Wisconsin
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 | 5 | 5 years of inactivity; includes checking, savings, and CDs |
| Wages/payroll | 1 | 1 year after wages become payable |
| Insurance proceeds | 3 | 3 years; lowered from 5 years under RUUPA adoption |
| Securities | 5 | 5 years after last activity or communication |
| Utility deposits | 5 | 5 years after last activity |
| Safe deposit boxes | 5 | 5 years after expiration of lease |
| Gift cards/certificates | 5 | Exempt if no expiration date or service fee per RUUPA |
| Traveler's checks | 15 | 15 years after issuance |
| Money orders | 5 | 5 years; lowered from 7 years under RUUPA adoption |
Wisconsin adopted RUUPA (2016 Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act) via 2021 Act 87, effective November 7, 2021. Key changes included lowering insurance dormancy from 5 to 3 years, money orders from 7 to 5 years, and adding exemptions for gift cards. The Department of Revenue administers the program and conducts annual auto-match processes.
Finder / Helper Restrictions
Restriction Level: Moderate
Fee Cap: 10% — Fee or other compensation may not exceed 10% of the actual amount or value of the property recovered (Wis. Stat. 177.1301).
Waiting Period: None specified — Wisconsin does not impose a statutory waiting period before finder agreements are enforceable, but the 10% fee cap applies regardless.
Solicitation Rules: Effective November 7, 2021, locator services must follow disclosure requirements in Subchapter XIII of Chapter 177. A copy of the agreement must be filed with any claim submitted by or through a locator service.