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Governor Phil Murphy • Lt. Governor Tahesha Way

Unclaimed Property Administration

Claim Documentation

If you placed a claim on property that is in your name, you might be requested to provide specific documentation that proves your identity and/or that the property belongs to you. The documentation below are examples of the types that may be requested. Please do not provide the Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA) with any documentation unless it is request by the UPA through formal correspondence (claim form).

Official Identification

As part of the claim documentation process, the UPA needs a clear photocopy of your personal identification card. This form of ID must contain a photo and a signature. Examples of acceptable documents proving your identification are, but not limited to:
  • State issued Driver's License
  • U.S. Passport
  • Military Identification
  • State issued Identification Card
  • Naturalization or Immigration Papers

Proof of SSN

As part of the claim documentation process the UPA needs a clear photocopy of a document that contains both your name and your complete SSN. Examples of acceptable documents proving your SSN are, but not limited to:

  • Social Security Card
  • Formal correspondence from the Social Security Administration
  • Government or employer issued Tax document
  • Paycheck stub (full SSN)

Proof of Reported Address

Proof that you either resided or did business at the ‘Original Owner’s Address as Reported’ listed in the Property Detail section of your claim form. Examples of acceptable documents proving your connection to the reported address are, but not limited to:

  • Tax Document
  • Utility Bill (phone, cable, power, water, gas)
  • School Records
  • Bank Statement
  • Medical Document

Multiple Owners

If the property listed in the Property Detail section of your claim form has multiple owners, then all owners must sign the claimant information page(s). You must also provide Official Identification documentation and Proof of SSN for all of the owners listed.

Name Change Documentation

If your name is different from the name listed in the property description on the claim form provide us with proof of your name change. Examples of acceptable proof of name change are, but not limited to:

  • Marriage Certificate
  • Court Order
  • Divorce Decree

Bearer Bonds and Coupons

Submit the original bond/coupon that is listed in the Property Detail section on the enclosed claim form. Only the original bond/coupon, not photocopies, will result in a successful claim submission. Bearer bonds are similar to currency/cash, they can only be redeemed when the original instrument is present.

Original Stock Certificate/Statement

Provide the original stock certificate(s) or an original statement. If you're sending the original statement, make sure the statement clearly displays the amount of shares you're attempting to recover.

Gift Card

Provide the original gift card/certificate that you are attempting to recover. Be sure to retain a clear photocopy for your records.

Stock Liquidation

Your shares have been liquidated pursuant to NJSA 46:30B-72:

Securities to be held one year before sale; rights of claimant if securities sold before or after end of one-year period. Unless the administrator considers it to be in the best interest of the State to do otherwise, all securities presumed abandoned under Article 10 of this chapter and delivered to the administrator shall be held for one year before the administrator may sell them. If the administrator sells any securities delivered pursuant to Article 10 of this chapter before the expiration of the one-year period, any person making a claim pursuant to this chapter before the end of the one-year period is entitled to either the proceeds of the sale of the securities or the market value of the securities at the time the claim is made, whichever amount is greater, less any deduction for fees pursuant to R.S.46:30B-75. If the value of the securities is less than the cost of re-registration, then the owner shall have the option to pay the re-registration fee and receive the security or be paid the present value of the security. A person making a claim under this chapter after the expiration of this period is entitled to receive either the securities delivered to the administrator by the holder, if they still remain in the hands of the administrator, or the proceeds received from sale, less any amounts deducted pursuant to R.S.46:30B-75, but no person has any claim under this chapter against the State, the holder, any transfer agent, registrar, or other person acting for or on behalf of a holder for any appreciation in the value of the property occurring after delivery by the holder to the administrator.

L.1989, c.58, s.1; amended 2002, c.35, s.47.

Stock Sale/Re-Registration

This claim involves securities held in the unclaimed property portfolio. You must check either Re-Registration or Sale on the property detail section of your claim packet. If you re-register your securities, you may receive a physical certificate for your share(s) or you may receive a statement as evidence of ownership. The company or its transfer agent will then hold your securities in book entry form. Once you receive the statement, you may contact the agent for any further transaction regarding your shares.

Court Order

Provide the Court Order establishing the deposit of funds into court and any subsequent court order entered before the delivery of the property to this office.

