunds and deposits |
| Safe deposit boxes | 3 | 3 years after lease/rental period expires |
| Gift certificates | 3 | 3 years after issuance |
| Money orders | 3 | Outstanding for more than 3 years after issuance |
| Checks/drafts | 3 | Outstanding for more than 3 years |
| Credit memos | 3 | Issued in ordinary course of business, unclaimed for 3 years |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | 15-year dormancy period |
South Dakota adopted the UUPA of 1981 via SB104 during the 1992 session (has not adopted RUUPA). General dormancy period is 3 years for most property types. South Dakota received $308M in unclaimed property in 2024-2025, nearly double the previous record of $175M. In the prior year, the state paid out $38M in claims to 6,768 claimants. The State Treasurer's office never charges a fee to claim property. South Dakota amended its statutes through SB55 (2002), SB34 (2017), and SB45 (2018).
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Moderate
Fee Cap: 25% — Finder fees may not exceed 25% of the recoverable property value. This applies to agreements entered into more than 24 months after the required date of delivery by the holder to the state treasurer. Agreements must be in writing and signed by the owner.
Waiting Period: 24 months — Agreements to pay compensation to recover or assist in recovery of property are unenforceable if made within 12 months prior to the reporting and remitting of abandoned property accounts AND within 24 months after the date payment or delivery is made to the state treasurer.
Solicitation Rules: The State Treasurer emphasizes that claiming property directly from the state is always free and encourages citizens to use the official search at cash.sd.gov rather than third-party finders.