Banks report dormant CDs to the state treasury by reviewing records each year, mailing notice to the owner, then filing an electronic holder report and remitting the money. A dormant CD is a certificate of deposit with no owner contact or activity past the state dormancy period. The bank acts as the holder, and the state takes custody so the owner can claim the funds later. Keeping an address current and responding to notices can stop a transfer before it happens.
Table of Contents
- When does a CD become dormant?
- How does the bank try to reach you first?
- What does the bank file and send?
- Where does the money go and how do you get it back?
When does a CD become dormant?
The clock generally runs for about three years after maturity or the owner's last indication of interest, not from the purchase date, under Washington law. Interest can include a deposit, withdrawal, letter, call, or other owner-directed contact recorded by the bank. An automatically renewable CD is generally deemed matured on its initial maturity date unless the owner consented to renewal in a record on file with the bank, according to the text of the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act from the Washington State Legislature.
That rule prevents automatic rollovers from restarting dormancy indefinitely. The exact period varies by state. M&T Bank explains that funds generally go to the state of account opening or owner residence after 2–5 years without customer-initiated activity.
How does the bank try to reach you first?
Before reporting, the bank must perform due diligence by mailing first-class notice to the owner's last known address. The California State Controller's Office requires that notice 6–12 months before the account becomes reportable, as described in its holder reporting guide.
That letter identifies the dormant account and asks the owner to respond. Missouri State Treasurer rules require a mailed letter seeking positive confirmation when the amount owed is $50 or more. A reader can act on that letter:.
- contact the bank by the stated deadline
- update the mailing address and beneficiaries
- make an owner-directed transaction or written renewal choice
- keep a copy of the response for claim records
What does the bank file and send?
Banks submit holder reports electronically in the NAUPA standard format with owner details and property codes. The New York State Comptroller accepts only NAUPA-format reports after its 2025 system conversion, according to its reporter update page. The report lists the owner name, last known address, account identifiers, amount, and property type.
Standard codes help state staff match the record to later owner searches. Banks remit the CD funds with or after the report. California uses a Notice Report before November 1 with no remittance, then a Remit Report with payment, under California State Controller's Office procedures.
Where does the money go and how do you get it back?
The state treasury, controller, or unclaimed-property division holds custody for reunion with the owner; the funds do not become state spending money. California holders report dormant deposit accounts, including CDs, through annual review and filing. Search the unclaimed-property site for the state where the account was opened or where the owner lived.
Have the owner name, prior addresses, bank name, and approximate CD amount or maturity date ready. Respond quickly if a bank notice arrives, because renewed contact can reset interest and keep the CD at the bank. After transfer, file the state claim and provide identification and proof of ownership or heirship.