Divorce Decree

Provide a copy of the Divorce Decree. This is required to ensure that the State divides any marital assets in accordance with the agreed terms listed within the divorce decree.

Turnover

Provide an order commanding a judgment debtor to turn over assets to a judgment creditor. Order must indicate the amount to be turned over and must also direct the NJ Unclaimed Property Administration the responsible party to pay the unclaimed property to the creditor.

If you placed a claim on property that is in the name of a deceased person, you will be requested to provide specific documentation that proves your identity and/or that you have the legal capacity to complete a claim on behalf of the decedent. The documentation listed below are examples of the types that may be requested. Please do not provide the Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA) with any documentation unless it is request by the UPA through formal correspondence (claim form).

Probate Documents

The UPA needs proof that the claimant has the legal capacity to file a claim to recover property belonging to someone who is now deceased. This documentation is provided through a county’s surrogate court. The Surrogate Court is a court located in every NJ County that hears cases involving the affairs of deceased residents, including the probate of wills and the administration of estates. Any documentation from the Surrogate/Probate Court must be dated within one year of the present date.

The information provided herein is only applicable for decedents who resided in the State of New Jersey at the time of death. For guidance when the property owner resided in another State at the time of death, contact that State to determine the process for acquiring Probate documentation.

Definitions

  • Executor/Executrix – The person who the surrogate/probate court confirms to administer the estate of a person who dies leaving a will that nominated that person.
  • Administrator/Administratrix – The person who the surrogate/probate court appoints to administer the estate of a person who died without leaving a will.
  • Next of Kin – A blood relative entitled by law to inherit the property of a person who died without leaving a will.
  • Surviving Spouse – The decedent’s spouse who is listed on the death certificate as “Surviving Spouse.”
  • Surrogate Certificate – The court issued document designate an executrix/executor as the person nominated to administer a decedent’s estate.
  • Next of Kin Letter – In an intestate (decedent died without a will) estate where the decedent leaves no surviving spouse and the aggregate value of the estate does not exceed $10,000. One of the next-of-kin (with written consents from all the other next-of-kin of equal degree) may file an Affidavit of Next of Kin with the appropriate Surrogates office, in lieu of Administration.

Below is a listing of the phone numbers to the Surrogate Office's for all 21 New Jersey Counties. Contact the county in which the decedent resided at the time of death (refer to the death certificate).

Official Identification

As part of the claim documentation process, the UPA needs a clear photocopy of your personal identification card. This form of ID must contain a photo and a signature. Examples of acceptable documents proving your identification are, but not limited to:

  • State issued Driver's License
  • U.S. Passport
  • Military identification
  • State issued Identification Card
  • Naturalization or Immigration Papers

Administrator/Executor SSN

Provide a clear photocopy of a document containing the Administrator or Executor's SSN. Examples of acceptable documents proving the SSN are, but not limited to:

  • Formal correspondence from the Social Security Administration
  • Social Security card
  • Government or employer issued Tax document
  • Paycheck stub (full SSN)

Deceased Social Security Number (SSN)/Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

As part of the claim documentation process, the UPA needs a clear photocopy of a document that contains both the decedent's name and their complete (SSN). If you are already providing a copy of the death certificate and it contains the decedent's SSN, you do NOT have to provide this documentation. Examples of acceptable documents proving the SSN are, but not limited to:

  • Social Security card
  • Formal correspondence from the Social Security administration
  • Government or employer issued Tax document
  • Paycheck stub (full SSN)
  • Medicare card
  • • Employer Identification Number (EIN) (if applicable)

Proof of Reported Address

Proof that the decedent resided or did business at the Original Owner's Address as Reported listed in the Property Detail section of your claim form. Examples of acceptable documents proving your connection to the reported address are, but not limited to:

  • Tax Document
  • Utility Bill (phone, cable, power, water, gas)
  • School Records
  • Bank Statement
  • Medical Document

Death Certificate

To obtain a certified copy of the death certificate you can contact the NJ State Department of Health and Senior Services at 609-292-4087. Only provide our office with a photocopy of the death certificate. If the decedent died in a State other than New Jersey, you must contact Vital Statistics or that State to acquire a death certificate.

