State Unclaimed Property in California

State Unclaimed Property in California: key facts

Administering office

California State Controller's Office, Unclaimed Property Division.

Official search and claim

claimit.ca.gov (free search and online claims).

Who may file for a deceased owner

An heir, a trustee, or the personal representative, executor, or administrator of the estate.

Heir claim documents

A certified death certificate, proof of relationship to the deceased owner (such as a certified birth certificate), and court or estate documents — including a Declaration Under Probate Code 13101 for small estates.

Small estate option (Probate Code 13101)

Heirs may submit a notarized Declaration Under Probate Code 13101 instead of full probate documents when the gross value of the decedent's California property subject to the procedure does not exceed $208,850 (for deaths on or after April 1, 2025; $184,500 for deaths April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2025). The SCO provides its own declaration form on the forms page.

Claim processing time

California law allows the State Controller's Office up to 180 days from receipt of a complete claim package to review documentation and approve the claim. Cash-only property owner claims may be processed in as little as 30 to 60 days.