Search Frederick Unclaimed Money
Frederick residents have a real advantage when it comes to searching for and claiming unclaimed money: the Maryland Comptroller operates a field office right in the city at 5310 Spectrum Drive, making in-person help easy to get without traveling to Baltimore. Frederick is the county seat of Frederick County and one of the fastest-growing cities in Maryland. Whether you are looking for old bank accounts, insurance refunds, utility deposits, or tax sale surplus funds, this page covers where to search and how to file.
Frederick Unclaimed Money Overview
Frederick Unclaimed Money: The State Database
The Maryland Comptroller holds unclaimed money from across the state, including funds from financial institutions, insurance companies, utility providers, and employers that lost contact with account owners. Maryland law under Maryland Commercial Law Article §17-102 sets dormancy periods before funds become presumed abandoned: three years for most accounts, seven years for money orders, and fifteen years for traveler's checks. Once those periods pass, the holder must transfer the funds to the state.
To search, go to claimitmd.gov/app/claim-search. Try every name you have used: maiden name, married name, middle name variations, former business names. Many Frederick residents find accounts from banks that merged or closed years ago, insurance policies from former employers, or utility deposits from prior addresses. The search is free and takes only a few minutes.
You can also use MissingMoney.com to check Maryland and other states at once. If you moved to Frederick from Virginia, Pennsylvania, or elsewhere, run the search in those states too.
Maryland Comptroller Field Office in Frederick
One thing that sets Frederick apart from most Maryland cities is the presence of a Maryland Comptroller field office right here in town. The office is at 5310 Spectrum Drive, Frederick, MD 21703. Phone: 301-815-5350. You can walk in during business hours for help with unclaimed property claims, tax questions, or other Comptroller services.
This is a real benefit for residents who prefer face-to-face help or have a complex claim, such as one involving a deceased relative, a business account, or multiple owners. Staff at the field office can guide you through the documentation requirements and explain next steps. You do not need an appointment for a basic unclaimed property inquiry, but calling ahead is always a good idea for more involved situations.
The screenshot below shows the Maryland Comptroller's field office locations page, which includes the Frederick office details and contact information.
The field office handles the same claim process as the main Baltimore office, so bringing your ID and any relevant documents will help speed things along.
Note: The Comptroller also sets up an unclaimed property outreach booth at the Great Frederick Fair each year. If you miss the booth, you can always visit the Spectrum Drive office directly.
Frederick County Tax Sale Surplus Funds
Frederick County holds its annual tax sale on the second Monday of May. Properties with unpaid taxes go to auction through the RealAuction platform at frederick.marylandtaxsale.com. When a property sells for more than the taxes and fees owed, the surplus belongs to the former property owner. This money does not automatically come back to you. You have to ask for it.
The Frederick County tax sale carries a 12% annual interest rate and a six-month redemption window, meaning the former owner has six months after the sale to pay what is owed and reclaim the property before the buyer can move to foreclose. More information about the process is at frederickcountymd.gov/2005/Tax-Sale.
The screenshot below shows the Frederick County tax sale page with details on the annual auction process for county properties.
If you believe you are owed surplus from a past Frederick County tax sale, contact the Frederick County Finance Department for guidance on how to claim it.
City of Frederick Government
Frederick has its own municipal government separate from Frederick County, which is unusual among Maryland communities. The City of Frederick manages its own utilities, public works, and local services through the city government at cityoffrederickmd.gov. Utility deposits or payments made to the City of Frederick that went unclaimed could show up in the state unclaimed property system if the city remitted them as required under Maryland Commercial Law Article §17-301.
For city-specific questions about refunds, deposits, or other funds you believe the City of Frederick may owe you, contact city government directly. Not every type of municipal credit ends up in the state database, so checking with the city is worth doing if you think there may be something owed from utility or permit accounts.
The screenshot below shows the City of Frederick's official website, the municipal government portal for the city's residents and businesses.
The city manages its own services independently from Frederick County, so some records and funds may be held at the city level rather than the county.
How to Claim Frederick Unclaimed Money
After you find a match in the state database, the next step is filing a claim. Online claims process in 6 to 12 weeks. Mail claims take 12 to 24 weeks. To file online, follow the prompts at claimitmd.gov after your search. You will need to upload a photo ID and Social Security number documentation.
For mail claims, download the COT-ST912 form at marylandcomptroller.gov. Send the completed form to 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 320, Baltimore, MD 21202. Or bring everything to the Frederick field office at 5310 Spectrum Drive if you want to submit in person and get a receipt.
Under Maryland Commercial Law Article §17-401, the state owes you the full value of what it holds. There is no time limit and no fee. Call 410-767-1700 or 1-800-782-7383 with questions. Email: unclaim@marylandtaxes.gov. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Under Maryland Commercial Law Article §17-404, certain third-party finders are allowed to charge fees for locating unclaimed property, but only after your right to claim has been established. You are always better off searching yourself first for free.
Frederick County Government
Tax sale surplus funds and other county-level unclaimed property are handled through Frederick County. Since Frederick City is the county seat, residents interact with both city and county government regularly. For a full breakdown of Frederick County's unclaimed property processes, tax sale procedures, and county resources, visit the Frederick County page.
Nearby Cities
Check these nearby communities if you have ties to other parts of central Maryland.