Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, contact a licensed attorney in West Virginia.
Detailed Answer
Under the West Virginia Uniform Disposition of Unclaimed Property Act (W. Va. Code § 36-8A-101 et seq.), the State Treasurer’s office maintains an online portal where you can search, access, and review information on unclaimed property. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Unclaimed Property Search Portal. Go to the State Treasurer’s official site at https://www.wvtreasurer.com/unclaimed-property-search.
- Search by Name or Identifier. Enter the owner’s full name, business name, or claimant ID. You can narrow results by city or last known address.
- Select Your Record. Review matching entries and click on the property owner’s name to view summary details like property type, holder name, and reported value.
- Initiate a Claim. If you locate property that belongs to you, click “Claim Property.” This launches the secure claim portal.
- Register or Log In. New users must create an account with a valid email and password. Returning users can log in directly.
- Upload Supporting Documents. Provide proof of ownership—such as a government ID, Social Security card, or corporate documents—using the portal’s upload feature.
- Review Property Details. Once logged in, access full transaction histories, holder-submitted documents, and any Treasurer’s office correspondence.
- Track Claim Status. Monitor progress in the “My Claims” dashboard. Receive email alerts or check the portal for updates.
- Download Records. Export a PDF summary of your claim, including official letters and reports.
Helpful Hints
- Use all name variations (maiden, married, hyphenated) to ensure a thorough search.
- Confirm that uploaded documents are clear, current, and within size limits.
- Save confirmation emails and your claim tracking number.
- Allow 4–6 weeks for claim processing under W. Va. Code § 36-8A-803.
- For assistance, contact the West Virginia Treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division at 304-558-2722.