Tennessee
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 time deposits; 3 years from maturity or last indication of interest |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | Wages, commissions, bonuses, or reimbursements; 1 year after payable. T.C.A. § 66-29-105. |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | Life insurance and annuity proceeds |
| Securities | 3 | Dividends, distributions, and equity interests |
| Utility deposits | 3 | Utility refunds and deposits |
| Safe deposit boxes | 5 | From expiration of lease or rental period |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | T.C.A. § 66-29-103 |
| Money orders | 7 | Money orders or similar instruments |
| Payroll cards | 3 | Included with demand/savings deposits under T.C.A. § 66-29-105 |
| General property (default) | 3 | 3 years after owner first has a right to demand the property or obligation to pay arises |
Tennessee adopted the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (RUUPA), replacing the former Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act. Most property types have a 3-year dormancy period, with wages at 1 year and safe deposit boxes at 5 years. Holders may deduct a dormancy charge if authorized by a valid contract, provided the charge is not unconscionable. Due diligence must be performed for all dormant property of $50 or more. In FY2025, the Division processed over 168,000 claims and returned a record $125 million, doubling the number of claims paid compared to the prior year.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Strict
Fee Cap: 10% or $50, whichever is greater — The contract must state that the Tennessee unclaimed money finder will charge no more than 10% of the value of property recovered or $50, whichever is greater. All payments go directly to the property owner; locators must collect fees from owners separately. T.C.A. § 66-29-155.
Waiting Period: 12 months — An agreement with an owner is enforceable only if the property has been held by the treasurer for a period of one (1) year from the date advertised by the treasurer. T.C.A. § 66-29-155.
Licensing Required: Yes — Third-party locators must hold a current private investigator license from the Tennessee Private Investigation and Polygraph Commission. Operating without this license is prohibited.
Solicitation Rules: Locators cannot imply or infer that they are employees of the Unclaimed Property Division. All contracts must be approved by the Tennessee Department of Treasury's Unclaimed Property Division. Searching and claiming property remains free through ClaimItTN.gov and state outreach events.