Original Stock Certificate/Statement

Provide the original stock certificate(s) or an original statement. If you're sending the original statement, make sure the statement clearly displays the amount of shares you're attempting to recover.

Trustee

Claimant must present evidence that he/she currently serves as trustee under a properly certified trust agreement. In addition, provide copy of owner's Social Security card or document verifying SSN.

Bearer Bonds and Coupons

Submit the original bond/coupon that is listed in the Property Detail section on the enclosed claim packet. Only the original bond/coupon, not photocopies, will result in a successful claim submission. Bearer bonds are similar to currency/cash, they can only be redeemed when the original instrument is present.

Stock Liquidation

Your shares have been liquidated pursuant to NJSA 46:30B-72:

Securities to be held one year before sale; rights of claimant if securities sold before or after end of one-year period. Unless the administrator considers it to be in the best interest of the State to do otherwise, all securities presumed abandoned under Article 10 of this chapter and delivered to the administrator shall be held for one year before the administrator may sell them. If the administrator sells any securities delivered pursuant to Article 10 of this chapter before the expiration of the one-year period, any person making a claim pursuant to this chapter before the end of the one-year period is entitled to either the proceeds of the sale of the securities or the market value of the securities at the time the claim is made, whichever amount is greater, less any deduction for fees pursuant to R.S.46:30B-75. If the value of the securities is less than the cost of re-registration, then the owner shall have the option to pay the re-registration fee and receive the security or be paid the present value of the security. A person making a claim under this chapter after the expiration of this period is entitled to receive either the securities delivered to the administrator by the holder, if they still remain in the hands of the administrator, or the proceeds received from sale, less any amounts deducted pursuant to R.S.46:30B-75, but no person has any claim under this chapter against the State, the holder, any transfer agent, registrar, or other person acting for or on behalf of a holder for any appreciation in the value of the property occurring after delivery by the holder to the administrator.

L.1989, c.58, s.1; amended 2002, c.35, s.47.

Stock Sale/Re-Registration

This claim involves securities held in the unclaimed property portfolio. You must check either Re-Registration or Sale on the property detail section of your claim form. If you re-register your securities, you may receive a physical certificate for your share(s) or you may receive a statement as evidence of ownership. The company or its transfer agent will then hold your securities in book entry form. Once you receive the statement, you may contact the agent for any further transaction regarding your shares.

Original Document

Submit the original document for the property that is listed in the property detail section of your claim form. For example, if the property you're claiming was an old savings account we would need the original bank issued savings booklet. If the property you're requesting was an uncashed check, then we would need the original check that was issued.

Gift Card

Provide the original gift card/certificate that you are attempting to recover. Be sure to retain a clear photocopy for your records.

Multiple Owners

If the property listed in the property detail section in your claim form has multiple owners, then all owners must sign the Claimant Information page(s). You must also provide Official Identification documentation and Proof of SSN for all of the owners listed.

Transfer and Assignment of Interest

Transfer and Assignment of Interest - to include statement regarding unclaimed funds turned over to NJ.

Court Order

If there are multiple owners that are deceased we need a copy of the death certificate for each owner. In addition, we need a surrogate certificate dated in the previous 12 months for the owner who passed away most recently. For more information regarding death certificate see documentation Death Certificate.

Turnover Order

Provide an order commanding a judgment debtor to turn over assets to a judgment creditor. Order must indicate the amount to be turned over and must also direct the NJ Unclaimed Property Administration the responsible party to pay the unclaimed property to the creditor.

Deceased Claim with Multiple Owners

If there are multiple owners that are deceased we need a copy of the death certificate for each owner. In addition, we need a surrogate certificate dated in the previous 12 months for the owner who passed away most recently. For more information regarding death certificate see documentation Death Certificate.

Divorce Decree

Provide a copy of the Divorce Decree. This is required to ensure that the State divides any marital assets in accordance with the agreed terms listed within the divorce decree.

If you placed a claim on property that is in the name of someone other than yourself or a decedent, you will be requested to provide specific documentation that proves your identity and/or that you have the legal capacity to complete a claim on behalf of someone else. The documentation listed are examples of the types that may be requested. Please do not provide the Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA) with any documentation unless it is requested by the UPA through formal correspondence (claim form).

