Unclaimed Money in Washington
Search Washington unclaimed property — also called missing money — for free. Washington holds it indefinitely until you or your heirs claim it.
How Washington's unclaimed property works
When a business in Washington 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 Washington different
Washington runs unclaimed property out of the Department of Revenue, which lets the state cross-match owners against tax records (sales tax registration, business filings) — a useful tool given Washington has no individual income tax. The roll is shaped by huge tech-employer equity (Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks, T-Mobile, Expedia) — RSUs that vest after employees leave, post-IPO holdings, dividend reinvestments — plus aerospace payroll from Boeing's long tail of contractions and supplier shifts.
Washington's law and holding agency
- Holding agency
- Washington State Department of Revenue, Unclaimed Property Section
- General dormancy period
- 3 years for most property; 1 year for wages
- Wages: 1 year
- Utility deposits: 1 year
- Securities: 3 years
What gets reported in Washington
- Uncashed paychecks from Washington employers
- Dormant bank and credit-union accounts
- Insurance policy proceeds (life, auto, health refunds)
- Utility deposits when you moved out of Washington
- 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 Washington database: missingmoney.com.
- File the claim form. Most Washingtonclaims 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 Washington claims need a notarized signature. Online notaries run $5–$25.
- Wait for review. Washington 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 Washington unclaimed property
Yes. Washington returns your money directly. There is no fee to file or claim through the official portal.
Indefinitely. Washington, 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 Washington or the state of residence. Heir claims are higher-value but more paperwork — consider a state-licensed recovery service for complex cases.
Often yes. RSUs that vested after you left, dividend-reinvested shares, fractional holdings, and other stock plan items from Seattle-area tech and aerospace employers are heavily represented on Washington's roll when transfer agents lose track of former employees.
Use the Department of Revenue's portal at ucp.dor.wa.gov, or MissingMoney.com.