Official state database · always free
California unclaimed money search
California holds forgotten bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, deposits and refunds until the owner claims them. Searching and claiming is free — directly on the state's own site.
California State Controller — Unclaimed Property (claimit.ca.gov)
How to search in California
- Search every name you've used. Maiden names, middle initials, common misspellings — holders report whatever they had on file.
- Search old addresses. Money is reported in the state where you lived at the time, so check every state you've lived in — start from the full state list.
- File the claim on the official site — it's free. California never charges to search or claim. Anyone asking for an upfront fee to "release" your money is a scam; at most a state needs notarized ID for large claims.
- Expect weeks, not days. Simple cash claims typically pay out in 2–12 weeks; details in our full California guide.
Nothing under your name?
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