General Unclaimed Property FAQs

  • Is there a time limit to claim abandoned property?

    There is no limit to claim unclaimed property except for excess funds from the sale of an abandoned motor vehicle which are limited to one year.  

  • Do I have to pay a fee to recover my property?

    No.  You can reclaim property free of any fees.

    In Georgia it is legal for Claimants’ Designated Representatives also know as “finders” or “locators” to provide unclaimed property location services in Georgia provided they are registered with the state and follow all regulations.

    Using a Claimants’ Designated Representatives (CDR) may be convenient for some individuals. However, using a CDR service is not required to claim your unclaimed property.

    Georgia continues to provide a free, easy way for you to locate and collect your Unclaimed Property on your own.

    Search for Unclaimed Property in other states.

  • I was contacted by a Claimants’ Designated Representatives (CDR) regarding unclaimed property. Is this legitimate?

    Yes. In Georgia it is legal for CDR’s to provide unclaimed property location services provided the CDR is registered with the state and follows all regulations.

    Using a CDR service is not required to claim your unclaimed property. Georgia continues to provide a free, easy way for you to locate and collect your Unclaimed Property on your own.

  • How do I research the names of friends and family?

    You can research any name by using the Georgia Unclaimed Property search.

    Search for unclaimed property in other states by visiting www.unclaimed.org.

  • What to do if I receive a letter about Unclaimed Property?

    An unclaimed property due diligence letter is an organization's last attempt to contact you before escheating your property to the state.  

    If you do not respond to the letter, the property will be escheated to the state and may be recovered from the Georgia Unclaimed Property Program. 

  • How do I find out about unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds?

    Please visit the U.S. Treasury’s website at https://www.treasurydirect.gov/ to search for unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds. 

  • What if I believe I have unclaimed real estate?

    The Unclaimed Property Program does not serve as custodian over real estate. You can call the tax commissioner in the county where the parcel is located to obtain information about land ownership.

  • Where can I find out information about Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan information?

    To obtain additional information regarding refunds on FHA loans, please call the Federal Information Center at 1-800-688-9889.

  • Does the Unclaimed Property Program provide tax documents for returned property?

    No. We recommend you consult a tax professional to determine your tax liability, if any.

  • What happens when a claim contains both cash and shares?

    Shares received by the Unclaimed Property Program after July 1, 2024 will be sold upon receipt.  Shares received earlier, will still be sold within three years of receipt.  Claimants will receive the proceeds from the Department of Revenue if their securities have been sold.

    If your securities have not been sold, you will receive a check from the Georgia Department of Revenue before receiving securities from the custodian.

    The shares will be transferred to your selected brokerage account within 30 days of the approval date.

  • When will I receive my shares of stock?

    If they have not been sold, shares normally will be transferred to your selected brokerage account within 30 days of the approval date. If dividends are paid you should receive a separate check from First Clearing or Wells Fargo within 30 days of the approval date.

    To avoid delays, provide a brokerage account with your claim.

    You will be required to open an account. When we receive a valid account, we will transfer your stock into the brokerage account.

  • Where do I submit drill notices for Safe Deposit Boxes?

    Please scan and email drill notices to: [email protected]

  • What is the Safe Deposit Box delivery schedule?

    Please consult the instructions on the link below:
    Download this pdf file. https://dor.georgia.gov/document/form/holder-forms-safe-deposit-box-reports/download

    Read more information on Download this pdf file. Safe Deposit Boxes Report Forms and Instructions.

  • How do I request a list of any Unclaimed Tax Sale Overages your office is currently holding?

    Detailed Tax Sale Overage lists are available on the website of the county in which the sold parcel is located.  

    Georgia does sell a list of unclaimed property owners which lists all types of Unclaimed Property held by the program.