State Unclaimed Property in Maryland

State Unclaimed Property in Maryland: key facts

Administering office

Comptroller of Maryland, Unclaimed Property Division.

Official search

claimitmd.gov (free search and online claim filing).

Dormancy period

Most property is presumed abandoned and reported to the state after it remains unclaimed for more than 3 years (Md. Code, Commercial Law 17-308). The Comptroller reports a 1-year period for nursing home accounts and 15 years for uncashed travelers checks.

Heir claim documents

A copy of the owner's death certificate plus relevant authority documents — letters of administration, small estate papers, or a true test copy of a court order. Every claimant also submits a government-issued photo ID and documentation of their Social Security number. The Division may request additional documentation on review.

Who may claim for a deceased owner

A court-appointed estate representative. If there is no representative, or the estate is already closed, the surviving spouse or a non-blood relative appointed by the court may file.

Small estate option

Estates with probate assets of $50,000 or less (or $100,000 or less when the surviving spouse is the sole heir or legatee) qualify for Maryland small estate administration through the Register of Wills using Form RW1103. For estates opened on or after 10/1/2022 there is no Register of Wills fee. The resulting small estate papers serve as the authority document on an unclaimed property claim.

Claim processing time

The Comptroller directs claimants who have not received a decision within 60 to 90 business days to check the claim status using the Claim ID on claimitmd.gov.

Governing law: Md. Code, Commercial Law Title 17; 17-308

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Search claimitmd.gov for the deceased's name and prior addresses, and run a multi-state search at missingmoney.com.
2. File the claim online at claimitmd.gov (or complete the paper Claim Form ST912 and email it to unclaim@marylandtaxes.gov), with:
   • A copy of the owner's death certificate
   • Letters of administration, small estate papers, or a true test copy of the court order appointing you
   • A copy of your government-issued photo ID
   • Documentation showing your full Social Security number
3. Upload any additional documents the Division requests through the Upload Claim Documentation page.
4. The Division reviews the claim and issues a decision; check the claim status with your Claim ID if you have not heard back within 60 to 90 business days.

Frequently asked questions