Deceased Owner Claims Detailed Instructions

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If you are the heir or trustee of a deceased owner of the property, you will file a claim form. Below is a list of documentation that must accompany your claim:

• Completed and signed affirmation page.

• Death certificate of the deceased owner or owners of the property.

• Copy of current photo identification for each heir, such as driver's license, military identification card, passport, or school identification card for minors.

• Proof of Social Security number for each heir. If the holder provided a Social Security number, this might be the only information we have to match the deceased owner to the property. The following documents are acceptable: Social Security card, pay stub, insurance identification card, or tax return documents.

• Proof of the deceased owner's last known address. If the holder provided the last known address, this might be the only information we have to match the deceased owner to the property. The following documents are acceptable: Pay stub, tax return documents, mortgage, telephone or utility bill, bank or credit card statement, or marriage or birth certificate.

• Proof of the deceased owner's association with the holder. If the holder did not provide a Social Security number or a last known address, this might be the only information we have to match the deceased owner to the property. The following documents are acceptable: Bank statement, stock certificate or statement from investment company, title and escrow statement, mortgage, or telephone or utility bill.

• If probate of the estate is open, the estate tax identification number and a copy of Currently Certified Letters Testamentary, dated within 6 months, appointing the executor or administrator of decedent's estate.

OR

• If probate of the estate is closed, provide the estate tax identification number and a complete copy of the Court Ordered Distribution of the decedent's estate.

OR

• If the distribution of the estate was not ordered by a court, provide a complete copy of the decedent's will and a completed Declaration Under Probate Code 13101.

OR

• Provide a complete copy of the Trust Agreement and a copy of a document with the trust tax identification number, such as a tax return or bank statement.

OR

• If no will or Trust Agreement is available, fill out the Declaration Under Probate Code 13101 and the Table of Heirship.

Your claim must be notarized if it is $1000 or greater, is for stock or mutual funds, or safe deposit boxes. (Please note: Stock claims take longer to process than other claims.)

Mail the completed claim form and documents to the following address:

Unclaimed Property Division
P.O. Box 942850
Sacramento, CA 94250-5873

For copies of death certificates, birth certificates, and marriage certificates, contact the County Recorder or Vital Statistics Office in the county of occurrence.

For copies of a probated will or Letters Testamentary, check with the Superior Court Clerk's Office in the county of death.

For letters of conservatorship and guardianship, contact the Superior Court Clerk's Office in the county of residence.

To apply for a deceased owner estate or trust federal tax ID number, contact the Internal Revenue Service.

NOTE: If you are claiming property that is an uncashed check under $50, a cashier's check, or a money order, you must send in the original instrument with your claim. The original instruments are considered cash that has been canceled by the reporting institutions, and the funds are turned over to the State. Also, if you are filing a claim and know there are multiple owners on the account, please note that each owner/claimant must sign the claim form and submit the required documentation.

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