Unclaimed Money in District of Columbia
Search District of Columbia unclaimed property — also called missing money — for free. District of Columbia holds it indefinitely until you or your heirs claim it.
How District of Columbia's unclaimed property works
When a business in District of Columbia can't reach you to return money — an uncashed paycheck, a forgotten checking account, a security deposit — state law requires them to turn it over to the state's unclaimed property division after a dormancy period. The money sits there indefinitely, waiting for you (or your heirs) to claim it.
What makes District of Columbia different
DC's unclaimed property roll is shaped almost entirely by the federal workforce and the diplomatic/contractor economy. Because so many residents rotate through the city for short federal tours, congressional staff postings, embassy assignments, or contractor stints, the District holds an unusually high concentration of stale paychecks, security deposits, and final utility refunds tied to people who left town within a few years. The unit sits inside the CFO's office (not a Treasurer, since DC has none), and many federal-employee benefit overpayments and refunds also land in the DC pot rather than a home state.
District of Columbia's law and holding agency
- Holding agency
- District of Columbia Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Unclaimed Property Unit
- General dormancy period
- 3 years for most property; 1 year for wages
- Wages: 1 year
- Utility deposits: 1 year
- Money orders: 7 years
What gets reported in District of Columbia
- Uncashed paychecks from District of Columbia employers
- Dormant bank and credit-union accounts
- Insurance policy proceeds (life, auto, health refunds)
- Utility deposits when you moved out of District of Columbia
- Security deposits from rentals
- Stocks, dividends, and brokerage account proceeds
- Court-ordered restitution and refunds
How to file your claim
- Search. Use our free search above, or go directly to the District of Columbia database: missingmoney.com.
- File the claim form. Most District of Columbiaclaims are filed online with name, address, and proof of identity (driver's license or passport).
- Provide proof of ownership. For accounts at old addresses, you may need utility bills, lease records, or pay stubs from the matching period.
- Notarize if required. Some District of Columbia claims need a notarized signature. Online notaries run $5–$25.
- Wait for review. District of Columbia typically takes 30–180 days to review and pay valid claims. Payment is by check or ACH directly from the state.
Frequently asked questions about District of Columbia unclaimed property
Yes. District of Columbia returns your money directly. There is no fee to file or claim through the official portal.
Indefinitely. District of Columbia, like most states, does not extinguish valid claims — the money waits for you or your heirs as long as it takes.
Yes. You'll need a death certificate, proof of relationship, and (often) probate documents from District of Columbia or the state of residence. Heir claims are higher-value but more paperwork — consider a state-licensed recovery service for complex cases.
Yes, very likely. Short DC tenancies are one of the most common unclaimed-property origin stories: a final paycheck, a Pepco deposit refund, or a security deposit that never made it to your forwarding address.
Use the DC Office of the Chief Financial Officer's portal at unclaimed.cfo.dc.gov. DC also reports to MissingMoney.com.