Billions of dollars in mineral royalties are held as unclaimed property by state governments. Learn how to find money that may be owed to you or your family.
When oil and gas operators can't locate mineral owners to pay royalties, those funds don't just disappear. After a period of time (typically 3-7 years of no contact), state "escheatment" laws require operators to turn unclaimed funds over to the state.
These unclaimed royalties accumulate from various situations:
Address changes: Owner moved and didn't notify the operator
Deceased owners: Heirs don't know about the minerals or how to claim them
Title issues: Ownership disputes or unclear chain of title
Small checks: Amounts below minimum check thresholds accumulate
Returned mail: Checks returned as undeliverable
The good news: You can search for and claim this money. Most states hold unclaimed property indefinitely, and the claims process is free.
Search the unclaimed property database for the state where your minerals are located, not where you live. Here are the official unclaimed property search sites for major oil and gas producing states:
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Note: Texas permanently escheats unclaimed property after 30 years.
Oklahoma State Treasurer
New Mexico Taxation & Revenue
Louisiana Department of Treasury
latreasury.com/unclaimed-property
North Dakota Department of Trust Lands
Wyoming State Treasurer
Pennsylvania Treasury
patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property
West Virginia State Treasurer
Ohio Department of Commerce
Colorado State Treasurer
National search: MissingMoney.com searches multiple state databases at once. However, for mineral royalties specifically, searching individual state databases often yields better results.
Use your name, maiden name, and deceased relatives' names
Complete the state's claim form online or by mail
Submit ID and ownership documentation as required
Processing typically takes 60-120 days
Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport)
Social Security card or number
Proof of previous address (if address has changed)
Death certificate (if claiming for deceased relative)
Probate documents or letters testamentary (for estate claims)
Mineral deed or royalty statement (helpful but not always required)
States never charge fees to search for or claim unclaimed property. Be cautious of:
Services that charge large percentages (10-35%) to file claims you could file yourself for free
Anyone asking for upfront payment to access unclaimed property information
Letters implying they have special access—state databases are public and free
Requests for bank account information before your claim is verified
Claiming unclaimed royalties from the state gives you past money owed, but it doesn't automatically restart future payments. You may still own mineral rights that could generate ongoing royalties—or ongoing headaches.
Contact operators to update your address
Monitor production and payments
File tax returns in the state where minerals are located
Track division orders and sign as needed
Convert to immediate cash
Eliminate ongoing management
Simplify multi-state taxes
Avoid future escheatment issues
If you discovered you own minerals through an unclaimed property search, you may want to understand the full value of your interest. We provide free valuations to help you understand your options.
If your unclaimed property search revealed you own mineral rights, we can help you understand their value and your options. Get a free, no-obligation valuation.
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