How to Get Lists of Unclaimed Property in Missouri

The state treasurer maintains the unclaimed property lists.

Businesses, banks and government agencies handle money and assets daily. These entities are often left holding property and assets left behind by former clients or deceased citizens. After a diligent search for the property owners, these entities are required by state law to turn the unclaimed property over to the state. In Missouri, property abandoned for five years must be turned over to the state treasurer. The treasurer maintains a database of unclaimed property that can be searched by the public at large.

Instructions

1. Gather the first and last name of the owner of the property. This information is the most important when searching for unclaimed property because the databases are searched by name only. If the owner changed names, try to get all of the names ever used by the property owner.

2. Find out any addresses used by the property owner in Missouri. While the database search is done using the last name, the search results return information with the name and address. If you have addresses, you can compare those with the ones found in the database to narrow your search for unclaimed property.

3. Conduct a search of the online database of unclaimed property found at the home page of the Missouri State Treasurer's office using the first and last names of the property owner. The search will return all results for the name along with the address related to the name. The home page of the state treasurer also gives an address to send written inquiries about unclaimed property if you do not wish to conduct the search online.

4. File a paperless claim online at the state treasurer website or complete a claim form available from the state treasurer's Office. If you choose to complete a claim form, you must indicate the name of the property owner and provide the information listed on the form.

5. Await the decision of the state treasurer's office. An employee will contact you to indicate whether the assets will be turned over to you or if more documentation is needed. The office states that it is dedicated to reuniting owners with their assets.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are an heir of a property owner, you will need to provide a will or other legal documentation to prove your rightful claim to the property.

References

• Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel: Unclaimed Property -- Missouri's Largest Lost & Found
• Missouri State Treasurer Clint Zweifel: Frequently Asked Questions About Unclaimed Property