Find Durango Unclaimed Property
Durango unclaimed money is managed through the statewide Great Colorado Payback program operated by the State Treasurer. This La Plata County seat in southwest Colorado serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation and the historic Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Durango does not maintain its own unclaimed property records. All searches for bank accounts, insurance refunds, and utility deposits must be done through the state system which is free and open to everyone.
Durango Quick Facts
Great Colorado Payback Program
The Great Colorado Payback is the official unclaimed property program for all Colorado residents. The state holds over $2.5 billion in assets from inactive bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, stock certificates, and utility deposits. When businesses lose contact with owners for three to five years, they must turn the property over to the state.
The database lists more than 16.5 million names. The state processes around 86,000 claims per year worth about $80 million total. Average claims pay $1,832. Some are small at $10 or $20. Others run into thousands of dollars.
The City of Durango provides local government services but directs all unclaimed property searches to the state program.
Durango residents search the same database as all other Colorado residents. The process is simple and free. You enter your name and can filter by city. The system shows all property matches. You then file claims for items that belong to you.
How to Search for Unclaimed Funds
Anyone can search the state database at no cost. The system requires no registration and works on all devices.
All Durango unclaimed property must be searched through the statewide database maintained by the State Treasurer.
- Visit the property search page
- Enter your first name and last name
- Type Durango in the city field
- Click search to view all matches
- Review the property list
- Select items that are yours
- Begin the claim process online
- Provide required proof documents
The state does not charge fees. Do not pay third parties to search for you. You can complete everything yourself at no cost.
Business searches work the same way. Use the company name instead of a personal name.
La Plata County Connection
Durango is the county seat of La Plata County. The county treasurer manages property tax collection but does not handle unclaimed property from private businesses. For those searches, the county directs residents to the state program.
La Plata County offices are in Durango. The county website is lpcgov.org. The treasurer page is at lpcgov.org/departments/treasurer___public_trustee_s_office/.
| County | La Plata County |
|---|---|
| County Role | County Seat |
| City Hall | 949 E 2nd Ave, Durango, CO 81301 |
| City Phone | 970-375-5000 |
| City Website | durangogov.org |
Types of Unclaimed Property
The state holds many types of assets. Common sources include:
- Bank accounts with no activity for three years
- Uncashed payroll checks
- Vendor payments never cashed
- Life insurance proceeds
- Annuity payments
- Stock dividends and shares
- Mutual fund distributions
- Utility company refunds
- Money orders
- Safe deposit box contents
- Court settlements
Property becomes unclaimed when businesses cannot reach owners. Mail gets returned. Phone numbers change. People move without updating addresses. After the holding period, businesses must report the property to the state.
Filing a Claim
When you find property, file a claim to get it back. The state needs proof of ownership. Small claims under $100 need basic info. Larger claims require documents like driver licenses or bills.
Start claims online. The state sends forms. Fill them out. Attach required documents. Mail to 200 E. Colfax Ave., Room 141, Denver, CO 80203-1722. Or upload online.
Most claims take 90 to 120 days. Simple ones move faster. Estate claims take longer. The state will ask if they need more info. When approved, they mail a check.
Note: No deadline exists to file claims in Colorado.
Contact Information
All unclaimed property questions go to the state office.
| Program | Great Colorado Payback |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 E. Colfax Ave., Room 141, Denver, CO 80203-1722 |
| Denver Phone | 303-866-6070 |
| Toll Free | 800-825-2111 |
| Hours | Monday-Thursday, 9 AM - 3 PM MST |
| GreatCOPayback@state.co.us | |
| Website | colorado.findyourunclaimedproperty.com |
Additional Resources
The state website has helpful pages. Check the FAQ section. Read the How to Claim page. Learn about the program at the What is UCP page. Check claim status with the status tool.