State Unclaimed Property in Arkansas

State Unclaimed Property in Arkansas: key facts

Administering office

Arkansas Auditor of State, Unclaimed Property Division (Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt).

Official search

claimitar.gov (free search and online claims); multi-state search at missingmoney.com.

Dormancy

Property generally becomes subject to the Unclaimed Property Act between three and seven years after dormancy; some property takes as little as one year, and traveler's checks as long as fifteen (18 CAR 21-301).

Claim documents

Every claim requires a copy of a government-issued ID and a Social Security number (or FEIN). To claim a deceased owner's property, an heir must also prove heirship — for example, a probated will or an affidavit of heirship.

Affidavit of heirship

The Auditor's form affidavit of heirship can establish a decedent's heirs where there is no probated will or estate, for properties or claims valued at less than $10,000 (18 CAR 21-404(b)(2)).

Large intestate claims

For intestate heir claims greater than $10,000, a court order establishing the claimant's ownership rights is required (18 CAR 21-404(b)(3)). If the owner died intestate, the Auditor applies the intestate descent table in Ark. Code Ann. 28-9-214.

Notarization

A notarized claim form is required only when the claim is $1,000 or more, or contains shares of stock or the contents of a safe deposit box. E-signature is limited to single-owner claims under $5,000.

Claim processing time

Unless extended for reasonable cause, the Auditor of State must issue a decision no later than 90 days after a claim is complete (18 CAR 21-402(d)).

Governing law: Ark. Code Ann. 18-28-201 et seq. (Unclaimed Property Act)

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Search claimitar.gov for the deceased's name and prior addresses, and run a multi-state search at missingmoney.com.
2. File a claim as the estate representative or heir with:
   • A copy of a government-issued ID and a Social Security number (or FEIN) — required on every claim
   • Documentation proving heirship — a probated will, or the Auditor's affidavit of heirship for claims under $10,000
   • A court order establishing ownership, for intestate heir claims greater than $10,000
   • A notarized claim form, if the claim is $1,000 or more or includes stock or safe deposit box contents
3. Upload supporting documents at claimitar.gov/app/claim-doc-upload, then track the claim at claimitar.gov/app/claim-status-search.
4. The Unclaimed Property Division reviews the claim and, when approved, mails a check. Checks are processed weekly and typically mailed on Fridays.

Frequently asked questions