State Unclaimed Property in Washington

State Unclaimed Property in Washington: key facts

Administering agency

Washington Department of Revenue, Unclaimed Property program.

Official search and claim portal

ucp.dor.wa.gov (free search; online claim filing).

Dormancy period

Three years of no owner contact for most property (bank deposits, retail credits, matured insurance proceeds). One year for property held by a government entity, for unpaid wages, and for utility deposits; five years for money orders (RCW 63.30.040).

Who may claim

The original owner as reported, an heir of the original owner, a beneficiary, or the personal representative while the estate is in probate.

Documents — probate open (executor or administrator)

Signed claim form, photo ID, death certificate, current Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration, proof of the mailing address you want the funds sent to, and proof of the address reported on the property if one was reported. The Letters must be dated within 12 months of the day the claim is filed; if older, DOR may also require a current bank statement for the estate. A person acting as executor without a court appointment cannot file as executor and must use the heir (no probate) path instead.

Documents — no probate (heir)

Signed claim form, photo ID, death certificate, a copy of the will or trust if one exists, current mailing addresses for all heirs, proof of the mailing address you want the funds sent to, proof of the address reported on the property if one was reported, and a notarized Affidavit of Successor — a DOR form provided to you after you file the claim. If the decedent was not a Washington resident at death, DOR requires a notarized small estate affidavit instead.

Documents — probate closed (heir)

Signed claim form, photo ID, death certificate, current mailing addresses for all heirs, proof of the mailing address you want the funds sent to, proof of the address reported on the property if one was reported, and either a certified copy of the will or trust, or — where there was no will — a copy of the Declaration of Completion of Probate.

Small estate affidavit (RCW 11.62.010)

A successor may collect a decedent's personal property by affidavit at any time 40 days after death if the decedent was a Washington resident at death, the entire probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $100,000, no personal representative has been appointed, all debts including funeral expenses are paid or provided for, and at least 10 days have passed since written notice to all other successors. A copy of the affidavit, including the decedent's Social Security number, must be mailed to the DSHS Office of Financial Recovery (RCW 11.62.010(5)).

Claim processing time

The FAQ says claims are processed in the order received and can take up to 90 days, but the Department of Revenue currently posts a notice asking claimants to allow a minimum of 90 business days because of heavy claim volume. Staff contact you if more information is needed, and funds are mailed 2 to 3 weeks after a claim is approved.

Governing law: Chapter 63.30 RCW (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act); RCW 11.62.010 (small estate affidavit)

Steps to take when someone dies

1. Search ucp.dor.wa.gov for the deceased's name and prior Washington addresses, and run a multi-state search at unclaimed.org, the national site the Department of Revenue points claimants to.
2. File the claim through the UCP portal, choosing the claimant relationship that matches your situation:
   • Probate Open/Active — the executor or administrator files, with Letters dated within the last 12 months
   • Probate Closed — an heir files, with the certified will or trust, or the Declaration of Completion of Probate
   • Heir — No Probate — an heir files, with the will or trust if one exists and a notarized Affidavit of Successor (DOR sends you the form after you file)
3. Upload the supporting documents through Upload Claim Documentation on the UCP site using your claim ID; questions go to ucp@dor.wa.gov or 360-534-1502, Option 1.
4. The Department of Revenue reviews the claim — its current notice asks claimants to allow a minimum of 90 business days — and mails payment 2 to 3 weeks after approval.

Frequently asked questions