# Unclaimed Oil and Gas Royalties in Alabama > How to find and claim unclaimed oil and gas royalties in Alabama: the official search site, dormancy period, claim proof, heir rules and fees. - URL: https://www.buckheadenergy.com/unclaimed-mineral-royalties/alabama - Last updated: 2026-11-02 - Publisher: Buckhead Energy (https://www.buckheadenergy.com/) - Format: full-content Markdown twin of the page (same content as the HTML; site navigation and footer removed) Breadcrumb: [Home](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/) › [Unclaimed Mineral Royalties](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/unclaimed-mineral-royalties) › Alabama Quick answer Unclaimed oil and gas royalties in Alabama are held by the Office of the Alabama State Treasurer — Unclaimed Property; search its official site, unclaimed.alabama.gov, under every name the royalties may have been paid to. Alabama presumes unpaid property abandoned after 3 years (Ala. Code § 35-12-72(a)(19) ('all other property'); 'mineral proceeds' defined in § 35-12-71), and the holder must then report it to the state. [Search unclaimed.alabama.gov](https://unclaimed.alabama.gov/app/claim-search) ## Where to search in Alabama Alabama's unclaimed property is held by the State Treasury. The Treasurer says searching is free and claims can be filed online at no cost. Source: [Office of the Alabama State Treasurer — Unclaimed Property (unclaimed.alabama.gov)](https://unclaimed.alabama.gov/app/claim-search) ## When unpaid royalties are presumed abandoned Alabama's Act defines mineral proceeds but lists no separate period, so the 'all other property' period of three years applies. **Dormancy period:** 3 years **Statute:** Ala. Code § 35-12-72(a)(19) ('all other property'); 'mineral proceeds' defined in § 35-12-71 **Mineral-specific rule:** No (general period) Source: [Ala. Code § 35-12-72(a)(19) ('all other property'); 'mineral proceeds' defined in § 35-12-71](https://treasury.alabama.gov/alabama-treasury-law/unclaimed-property-law/) ## How operators report unclaimed royalties Alabama holders file electronically before November 1, covering the 12 months before July 1, and remit by November 1 with the report. No separate oil-and-gas date was found. **Report due:** Before November 1 (report and electronic remittance) **Covers property held as of:** Covers the 12 months preceding July 1 (reporting period July 1 - June 30) Source: [Official source](https://treasury.alabama.gov/alabama-treasury-law/unclaimed-property-law/) ## How to claim and what proof you need Alabama claims are filed online at no cost. The Treasury requires a copy of the claimant's identification and Social Security number to verify identity. **How to file:** Search the Treasury's official database and file a claim online; the site guides claimants through verifying ownership. **Proof required:** Copy of identification and Social Security number (to verify identity). Source: [Official claim instructions](https://unclaimed.alabama.gov/app/faq-claim) ## Claiming for a deceased owner If a probate court named an executor or administrator, that person files on behalf of the estate. If the owner left no will or estate, the surviving spouse or children may be able to claim. **Documents:** A probate-court-appointed executor or administrator files for the estate; if there was no will or estate, the surviving spouse or children may be able to claim. Whether an estate must be opened is a legal question for a qualified attorney in that state. Source: [Official source](https://unclaimed.alabama.gov/app/faq-claim) ## Fees and finder services Claiming is free. Alabama caps finder compensation at 10% of the amount claimed, voids finder agreements made before 24 months after the property reaches the Treasurer, and voids mineral-proceeds fees paid in minerals or future proceeds. **State claim fee:** None **Finder-fee limit:** 10% of the value claimed; agreements made from the presumed-abandoned date until 24 months after delivery to the Treasurer are void; for mineral proceeds, fees in underlying minerals or not-yet-abandoned proceeds are void **Finder-fee statute:** Ala. Code § 35-12-93 Source: [Official source](https://treasury.alabama.gov/alabama-treasury-law/unclaimed-property-law/) ## Frequently asked questions ### Where do I search for unclaimed oil and gas royalties in Alabama? Alabama's unclaimed property is held by the State Treasury. The Treasurer says searching is free and claims can be filed online at no cost. Search under every name the royalties may have been paid to, including maiden names and deceased relatives. ### How long before unpaid royalties are reported to the state in Alabama? Alabama's Act defines mineral proceeds but lists no separate period, so the 'all other property' period of three years applies. ### What do I need to claim unclaimed royalties in Alabama? Alabama claims are filed online at no cost. The Treasury requires a copy of the claimant's identification and Social Security number to verify identity. ### Can I claim a deceased relative's royalties in Alabama? If a probate court named an executor or administrator, that person files on behalf of the estate. If the owner left no will or estate, the surviving spouse or children may be able to claim. This is general information, not legal advice. ### Does it cost anything to claim unclaimed royalties in Alabama? Claiming is free. Alabama caps finder compensation at 10% of the amount claimed, voids finder agreements made before 24 months after the property reaches the Treasurer, and voids mineral-proceeds fees paid in minerals or future proceeds. Educational information only, not legal or tax advice; consult a qualified attorney about your situation. Facts are from the state's unclaimed-property office and the state code, checked Nov 2, 2026. Related: [unclaimed royalties in every state](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/unclaimed-mineral-royalties) · [suspended royalties](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/suspended-royalties-guide) · [find your payor](https://www.buckheadenergy.com/find-your-payor) ## About Buckhead Energy Buckhead Energy is a direct buyer, not a broker — we purchase mineral and royalty interests with our own capital. Buckhead Energy buys mineral and royalty interests across all 50 states and has completed acquisitions in 33 states. Buckhead Energy has been buying mineral and royalty interests since 2006. Buckhead Energy holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Buckhead provides a free written offer. Buckhead Energy typically provides an offer within 24–48 hours. Closings typically take 30–45 days, subject to title review and clearance. Buckhead Energy's written offers stay open for 14 days. **Sell mineral rights:** https://www.buckheadenergy.com/sell **Operator directory:** https://www.buckheadenergy.com/operators