Where to search Ohio's official unclaimed property list for free, what happens to forgotten safe-deposit boxes there, and whether the money is still yours after a sale.
Official search · checked Oct 19, 2026
Safe-deposit boxes
It can, but we haven't confirmed a dated state sale in 2025–26. Ohio takes coins and paper money with collectible value from boxes in their original form, but not jewelry, watches or other tangible items, which stay with the bank. Items still unclaimed after the owner's name is published are converted to cash, and the proceeds are credited to the owner's account (Ohio Admin. Code 1301:10-5-03).
Sources: Ohio Admin. Code 1301:10-5-03 ↗
Not yet verified: We found no dated Ohio state sale and no named auctioneer. Private "safe deposit box" sales in Ohio may be bank-ordered.
Read the full Ohio auction guide: who runs it, how often, past sales and where to bid.
After a sale
Ohio's rule says coins and currency it takes from boxes, if still unclaimed, are converted to cash and credited to the owner's account. Jewelry and other items stay with the bank. source ↗
How to check
Finders
No. NAUPA, the national association of state unclaimed property administrators, says there's no fee to search for and claim your property if you use your state's official program. Paid finders are legal in most cases but never required. Some states cap their fees and many require them to register, so check with the state office before you sign a finder's contract. NAUPA ↗
Keep reading
This page points you to official sources. It isn't legal or financial advice; the state office decides every claim.
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