Official Identification

As part of the claim documentation process, the UPA needs a clear photocopy of the claimant's (person filing the claim) identification card. This form of ID must contain a photo and a signature. Examples of acceptable documents proving your identification are, but not limited to:

  • State issued Driver's License
  • U.S. Passport
  • Military Identification
  • State issued Identification Card
  • Naturalization or Immigration Papers

Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)

As part of the claim documentation process the UPA needs a clear photocopy of a document that contains the property owner's name and their complete social security number (SSN). Examples of acceptable documents proving your SSN are, but not limited to:

  • Social Security Card
  • Formal correspondence from the Social Security Administration
  • Government or employer issued Tax document
  • Paycheck stub (full SSN)

Proof of Reported Address

Proof that you either resided or did business at the ‘Original Owner’s Address as Reported’ listed in the Property Detail section of your claim packet. Examples of acceptable documents proving your connection to the reported address are, but not limited to:

  • Tax Document
  • Utility Bill (phone, cable, power, water, gas)
  • School Records
  • Bank Statement
  • Medical Document

Original Stock Certificate/Statement

Provide the original stock certificate(s) or an original statement. If you’re sending the original statement, make sure the statement clearly displays the amount of shares you’re attempting to recover.

Guardianship

If the owner is under 18, provide clear photocopies of the documentation below:

  • Owner’s birth certificate
  • Proof of owner’s SSN

If the owner is 18 or over, provide one clear photocopy of both documentations below:

  • Official Identification
  • Proof of owner’s SSN

Custodian Account

If the owner is under 21, provide clear photocopies of the documentation below:

  • Owner’s birth certificate
  • Proof of owner’s SSN

If the owner is 21 or over, provide clear photocopies of the documentation below:

  • Official Identification
  • Proof of owner’s SSN

Power of Attorney

Provide a photocopy of the Power of Attorney. If the property owner is deceased probate documentation will be required.

Trustee

Claimant must present evidence that he/she currently serves as trustee under a properly certified trust agreement. In addition, provide copy of owner's Social Security card or document verifying SSN.

Bearer Bonds and Coupons

Submit the original bond/coupon that is listed in the Property Detail section on the enclosed claim packet. Only the original bond/coupon, not photocopies, will result in a successful claim submission. Bearer bonds are similar to currency/cash, they can only be redeemed when the original instrument is present.

Stock Liquidation

Your shares have been liquidated pursuant to NJSA 46:30B-72:

Securities to be held one year before sale; rights of claimant if securities sold before or after end of one-year period. Unless the administrator considers it to be in the best interest of the State to do otherwise, all securities presumed abandoned under Article 10 of this chapter and delivered to the administrator shall be held for one year before the administrator may sell them. If the administrator sells any securities delivered pursuant to Article 10 of this chapter before the expiration of the one-year period, any person making a claim pursuant to this chapter before the end of the one-year period is entitled to either the proceeds of the sale of the securities or the market value of the securities at the time the claim is made, whichever amount is greater, less any deduction for fees pursuant to R.S.46:30B-75. If the value of the securities is less than the cost of re-registration, then the owner shall have the option to pay the re-registration fee and receive the security or be paid the present value of the security. A person making a claim under this chapter after the expiration of this period is entitled to receive either the securities delivered to the administrator by the holder, if they still remain in the hands of the administrator, or the proceeds received from sale, less any amounts deducted pursuant to R.S.46:30B-75, but no person has any claim under this chapter against the State, the holder, any transfer agent, registrar, or other person acting for or on behalf of a holder for any appreciation in the value of the property occurring after delivery by the holder to the administrator.

L.1989, c.58, s.1; amended 2002, c.35, s.47.

Stock Sale/Re-Registration

This claim involves securities held in the unclaimed property portfolio. You must check either "Re-Registration" or "Sale" on the property detail section of your claim form. If you re-register your securities, you may receive a physical certificate for your share(s) or you may receive a statement as evidence of ownership. The company or its transfer agent will then hold your securities in book entry form. Once you receive the statement, you may contact the agent for any further transaction regarding your shares.

Original Document

Submit the original document for the property that is listed in the property detail section of your claim packet. For example, if the property you're claiming was an old savings account we would need the original bank issued savings booklet. If the property you're requesting was an uncashed check, then we would need the original check that was issued.

