Unclaimed Money in Texas
Search Texas unclaimed property — also called missing money — for free. Texas holds it indefinitely until you or your heirs claim it.
How Texas's unclaimed property works
When a business in Texas 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 Texas's unclaimed property division after a dormancy period. The money sits there indefinitely, waiting for you (or your heirs) to claim it.
What makes Texas different
Texas runs the second-largest unclaimed property program in the country and the Comptroller's office returns very large sums each year. The roll is dominated by oil-and-gas royalty interests across the Permian, Eagle Ford, Barnett, and Haynesville basins — small fractional working interests separated from owners over generations of inheritance escheat in enormous numbers. Houston energy-corporate equity, the state's huge service-sector payroll, and cross-border worker wages also contribute heavily. Finder fees are capped at 10% by statute and finder oversight is strict.
Texas's law and holding agency
- Holding agency
- Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, Unclaimed Property Division
- Governing statute
- Texas Property Code, Chapter 72–75 (Unclaimed Property) — Tex. Prop. Code §§ 72–75
- General dormancy period
- 3 years for most property; 1 year for wages
- Wages: 1 year
- Utility deposits: 1 year
- Mineral royalties: 3 years
- Money orders: 3 years
Finder fees and recovery services in Texas
You never need to pay anyone to claim your own money in Texas — the state returns it directly through the official portal above. But for complex claims (heir property, multi-state, dissolved entities), some people hire a state-licensed recovery service. Texas's rules:
- Finder fee cap: 10% (statutory)
- Regulation: Finders must be registered with the Comptroller; agreements signed within the first reporting cycle after property is received are restricted, and the contract must be on a statutorily-required form.
What gets reported in Texas
- Uncashed paychecks from Texas employers
- Dormant bank and credit-union accounts
- Insurance policy proceeds (life, auto, health refunds)
- Utility deposits when you moved out of Texas
- 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 Texas database: claimittexas.gov.
- File the claim form. Most Texasclaims 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 Texas claims need a notarized signature. Online notaries run $5–$25.
- Wait for review. Texas 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 Texas unclaimed property
Yes. Texas returns your money directly. There is no fee to file or claim through the official portal.
Indefinitely. Texas, 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 Texas or the state of residence. Heir claims are higher-value but more paperwork — consider a state-licensed recovery service for complex cases.
10% by statute, finders must be registered with the Comptroller, and the contract must be on a state-required form. If a finder is asking for more, the agreement is unenforceable.
Very likely. Small fractional Permian, Eagle Ford, and Barnett royalty interests held in unclear chains of inheritance are one of the largest categories on Texas's roll. Search by every family name that may have held the interest.
Related guides
- Are unclaimed money finders legit? When the fee is worth it
- Unclaimed money finder fee caps by state: the complete table
- Unclaimed money from a deceased relative: heir claim checklist