Unclaimed Money in Wyoming
Search Wyoming unclaimed property — also called missing money — for free. Wyoming holds it indefinitely until you or your heirs claim it.
How Wyoming's unclaimed property works
When a business in Wyoming 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 Wyoming different
Wyoming has the smallest population of any US state but holds disproportionately large per-capita unclaimed property because of mineral royalties — coal from the Powder River Basin, natural gas from the Jonah and Pinedale fields, oil from the Bighorn and elsewhere, plus uranium and trona. Many royalty interests have been inherited by out-of-state descendants who don't realize they hold the rights. Yellowstone and Grand Teton seasonal hospitality payroll also contributes a steady stream of unclaimed wages from workers who left the state quickly.
Wyoming's law and holding agency
- Holding agency
- Wyoming State Treasurer's Office, Unclaimed Property Division
- General dormancy period
- 5 years for most property; 1 year for wages
- Wages: 1 year
- Utility deposits: 1 year
- Mineral royalties: 5 years
What gets reported in Wyoming
- Uncashed paychecks from Wyoming employers
- Dormant bank and credit-union accounts
- Insurance policy proceeds (life, auto, health refunds)
- Utility deposits when you moved out of Wyoming
- 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 Wyoming database: missingmoney.com.
- File the claim form. Most Wyomingclaims 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 Wyoming claims need a notarized signature. Online notaries run $5–$25.
- Wait for review. Wyoming 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 Wyoming unclaimed property
Yes. Wyoming returns your money directly. There is no fee to file or claim through the official portal.
Indefinitely. Wyoming, 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 Wyoming or the state of residence. Heir claims are higher-value but more paperwork — consider a state-licensed recovery service for complex cases.
Quite possibly. Powder River coal, Jonah/Pinedale gas, and other Wyoming mineral royalty interests held by out-of-state heirs are a major category on the Treasurer's roll. Search every family name that may have held the interest.
Frequently yes. Seasonal hospitality and concessionaire payroll (Xanterra, Aramark, lodge operators) is a recurring source because workers leave Wyoming before final pay reconciliations reach them.