Gift Card

Provide the original gift card/certificate that you are attempting to recover. Be sure to retain a clear photocopy for your records.

Multiple Owners

If the property listed in the property detail section in your claim packet has multiple owners, then all owners must sign the Claimant Information page(s). You must also provide Official Identification documentation and Proof of SSN for all of the owners listed.

Transfer and Assignment of Interest

Transfer and Assignment of Interest - to include statement regarding unclaimed funds turned over to NJ.

Court Order

Provide the Court Order establishing the deposit of funds into court and any subsequent court order entered before the delivery of the property to this office.

Turnover Order

Provide an order commanding a judgment debtor to turn over assets to a judgment creditor. Order must indicate the amount to be turned over and must also direct the 'NJ Unclaimed Property Administration' the responsible party to pay the unclaimed property to the creditor.

Divorce Decree

Provide a copy of the Divorce Decree. This is required to ensure that the State divides any marital assets in accordance with the agreed terms listed within the divorce decree.

If you placed a claim on property belonging to a business or corporation, you will be requested to provide specific documentation that proves you have the legal capacity to complete a claim on behalf of the business. The documentation listed below is examples of the types that may be requested. Please do not provide the Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA) with any documentation unless it is request by the UPA through formal correspondence (claim form).

Official Identification

As part of the claim documentation process, the UPA needs a clear photocopy of the claimant's (person filing the claim) identification card. This form of ID must contain a photo and a signature. Examples of acceptable documents proving your identification are, but not limited to:

  • State issued Driver's License
  • U.S. Passport
  • Military Identification
  • State issued Identification Card
  • Naturalization or Immigration Papers

Company’s Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN)

Provide verification of the tax identification number(s) used by your business.

Original Stock Certificate/Statement

Provide the original stock certificate(s) or an original statement. If you're sending the original statement, make sure the statement clearly displays the amount of shares you're attempting to recover.

Company Name Change Documentation

If the company has changed its name from that listed on the enclosed claim packet, provide proof of company's name change.

NOTE: If a company is no longer in business, the UPA will need a tax clearance certificate to process your claim.

Company Letterhead

Provide a current letter authorizing you to act on behalf of the business. The letter should be on company letterhead, must be signed by a corporate officer other than yourself, and either contain the corporate seal or be signed in the presence of a notary public.

Stock Liquidation

Your shares have been liquidated pursuant to NJSA 46:30B-72:

Securities to be held one year before sale; rights of claimant if securities sold before or after end of one-year period. Unless the administrator considers it to be in the best interest of the State to do otherwise, all securities presumed abandoned under Article 10 of this chapter and delivered to the administrator shall be held for one year before the administrator may sell them. If the administrator sells any securities delivered pursuant to Article 10 of this chapter before the expiration of the one-year period, any person making a claim pursuant to this chapter before the end of the one-year period , any person making a claim pursuant to this chapter before the end of the one-year period is entitled to either the proceeds of the sale of the securities or the market value of the securities at the time the claim is made, whichever amount is greater, less any deduction for fees pursuant to R.S.46:30B-75. If the value of the securities is less than the cost of re-registration, then the owner shall have the option to pay the re-registration fee and receive the security or be paid the present value of the security. A person making a claim under this chapter after the expiration of this period is entitled to receive either the securities delivered to the administrator by the holder, if they still remain in the hands of the administrator, or the proceeds received from sale, less any amounts deducted pursuant to R.S.46:30B-75, but no person has any claim under this chapter against the State, the holder, any transfer agent, registrar, or other person acting for or on behalf of a holder for any appreciation in the value of the property occurring after delivery by the holder to the administrator.

L.1989, c.58, s.1; amended 2002, c.35, s.47.

Original Document

Submit the original document for the property that is listed in the property detail section of your claim packet. For example, if the property you're claiming was an old savings account we would need the original bank issued savings booklet. If the property you're requesting was an uncashed check, then we would need the original check that was issued.

Transfer and Assignment of Interest

Transfer and Assignment of Interest - to include statement regarding unclaimed funds turned over to NJ.

Court Order

Provide the Court Order establishing the deposit of funds into court and any subsequent court order entered before the delivery of the property to this office.


Last Updated: Tuesday, 06/14/22