FAQS



Why does my property show $0?

A property shows a $0 value if it is a safe deposit box, stock or bond.


What type of documentation will I be requested to provide?

Please use our interactive tool (opens in a new tab) to determine which documentation we may request.


How can I submit my claim and supporting documents?

You may submit your documentation electronically, here.

Documents will not be returned to you; only send originals when they are requested.

If you are asked to submit originals, use certified mail. Keep a copy of everything you send because mail delivery is not guaranteed.


How will my stock be returned?

Texas Property Code Ch. 74.601(e) (opens in a new tab) authorizes the Comptroller to sell any security as soon as it is received. If your claim is approved before stock is sold, whenever possible, shares will be returned to you electronically via Direct Registration System (DRS) and registered in your name at the company’s Transfer Agent. Once the shares have been registered into your name via DRS, you will receive a statement from the Transfer Agent.

If shares are unable to be delivered via DRS, you will be notified during the claims process of alternative delivery methods available that may require further action on your part.

If stock has been sold, you will receive the proceeds of the sale including any dividends accrued prior to the sale date.

If an heir or heirs are claiming the stock of a deceased person, the shares will be divided and registered to each of the heirs in his/her names.

Please send photocopies unless original documents are specifically requested by our office.


How does a claim involving a safe deposit box work?

Most items in safe deposit boxes are usually kept for one year, before being auctioned on GovDeals (opens in a new tab). Significant papers from safe deposit boxes are held for five years.

When a claim is approved before the box contents are sold, the contents will be returned to the claimant. Auction proceeds remain the property of the owner and can be claimed at any time. A street mailing address must be provided; items may not be shipped to a post office box or internationally.

Notice of Auction
Pursuant to the requirements of Tex. Prop. Code Ann. Sec. 74.402 (Vernon’s, 1999), this advertisement serves as notice that the Comptroller of Public Accounts will participate as a seller in an Internet auction of unclaimed safe deposit box contents including, but not limited to, jewelry, coins, and other miscellaneous items. The items will be sold on GovDeals using the seller name txunclaimedproperty (opens in a new tab).