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Delaware

Office of Unclaimed Property

$500 million
Total Unclaimed
5 yrs
Dormancy Period
120 days
Processing Time
Yes
Online Claims

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Delaware has $500 million waiting to be claimed. Search now — it's free.

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Property becomes unclaimed in Delaware after sitting dormant for 5 years without owner contact. At that point, the holding institution — typically a bank, employer, or insurance company — is required to turn the property over to the state. Delaware currently holds $500 million in unclaimed property waiting to be returned to its rightful owners. Claims are free to file and there is no deadline — the state holds the property indefinitely. Once a claim is submitted, processing typically takes 120 days. Online filing is available through the official portal.

Program Details

Total Unclaimed Value$500 million
Program NameOffice of Unclaimed Property
Administering AgencyDelaware Department of Finance
Dormancy Period5 years
Avg Processing Time120 days
Online ClaimsAvailable

Dormancy Period Details

Standard 5 years; wages 5 years.

Documentation Required to Claim

SSN, photo ID, and documentation linking claimant to the address.

Common Property Types

Bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, stocks.

How Delaware Compares to Neighboring States

StateTotal UnclaimedDormancy PeriodProcessing TimeOnline Claims
Delaware ★$500 million5 yrs120 daysYes
Maryland$2 billion3 yrs90 daysYes
New Jersey$6 billion3 yrs120 daysYes
Pennsylvania$5 billion3 yrs90 daysYes

Frequently Asked Questions — Delaware Unclaimed Property

How do I search for unclaimed property in Delaware?

Search for free through the official Office of Unclaimed Property portal at the Delaware Department of Finance. You can search by your name, a business name, or a deceased relative's name. If property is found, you can file a claim directly through the portal — no fee required.

What types of property can be unclaimed in Delaware?

Common types of unclaimed property in Delaware include: Bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance proceeds, stocks.. Any asset that goes unclaimed for 5 years is turned over to the state.

How long does it take to claim unclaimed property in Delaware?

Delaware typically processes unclaimed property claims within 120 days of receiving all required documentation. Filing online is the fastest method. Complex claims involving estates or business entities may require additional review time.

What documents do I need to claim property in Delaware?

SSN, photo ID, and documentation linking claimant to the address.

Is there a deadline to claim unclaimed property in Delaware?

No. Delaware holds unclaimed property indefinitely — there is no deadline to file a claim. You or your heirs can claim property at any time, regardless of how long it has been held by the state. Claims are always free to file.

What is the dormancy period for unclaimed property in Delaware?

The dormancy period in Delaware is 5 years. This means that if a financial asset goes 5 years without any owner-initiated activity or contact, the holding company is legally required to report and transfer it to the state. Standard 5 years; wages 5 years.

Can I search for unclaimed property belonging to a deceased relative in Delaware?

Yes. Heirs, executors, and legal representatives can search for and claim unclaimed property on behalf of deceased individuals in Delaware. You will need to provide documentation proving your legal right to the property, such as a death certificate, will, or letters of administration from the estate.

Official Claim Portal

Delaware Department of Finance

File a Claim →

Last verified: 2026-03-31 · DataTactic links directly to official state portals. Claims are processed by state government agencies, not DataTactic.