State Unclaimed Property in Utah

State Unclaimed Property in Utah: key facts

Administering office

Utah State Treasurer, Unclaimed Property Division.

Official search

mycash.utah.gov (free search and online claims).

Heir claim documents

A completed Affidavit for Collection of Unclaimed Property (the Division's own form), with every question answered; a clear copy of your photo identification or a notarized claim form; verification that the deceased owner lived or received mail at the address reported by the holder; and documentation of your relationship or right to claim, such as an obituary or court documents naming you as the estate's representative. The Division asks for proof of the deceased owner's Social Security number (normally from the death certificate) and states that providing it is optional, but that without it there may be insufficient information to determine ownership, which may result in the claim being denied.

Holding period

Utah holds unclaimed property in a custodial capacity until the rightful owner or heir is found; there is no deadline for the owner or their heirs to file a claim.

Small estate option

When the entire estate subject to administration (wherever located, less liens and encumbrances) does not exceed $100,000 and 30 days have elapsed since the death, a successor may collect personal property on a small estate affidavit under Utah Code 75-3-1201. For property of a decedent valued at $100,000 or less, Utah Code 67-4a-903(3) lets one or more heirs file a single claim for all heirs, filed with an affidavit satisfying Section 75-3-1201 and the Division's fiduciary-distribution form.

Claim processing time

The administrator must allow or deny the claim and notify the claimant of the decision within 90 days of filing. If the administrator does not act within the 90-day period, the claim is considered denied (Utah Code 67-4a-904(2), (4)).

If a claim is denied

The administrator must state the reason for the denial and specify what additional evidence is required. The claimant may file an amended claim, which is treated as an initial claim, or commence an action against the administrator in district court within one year after filing the claim (Utah Code 67-4a-904(3), 67-4a-906).

Governing law: Utah Code Title 67, Chapter 4a (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act)

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Search mycash.utah.gov for the deceased's name and prior addresses, and run a multi-state search at missingmoney.com.
2. File a claim as the estate representative or heir with:
   • A completed Affidavit for Collection of Unclaimed Property, the Division's own form, answering every question
   • A clear copy of your photo identification, or a notarized claim form
   • Verification the deceased owner lived or received mail at the address reported by the holder, and proof of the deceased owner's Social Security number — normally from the death certificate; the Division states this proof is optional, but that without it a claim may be denied for insufficient information
   • Documentation of your right to claim — an obituary, or court documents naming you as the estate's representative if a personal representative has been appointed
3. Submit through the MyCash portal or by mail as instructed in the claim packet, and respond to any document requests from the Unclaimed Property Division. Where a notarized signature is requested, mail the original signed form as well.
4. The administrator has 90 days to allow or deny the claim after it is filed; if no decision is issued, the claim is considered denied, and the claimant may file an amended claim or bring an action in district court within one year of filing.

Frequently asked questions