State Unclaimed Property in Nevada
The Nevada State Treasurer 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 with proof of death and proof of their authority to act for the estate.
Administering agency
Nevada State Treasurer — Unclaimed Property
Authority
NRS Chapter 120A (Unclaimed Property — Uniform Act)
State Unclaimed Property in Nevada: key facts
- Administering office
- Nevada State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property. Claims line (702) 486-4140; unclaimedproperty@nevadatreasurer.gov.
- Official search
- nvup.gov (free search and online claims); multi-state search at missingmoney.com.
- When property is held
- Most property is presumed abandoned and turned over to the State 3 years after the owner's last activity (1 year for unpaid wages); the State then holds it until claimed (NRS 120A.500).
- Deceased-owner documents
- A certified copy of the death certificate, photo ID, and proof of your Social Security number or the estate/trust tax ID, plus proof of authority. Probate court documents are required if the estate is more than $25,000; otherwise heirs may use an Affidavit of Heirship, a notarized Small Estate Affidavit, and (for multiple heirs) a Release of Heir Affidavit.
- Small estate option
- The Treasurer accepts Form UP-45 (Small Estate Affidavit) in lieu of probate court documents where the entire estate's gross property does not exceed $25,000 and includes no real property. The affiant must wait at least 40 days after the decedent's death, and must have given written notice at least 14 days earlier to every person whose right to succeed is equal or superior (NRS 146.080).
- Claim processing time
- The portal advises that claims can take up to 120 days to review and pay. By statute the Administrator must allow or deny a claim within 90 days of filing, and pay or deliver within 30 days after a claim is allowed (NRS 120A.640(2)-(3)).
Governing law: NRS Chapter 120A (Unclaimed Property — Uniform Act)
Steps to take when someone dies
- Search nvup.gov for the deceased's name and prior addresses, and run a multi-state search at missingmoney.com.
- File a claim as the heir, administrator, executor, or trustee with documentation:
- A certified copy of the owner's death certificate
- A copy of the court order appointing the personal representative if the estate is over $25,000 and probate is open
- An Affidavit of Heirship, a notarized Small Estate Affidavit, or the will/trust if probate is not required
- Sign the claim form before a notary and submit it with photo identification and proof of your Social Security or estate tax ID number.
- Upload the documents the claim form lists at nvup.gov/app/claim-doc-upload; the claim is not eligible for review until they are uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
Search nvup.gov, then file a claim as the heir, administrator, executor, or trustee with a certified copy of the death certificate and proof of authority. Probate court documents are required if the estate is over $25,000; smaller estates may use an Affidavit of Heirship and a notarized Small Estate Affidavit.
The Nevada Unclaimed Property Office requires probate court documents when the estate is more than $25,000. The claimant decides whether the property combined with other estate assets crosses that threshold.
No. Once property is turned over to the Nevada State Treasurer, the State holds it until the owner or their heirs claim it, so there is generally no deadline for heirs to file.
Yes, within limits. The Treasurer's Form UP-45 (Small Estate Affidavit) may be used in place of probate court documents only where the entire estate's gross property does not exceed $25,000 and includes no real property. The affiant must swear that at least 40 days have elapsed since the death and that written notice was given at least 14 days earlier to every person whose right to succeed is equal or superior (NRS 146.080). Once the Administrator allows the claim, payment must be issued within 30 days (NRS 120A.640(3)).
Sources
Data sourced from State Unclaimed Property in Nevada primary sources (6 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Nevada State Treasurer — Unclaimed Property
Authority
NRS Chapter 120A (Unclaimed Property — Uniform Act)