Vermont
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 (checking/savings) | 3 | |
| Certificates of deposit | 3 | |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | |
| Money orders (non-bank) | 7 | |
| Official bank checks/money orders | 7 | |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | |
| Safe deposit boxes | 5 | After lease expiration or authorized entry |
| Life insurance proceeds | 3 | Matured policies |
| Casualty insurance | 3 | |
| Utility deposits/refunds | 3 | |
| Dividends | 3 | |
| Securities | 3 | |
| Bonds/debt | 3 | |
| Mineral proceeds | 3 | |
| IRA/Keogh | 3 | |
| Gift certificates | 3 | |
| Credit memos | 3 | |
| Vendor-vendor payments | 3 | |
| Dissolution/liquidation | 1 | |
| Fiduciaries | 3 | |
| Court/agency funds | 1 | State and federal |
| Other property | 3 | Default dormancy |
Vermont adopted the RUUPA in 2020 (replacing prior Ch. 14). Most property types have a 3-year dormancy period. Reports due April 30 annually (spring deadline). Due diligence notifications required for property valued at $50+, sent 60-180 days before filing. FY2025 was a record year: $9.9M returned to 31,593 claimants, and $24M in new properties received. MoneyBack program proactively returns verified funds to owners.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Moderate
Fee Cap: 10% — Vermont limits finder/locator fees to 10% of the total property value. Agreements providing for compensation exceeding 10% are unenforceable.
Waiting Period: 24 months — An agreement is void and unenforceable if entered into during the period from when property was presumed abandoned through 24 months after delivery to the Treasurer. Exception: agreements between an owner and a Vermont-licensed attorney to file a claim for identified property or contest a denial.
Solicitation Rules: Agreements must be in writing in a form acceptable to the Treasurer, clearly define the nature of the property and services to be rendered, be signed by the apparent owner, and state the value of the property before and after fee deduction.