State Unclaimed Property in Georgia

State Unclaimed Property in Georgia: key facts

Administering office

Georgia Department of Revenue, Unclaimed Property Program.

Official search

gaclaims.unclaimedproperty.com (free search and online claims). For property held by other states, the Department points to unclaimed.org.

Searching for an estate

Search with the decedent's name; the Social Security number and/or the estate's Federal Employer Identification Number help identify property.

Heir claim without a probate order

Since July 1, 2026, an heir — an adult spouse, child, parent, or sibling of the deceased owner — can claim without a probate court order when the Department holds $7,500 or less in total for that owner and no Georgia probate proceeding is pending or has ever been filed. The claim takes 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. Each person who receives property is personally liable for lawful claims against the estate up to the value received.

Processing time

Most claims are paid within 30 days; the process may take up to 90 days. The Department publishes that claims cannot be paid electronically — a paper check is mailed to the address on the claim — although O.C.G.A. 44-12-220(c)(2), effective July 1, 2026, also permits an approved claim to be paid by electronic transmission.

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

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Search gaclaims.unclaimedproperty.com for the deceased's name and prior addresses; search other states through unclaimed.org.
2. Register for a free account and file a claim as the heir or estate representative. A claim filed on behalf of an estate must be submitted on a printed claim form, and the Department may request additional documentation:
   • 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
3. If the owner died, the Department holds $7,500 or less for them, and no Georgia probate proceeding is pending or has ever been filed, file the affidavit signed by all heirs under O.C.G.A. 44-12-220(i) instead of obtaining a probate court order — with a copy of the will if the owner died testate.
4. Track the claim status online; the Department mails a paper check, generally within 30 to 90 days.

Frequently asked questions