State Unclaimed Property in Washington: when someone dies
A 4-step process for Washington Department of Revenue — Unclaimed Property (UCP) after a death in Washington.
OverviewWhen someone dies
Administering agency
Washington Department of Revenue — Unclaimed Property (UCP)
WebsiteVisit website →
Authority
Chapter 63.30 RCW (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act); RCW 11.62.010 (small estate affidavit)
Verified Jul 2026
Steps to take
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- The Department of Revenue reviews the claim — allow up to 90 days — and mails payment 2 to 3 weeks after approval.
Washington Department of Revenue — Unclaimed Property (UCP)
Phone: 360-534-1502 (Option 1)
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
Search ucp.dor.wa.gov and file an online claim. If probate is open, the executor or administrator files with current Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration dated within the last 12 months. If probate has closed, an heir files with the certified will or trust, or the Declaration of Completion of Probate. If there was no probate, an heir files with a notarized Affidavit of Successor, which the Department of Revenue provides after the claim is filed. Every path requires a signed claim form, photo ID, and a death certificate.
Under RCW 63.30.040, most property is presumed abandoned after three years with no contact from the owner. Property held by a government entity, unpaid wages, and utility deposits are presumed abandoned after one year; money orders after five years.
There is no time limit for filing a claim. The Department of Revenue is the custodian and holds the funds until the rightful owner or their heirs come forward. The one exception is property reported by the FDIC, which is held for ten years and then returned to the FDIC.
Yes. The Department of Revenue has an Heir — No Probate path: the heir files the claim and DOR sends a notarized Affidavit of Successor to complete. Separately, RCW 11.62.010 lets a successor collect a decedent's personal property by affidavit 40 days after death when the entire probate estate, less liens and encumbrances, does not exceed $100,000, no personal representative has been appointed, the decedent's debts are paid or provided for, and the other successors have had 10 days' written notice.
Claims are processed in the order received and can take up to 90 days. Department of Revenue staff contact you if more information is needed, and funds are mailed 2 to 3 weeks after a claim is approved. Contact ucp@dor.wa.gov or 360-534-1502, Option 1 to check status.
Sources
Data sourced from State Unclaimed Property in Washington primary sources (6 pages reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Washington Department of Revenue — Unclaimed Property (UCP)
WebsiteVisit website →
Authority
Chapter 63.30 RCW (Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act); RCW 11.62.010 (small estate affidavit)
Verified Jul 2026