State Unclaimed Property in Arkansas
The Arkansas Auditor of State holds unclaimed property — dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, and similar assets — through the Great Arkansas Treasure Hunt until the owner or their heirs claim it. The owner, the estate, or a lawful heir may file a claim, at no charge.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •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
Required Documents
- Copy of a government-issued ID and a Social Security number or FEIN: on every claim
- Probated will or the Auditor's affidavit of heirship: to claim a deceased owner's property; the affidavit only for claims under $10,000
- Court order establishing the claimant's ownership rights: for intestate heir claims greater than $10,000
- Notarized claim form: if the claim is $1,000 or more or includes stock or safe deposit box contents
State Unclaimed Property in Arkansas: key facts
What Arkansas says10
- Official search
The Auditor offers a free search and online claims at claimitar.gov.1
- Property held by other states
The Auditor's FAQ directs multi-state searches to missingmoney.com.2
- Who may claim for a deceased owner
If the owner died intestate, the Auditor applies the intestate descent table in Ark. Code Ann. 28-9-214.3
- Documents for an heir or estate claim
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 with a probated will or an affidavit of heirship.2
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. Single-owner claims under $5,000 that do not include stock, safekeeping, or royalties can be e-signed.2
- Claiming without a probate order
Under 18 CAR 21-404(b)(2), 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 $10,000.3
Under 18 CAR 21-404(b)(3), intestate heir claims greater than $10,000 require a court order establishing the claimant's ownership rights.3
- Processing time
Under 18 CAR 21-402(d), unless extended for reasonable cause, the Auditor of State must issue a decision no later than 90 days after a claim is complete.3
- Deadline to claim
The Auditor of State keeps unclaimed property for the rightful owners indefinitely, so there is no time limit for the owner or their heirs to file.2
- Fees
There is no charge to file a claim, and the Auditor's representatives help claimants at no cost.2
- Dormancy period
18 CAR 21-301 makes property generally 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.3
- How an approved claim is paid
When a claim is approved, the Unclaimed Property Division mails a check. Checks are processed weekly and typically mailed on Fridays.1
Governing law: Ark. Code Ann. 18-28-201 et seq. (Unclaimed Property Act)
Deadlines1
- The Auditor of State issues a decision on the claim, unless extended for reasonable cause
within 90 days of the claim is complete3
Forms Arkansas uses1
- Affidavit of heirship
The Auditor's form for establishing a decedent's heirs where there is no probated will or estate, for properties or claims valued at less than $10,000.3
Not in Arkansas's published guidance1
- A death certificate requirement
Arkansas unclaimed property
Arkansas Auditor of State, Unclaimed Property Division
Phone
Website
Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Arkansas
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Arkansas: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Arkansas: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 daysArk. Code § 28-49-110Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsArk. Code §§ 28-50-101, 28-50-103, 28-50-104, 28-50-105, 28-50-106, 28-1-112, 28-40-111Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
What Is the Estate's Personal Property Worth for Probate?
Estimate the fair market value of household items for probate and see how it affects fees.
Who Inherits Without a Will?
Without a will in Arkansas, descendants divide what passes to them per capita with representationArk. Code §§ 28-9-204, 28-9-205Verified Oct 21, 2026View source, and an heir must survive the decedent by 120 hoursArk. Code § 28-10-202Verified Oct 21, 2026View source to inherit.
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