Unclaimed Money in Minnesota
Search Minnesota unclaimed property — also called missing money — for free. Minnesota holds it indefinitely until you or your heirs claim it.
How Minnesota's unclaimed property works
When a business in Minnesota 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 Minnesota different
Minnesota's unclaimed property program lives inside the Department of Commerce rather than the Treasurer or Revenue, which is unusual and reflects the state's emphasis on consumer protection. The roll is heavily shaped by the Twin Cities corporate base — UnitedHealth, 3M, Target, Best Buy, US Bank, Ameriprise, General Mills, Cargill — meaning corporate equity, dividends, and stock plan items are unusually well-represented. Iron Range mining royalties and Boundary Waters seasonal-resort payroll surface on the rural side.
Minnesota's law and holding agency
- Holding agency
- Minnesota Department of Commerce, Unclaimed Property Division
- General dormancy period
- 3 years for most property; 1 year for wages
- Wages: 1 year
- Utility deposits: 1 year
What gets reported in Minnesota
- Uncashed paychecks from Minnesota employers
- Dormant bank and credit-union accounts
- Insurance policy proceeds (life, auto, health refunds)
- Utility deposits when you moved out of Minnesota
- 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 Minnesota database: missingmoney.com.
- File the claim form. Most Minnesotaclaims 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 Minnesota claims need a notarized signature. Online notaries run $5–$25.
- Wait for review. Minnesota 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 Minnesota unclaimed property
Yes. Minnesota returns your money directly. There is no fee to file or claim through the official portal.
Indefinitely. Minnesota, 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 Minnesota or the state of residence. Heir claims are higher-value but more paperwork — consider a state-licensed recovery service for complex cases.
Minnesota statute places the program under the Department of Commerce as part of its broader consumer-protection mandate. Functionally for claimants, it works the same as a Treasurer-run program.
Yes — stock plan items from UnitedHealth, 3M, Target, Best Buy, US Bank, and Ameriprise are well-represented on Minnesota's roll when transfer agents lose track of former employees.