State Unclaimed Property in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Commerce holds unclaimed property — dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payouts, and similar assets — until the owner or their heirs claim it. Heirs of a deceased owner file a claim on the form prescribed by the commissioner with proof of death and authority to act for the estate.
Administering agency
Minnesota Department of Commerce — Unclaimed Property
Authority
Minn. Stat. 345.31 to 345.60; §§ 345.49, 345.50
State Unclaimed Property in Minnesota: key facts
- Administering office
- Minnesota Department of Commerce, Unclaimed Property program.
- Official search
- unclaimedproperty.mn.gov (free search and online claims); a multi-state search is available at missingmoney.com.
- Heir claim documents
- A claim on the commissioner's prescribed form with proof of death; a claimant relying on a will, trust, or court order may submit only the portions needed to establish the claim (Minn. Stat. 345.49).
- Phone
- 651-539-1545; 1-800-925-5668 (toll-free); unclaimed.property@state.mn.us.
- Small estate option
- Heirs may collect personal property (including intangible assets and debts owed to the decedent) without opening full probate by presenting a Minn. Stat. 524.3-1201 affidavit when the net probate estate is $75,000 or less and at least 30 days have elapsed since death. The paying party is discharged to the same extent as dealing with a personal representative (Minn. Stat. 524.3-1202).
Governing law: Minn. Stat. 345.31 to 345.60; §§ 345.49, 345.50
Steps to take when someone dies
- Search unclaimedproperty.mn.gov for the deceased's name and prior addresses, and run a multi-state search at missingmoney.com.
- File a claim with the Department of Commerce as the estate representative or heir:
- The claim form prescribed by the commissioner
- Proof of death and identification
- For a claim based on a will, trust, or court order, only the portions needed to establish the claim (Minn. Stat. 345.49)
- The commissioner considers the claim, may hold a hearing, and on an approved claim makes payment without deduction for notice, sale, or service charges (Minn. Stat. 345.50).
Frequently asked questions
Search unclaimedproperty.mn.gov, then file a claim with the Minnesota Department of Commerce on the commissioner's prescribed form with proof of death and proof of your authority to act for the estate. A claim based on a will, trust, or court order needs only the portions of the document required to establish it.
Under Minn. Stat. 345.50, the commissioner of commerce considers each filed claim, may hold a hearing, and on an approved claim makes payment without deduction for the costs of notice, sale, or service charges.
There is generally no deadline. The Department of Commerce holds unclaimed property in perpetuity, or until the rightful owner or heirs come forward to claim it.
Sources
Data sourced from State Unclaimed Property in Minnesota primary sources (8 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Minnesota Department of Commerce — Unclaimed Property
Authority
Minn. Stat. 345.31 to 345.60; §§ 345.49, 345.50