Unclaimed Money in Maryland
Search Maryland unclaimed property — also called missing money — for free. Maryland holds it indefinitely until you or your heirs claim it.
How Maryland's unclaimed property works
When a business in Maryland 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 Maryland different
Maryland's unclaimed property unit sits inside the Comptroller's office, which uses the state's tax records to actively cross-match and notify owners — one of the more proactive outreach programs in the country. The roll is heavily influenced by federal and contractor employment in the DC suburbs (final paychecks, security clearances suspended mid-onboarding, contractor wage adjustments) and by Johns Hopkins/medical-system payroll. The state's marina and Chesapeake Bay boat-slip ecosystem also contributes recurring deposits and refund items.
Maryland's law and holding agency
- Holding agency
- Comptroller of Maryland, Unclaimed Property Unit
- General dormancy period
- 3 years for most property; 1 year for wages
- Wages: 1 year
- Utility deposits: 1 year
- Insurance proceeds: 3 years
What gets reported in Maryland
- Uncashed paychecks from Maryland employers
- Dormant bank and credit-union accounts
- Insurance policy proceeds (life, auto, health refunds)
- Utility deposits when you moved out of Maryland
- 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 Maryland database: missingmoney.com.
- File the claim form. Most Marylandclaims 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 Maryland claims need a notarized signature. Online notaries run $5–$25.
- Wait for review. Maryland 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 Maryland unclaimed property
Yes. Maryland returns your money directly. There is no fee to file or claim through the official portal.
Indefinitely. Maryland, 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 Maryland or the state of residence. Heir claims are higher-value but more paperwork — consider a state-licensed recovery service for complex cases.
If so, treat it as legitimate but verify by going directly to the Comptroller's official portal (interactive.marylandtaxes.gov/unclaim) rather than clicking links in the letter. Maryland does proactively notify residents based on tax-record matches.
Quite possibly. Short-tenure contractor employment with rapid moves between Maryland, Virginia, and DC is one of the most common Maryland unclaimed property fact patterns.