# Unclaimed Oil and Gas Royalties in Texas

> How to find and claim unclaimed oil and gas royalties in Texas: the official search site, dormancy period, claim proof, heir rules and fees.

- URL: https://www.buckheadenergy.com/unclaimed-mineral-royalties/texas
- Last updated: 2026-11-02
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Quick answer

Unclaimed oil and gas royalties in Texas are held by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts — Unclaimed Property (ClaimItTexas); search its official site, claimittexas.gov, under every name the royalties may have been paid to. Texas presumes unpaid mineral proceeds abandoned after 3 years (Tex. Prop. Code § 75.101 (Chapter 75, Texas Minerals)), and the holder must then report it to the state.

[Search claimittexas.gov](https://www.claimittexas.gov/app/claim-search)

## Where to search in Texas

Texas unclaimed property is held by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Owners search and start claims on the Comptroller's official ClaimItTexas site.

Source: [Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts — Unclaimed Property (ClaimItTexas) (claimittexas.gov)](https://www.claimittexas.gov/app/claim-search)

## When unpaid royalties are presumed abandoned

Texas has a mineral-specific rule: mineral proceeds (including royalties, overriding royalties, net revenue interests, production payments, bonuses, delay rentals and shut-in royalties) that stay unclaimed for more than three years after they became payable are presumed abandoned, along with the owner's underlying right to receive them.

**Dormancy period:** 3 years

**Statute:** Tex. Prop. Code § 75.101 (Chapter 75, Texas Minerals)

**Mineral-specific rule:** Yes

Source: [Tex. Prop. Code § 75.101 (Chapter 75, Texas Minerals)](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.75.htm)

## How operators report unclaimed royalties

Each holder that holds reportable property on March 1 must file its report by the following July 1. Holders of mineral proceeds regulated by the Railroad Commission of Texas must also include information on each well whose production generated the proceeds.

**Report due:** July 1

**Covers property held as of:** March 1 (property held on March 1 is reported by the following July 1)

**Oil and gas rule:** Holders of Chapter 75 mineral proceeds regulated by the Railroad Commission must add well-level information to the report (Tex. Prop. Code § 74.101(e)).

Source: [Official source](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.74.htm)

## How to claim and what proof you need

Texas requires, at a minimum, a signed claim form and photo identification. Claimants upload documents through the secure online portal or mail them to the Comptroller in Austin; the claim form lists any additional documents needed.

**How to file:** Search by name on the Comptroller's ClaimItTexas site and select the properties to claim; upload supporting documents through the online portal or mail them to the Comptroller's Unclaimed Property Claims Section.

**Proof required:** At minimum a signed claim form and photo identification; any further documents are listed on the claim form attachment, and the office may ask for more.

Source: [Official claim instructions](https://www.claimittexas.gov/app/claim/how-to-complete)

## Claiming for a deceased owner

For a deceased owner, the Comptroller points heirs to a death certificate and an affidavit of heirship; its own Affidavit of Heirship form may be used for claims under $10,000.01 when the owner died without a will, or with an unprobated will whose beneficiaries are the same as the legal heirs. Heirs of deceased royalty owners must also work out future payments directly with the paying company.

**Documents:** Death certificate; a previously filed affidavit of heirship or the Comptroller's Affidavit of Heirship form (claims under $10,000.01 where the owner died without a will, or with an unprobated will whose beneficiaries match the intestate heirs); a complete copy of any will.

Whether an estate must be opened is a legal question for a qualified attorney in that state.

Source: [Official source](https://www.claimittexas.gov/docs/TX_Affidavit_of_Heirship.pdf)

## Fees and finder services

The Comptroller does not charge to search or claim. Its FAQ states that heir finders and asset recovery companies must be licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety and may not charge more than 10 percent of the value recovered, including expenses.

**State claim fee:** None

**Finder-fee limit:** 10 percent of the value recovered, including all expenses (heir finders must be licensed by DPS Private Security Bureau)

Source: [Official source](https://www.claimittexas.gov/app/faq-ucp)

## Notes for oil and gas royalties

The Comptroller has a 'Mineral Interests and Royalties' section: if a royalty check is not cashed, the payor reports it three years later under the owner's name, and future unclaimed mineral proceeds will be reported with well and lease information. Owners who know a lease number can ask the Railroad Commission which companies have produced from it.

Source: [Official source](https://www.claimittexas.gov/app/forms)

## Frequently asked questions

### Where do I search for unclaimed oil and gas royalties in Texas?

Texas unclaimed property is held by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Owners search and start claims on the Comptroller's official ClaimItTexas site. 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 Texas?

Texas has a mineral-specific rule: mineral proceeds (including royalties, overriding royalties, net revenue interests, production payments, bonuses, delay rentals and shut-in royalties) that stay unclaimed for more than three years after they became payable are presumed abandoned, along with the owner's underlying right to receive them.

### What do I need to claim unclaimed royalties in Texas?

Texas requires, at a minimum, a signed claim form and photo identification. Claimants upload documents through the secure online portal or mail them to the Comptroller in Austin; the claim form lists any additional documents needed.

### Can I claim a deceased relative's royalties in Texas?

For a deceased owner, the Comptroller points heirs to a death certificate and an affidavit of heirship; its own Affidavit of Heirship form may be used for claims under $10,000.01 when the owner died without a will, or with an unprobated will whose beneficiaries are the same as the legal heirs. Heirs of deceased royalty owners must also work out future payments directly with the paying company. This is general information, not legal advice.

### Does it cost anything to claim unclaimed royalties in Texas?

The Comptroller does not charge to search or claim. Its FAQ states that heir finders and asset recovery companies must be licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety and may not charge more than 10 percent of the value recovered, including expenses.

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.

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