Required Documentation

If you file a claim:

  • online, you may receive an email asking for documentation to prove ownership.
  • by mail, you can attach the required documentation to your claim form. In some cases, we may send you a letter asking for additional documentation. 

Below is a list of acceptable forms of proof.

Proof for Individuals

Proof of Address

If your current address is different from the address appearing in the Item Details, submit proof of your connection to the old address. Acceptable proof includes copies of:

  • Driver's license or non-driver photo ID showing the old address;
  • Birth, marriage, and death certificates, if it shows an old address;
  • Passport, if it shows old address;
  • Bills and statements such as banking, utility, medical, credit cards;
  • Records such as tax (W2 and 1099 forms), school, insurance, medical, military;
  • Legal papers such as divorce decree, separation agreement and mortgage; and
  • Postmarked envelope. 
Proof of Ownership

Acceptable proofs of ownership include copies of:

  • Bank books, passbooks or bank or mutual fund statements;
  • Certificates such as stocks, bonds or bond coupons;
  • Uncashed checks such as money orders, gift certificates or traveler's checks; and
  • Insurance policies.
Proof of Name Change

Acceptable proof includes:

  • Marriage certificate;
  • Adoption papers;
  • Divorce decree; and
  • Court papers.
Proof of Authorization (to Claim on Owner’s Behalf)

To make a claim on behalf of another person, prove your connection to the owner by submitting the following documents:

  • Copy of a child’s birth certificate or legal adoption order (if under age 18).
  • Proof of the claimant’s age, such as birth certificate, driver’s license or other government issued identification showing the birth date.
  • Court documents or other signed legal documents giving the claimant authority to act on the owner's behalf, such as:
    • Court order
    • Letters of Guardianship
    • Letters of Conservatorship
    • Trust Agreement
    • Power of Attorney
    • Legal Representative
  • Affidavit from the Power of Attorney that the owner is living, and the power of attorney remains in full force and effect.


If you're asked to provide a copy of a death certificate, see Claims for Deceased Owners and Estates for instructions on how to obtain one. 


Proof for Organizations

Proof of Authorization (to Sign on Behalf of the Organization)
  • Corporate Seal affixed to a notarized claim form;
  • Notarized statement from an appropriate officer or partner authorizing the signatory to sign on behalf of the organization;
  • Copy of recent dated cancelled business check; and
  • Certificate of Sole Proprietorship or DBA.
Proof of Name Change, Merger, Acquisition
  • Copy of Certificate of Change filed with the Department of State;
  • Articles of Incorporation showing ownership of the business and name changes;
  • Copy of Merger Agreements; and
  • List of subsidiaries your organization can claim on behalf of, such as IRS form 851, SEC form 10-K or Corporation Annual Report.
Proof of Organization Closed, Dissolved, Sold
  • Certificate of Dissolution;
  • Copy of the sales agreement;
  • Bankruptcy papers; and
  • Notarized statement explaining the disposition of the organization.


If You Can't Provide Proof

If you don’t have the requested documents, please submit an explanation in writing.

For example, you don’t have proof of address because you never lived there or it’s been too long since you moved.

How to Submit Your Documentation Online

If your claim requires additional information for verification, you can submit the requested documents online. This is the fastest and most secure way to get your claim approved.  

Note: In rare cases, your claim form will specifically request original documents to be mailed. If you’ve reviewed your claim form and you’re still unsure or have questions, contact us.

Step 1. Prepare Your Requested Documents

  • Create an electronic copy of any paper documents by:
    • Scanning the document to your computer; or
    • Taking a picture of the document using your phone’s camera.
  • If a document has multiple pages, combine them into one file, if possible.  
  • Save each file to meet the following requirements:
    • Accepted formats: PDF, PNG, JPG, TIF.
    • File size: Must be under 10MB
    • Password protection: Documents cannot be password protected
    • File name:
      • Contains only letters, numbers, dashes and underscores
      • Does not exceed 100 characters
  • Review your files to ensure all information is visible and readable, with no parts cut off.
  • Be sure to include your signed or notarized claim form, if requested.
    • The form must be printed, signed and then scanned (or photographed). Electronic signatures, such as through Adobe software, are not allowed.
    • The form does not need a co-owner’s signature unless we specifically request it.

Step 2. Submit Documents Online

  • Go to our Upload Claim Documentation page.
  • Enter the Claim ID, which you can find on your claim form in the upper right-hand corner or email correspondence from us.
  • Enter the email address you provided when you submitted your claim.
  • Upload each file in its own field in the “Upload Documentation” section.
    • If you have more than five files, submit the first five and repeat the process until all documents have been uploaded.
    • Select the appropriate document type from the dropdown that appears next to the uploaded file. Choose “Other” if the document type is not listed.
  • Select the Document Verification checkbox to affirm that the documentation you’re uploading is true, unaltered and factual as they pertain to your claim.
  • Select the Submit button.
  • Remain on the page until you’re routed to the “Upload Success” screen.
    • If you receive an error message after submitting, select the Prev button and re-upload all of the documents, correcting any issues noted in the message.
  • Review the Upload Details to confirm your documents were submitted successfully.
Mailing Address

Only mail your documents to us if:

Office of the State Comptroller
Office of Unclaimed Funds 
110 State Street 
Albany, New York 12236

After You've Submitted Your Documents

Allow up to 90 days for us to review your claim. We’ll contact when your claim is approved or if we need additional information.

For more information, see Claim Submitted—What’s Next? 

Need Help?

If you need assistance, contact us. 

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