Georgia Department of Revenue, Unclaimed Property Program
Georgia · Unclaimed Property
dor.georgia.gov/unclaimed-property-programState Unclaimed Property in Georgia
The Georgia Department of Revenue holds unclaimed property — dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and similar assets — until the owner or their heirs claim it. Searching and claiming are free, and an heir or estate representative files the claim on the Department's prescribed claim form.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •The claim form the commissioner prescribes. A claim that does not use it is void (O.C.G.A. 44-12-220(a))
- •A legible copy of the claimant's valid driver's license, or other photographic identification the commissioner accepts
- •A validly executed Unclaimed Property Power of Attorney (Form UP-1061) before Department staff may discuss another owner's claim or property with a third party
Required Documents
- Copy of the claimant's valid driver's license: A legible copy, or other photographic identification the commissioner accepts.
- Affidavit signed by all heirs: when an heir claims without a probate order under O.C.G.A. 44-12-220(i). States that all heirs have agreed on a division of the estate and that funeral expenses, last-illness expenses and other lawful claims against the estate have been paid.
- Copy of the will: when the heirs claim by affidavit and the owner died testate
State Unclaimed Property in Georgia: key facts
What Georgia says8
- Official search
The Department's free search and online claims are at gaclaims.unclaimedproperty.com.1
To search on behalf of an estate, the Department asks for the decedent's name, Social Security number and/or the estate's Federal Employer Identification Number.2
- Property held by other states
For property held by other states, the Department points to unclaimed.org.1
- Who may claim for a deceased owner
For a claim without a probate order, O.C.G.A. 44-12-192(7.1) defines an heir as an adult who is the surviving spouse, child, parent or sibling of the deceased owner.3
- Claiming without a probate order
Since July 1, 2026, O.C.G.A. 44-12-220(i) lets an heir claim without a probate court order when the Department holds $7,500 or less in total for the owner and no Georgia probate proceeding is pending or has ever been filed.4
Each person who receives property under O.C.G.A. 44-12-220(i) is personally liable for lawful claims against the estate, up to the value of the property received.4
- Documents for an heir or estate claim
An heir claiming without a probate order files an affidavit signed by all heirs stating that they have agreed on a division of the estate and that funeral expenses, last-illness expenses and other lawful claims have been paid, plus a copy of the will if the owner died testate.4
O.C.G.A. 44-12-220(a) requires a claim on the form the commissioner prescribes, with a legible copy of the claimant's valid driver's license or other photographic identification the commissioner accepts. A claim not on the prescribed form is void.4
A claim on behalf of an estate or business is submitted on a printed claim form, and the Department may request additional documentation.1
- Processing time
The Department pays most claims within 30 days of receiving them, though the process may take up to 90 days.5
- How an approved claim is paid
The Department states that claims cannot be paid electronically: a paper check is mailed to the address the claimant registered when filing the claim.5
O.C.G.A. 44-12-220(c)(2), effective July 1, 2026, permits payment of an approved claim either by electronic transmission or by check.4
- Deadline to claim
The Department sets no limit for claiming unclaimed property, except excess funds from the sale of an abandoned motor vehicle, which must be claimed within one year.6
Governing law: O.C.G.A. Title 44, Chapter 12, Article 5 (Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act); §§ 44-12-190 to 44-12-239.2
Deadlines1
- Claim for excess funds from the sale of an abandoned motor vehicle
one year6
Forms Georgia uses2
- Claim form
The form the commissioner prescribes for every claim; a claim on behalf of an estate or business is submitted on the printed form.4, 1
- UP-1061: Unclaimed Property Power of Attorney
A validly executed form is required before Department staff may discuss another owner's claim or property with a third party.1
Not in Georgia's published guidance1
- A proof-of-death and Letters Testamentary checklist
Sources6
- 1.Unclaimed Property Program (Georgia Department of Revenue)
- 2.How Do I Search for Unclaimed Property? (Georgia Department of Revenue)
- 3.O.C.G.A. 44-12-192
- 4.O.C.G.A. 44-12-220
- 5.Unclaimed Property Claims FAQs (Georgia Department of Revenue)
- 6.General Unclaimed Property FAQs (Georgia Department of Revenue)
Georgia unclaimed property
Georgia Department of Revenue, Unclaimed Property Program
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Tools for Planning and Settling an Estate in Georgia
Free calculators and checklists for planning or settling an estate in Georgia: will and trust costs, probate, executor pay, and inheritance taxes.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Georgia: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 180 daysO.C.G.A. §§ 53-7-30, 53-7-31, 53-7-32, 53-7-33Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 3 monthsO.C.G.A. §§ 53-7-40, 53-7-41, 53-7-42, 53-7-43, 9-3-36Verified 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 Georgia, descendants divide what passes to them per stirpesO.C.G.A. § 53-2-1Verified Sep 10, 2026View source, and the state sets no survival period for heirs.
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