State Unclaimed Property in New Mexico
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD) holds unclaimed property — dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, 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 that they are the legal heir or estate representative.
Administering agency
New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department — Unclaimed Property Unit
Authority
NMSA 1978, §§ 7-8A-1 through 7-8A-31 (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act)
State Unclaimed Property in New Mexico: key facts
- Administering office
- New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, Unclaimed Property Unit.
- Official search
- nmclaims.unclaimedproperty.com (free search and online claims); missingmoney.com for a multi-state search.
- Heir claim documents
- Proof of substantive entitlement to the funds under applicable heirship laws and a copy of the death certificate, plus proof that the owner lived or received mail at the address listed on the property record. TRD applies these instructions to claims for a decedent whose estate was not previously subject to probate, or where probate was previously closed, and states it may require additional evidence in some cases.
- Decision window
- TRD has 90 days from the date a claim is filed to approve or deny it, and an additional 30 days to pay an approved claim (NMSA 1978, § 7-8A-15).
- Small estate option
- New Mexico treats an estate as a "small estate" when the decedent's total estate is worth less than $50,000 and includes no real property (NMSA 1978, § 45-3-1201). The property can then be distributed without probate using an Affidavit of Successor in Interest, if at least 30 days have passed since the death and no probate has been filed. The affidavit must be signed by the person entitled to the property and notarized.
Governing law: NMSA 1978, §§ 7-8A-1 through 7-8A-31 (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act)
Steps to take when someone dies
- Search nmclaims.unclaimedproperty.com for the deceased's name and prior addresses, and run a multi-state search at missingmoney.com.
- File a claim as the deceased owner's legal representative with:
- A copy of the death certificate
- Proof of substantive entitlement to the funds under applicable heirship laws
- Proof that the owner lived or received mail at the address listed on the property record
- TRD reviews the claim and issues a decision within 90 days, then pays an approved claim within 30 days.
New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department — Unclaimed Property Unit
Phone: 1-866-285-2996
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
Search nmclaims.unclaimedproperty.com, then file a claim as the owner's legal representative with a copy of the death certificate, proof of substantive entitlement to the funds under applicable heirship laws, and proof that the owner lived or received mail at the address listed on the property record. The Taxation and Revenue Department may require additional evidence in some cases.
The Taxation and Revenue Department has 90 days from the date a claim is filed to approve or deny it, and an additional 30 days to pay an approved claim.
The Taxation and Revenue Department safeguards unclaimed funds and returns them to owners as they come forward, and publishes no filing deadline for an owner or an heir.
Sources
Data sourced from State Unclaimed Property in New Mexico primary sources (5 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department — Unclaimed Property Unit
Authority
NMSA 1978, §§ 7-8A-1 through 7-8A-31 (Uniform Unclaimed Property Act)