Unclaimed Property Finder Applications

Unclaimed property finders —whether a business, an individual, or a CPA firm — are now required to obtain a license through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. On this page, you’ll find all the forms needed to complete the licensing process. All unclaimed property finders operating in Illinois must now apply for licensure through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office. Questions? Try our FAQ webpage.

Instructions

Before you apply, please review these instructions carefully. A complete application package will help avoid processing delays.

To be processed, your application must include:

• A completed, typed application
• All required supporting documents
• Proof of payment for the $500 application fee, unless you are submitting a CPA registration

Handwritten applications will not be accepted.

Important Information

• You must be at least 21 years old to apply.
• The $500 application fee is non-refundable.
• CPA registrations do not require the $500 application fee.
• Your application is valid for 90 days from the date it is received.
• If approved, your license will expire three years from the date of issuance.
• By submitting an application, you agree to allow the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to conduct a criminal background check.
• Please allow up to 90 days for processing.

How to Complete the Application

1. Complete Part I: Application Category Information

Select the application category that applies to you.

Licensure Application for Businesses

This application is for businesses that act as, or seek licensure as, unclaimed property finders. State law requires any individual who owns more than 10% of the stock in an unclaimed property finder business to complete the application and undergo a background check.

Licensure Application for Individuals

This application is for individuals acting as or seeking licensure as unclaimed property finders. Sole proprietors finding property on behalf of clients must receive a license to operate within the State of Illinois.  

CPA Firm Registration

This registration form is for CPA firms acting as unclaimed property finders. All CPA firms providing unclaimed property finding services must register with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to operate within the state.

2. Complete Part II: Identifying Information

Complete the Identifying Information section.

All requested information is required. Do not use a Post Office Box as your mailing address.

If applying as a business, include information for each individual who owns 10% or more of the corporate stock. Each person listed will have an applicant number. You will use that number when completing Parts IV and V.

3. Complete Part III: Record of Licensure

Complete the Record of Licensure section.

List all professional licenses held by the business and by each individual listed in Part II. Include the status of each license, such as active, expired, or suspended.

Examples of professional licenses include:

• Attorney
• Certified Public Accountant
• Private Detective or Private Investigator
• Certified Financial Planner
• FINRA licenses

4. Complete Parts IV and V

Answer each question in Parts IV and V for every person listed in Part II. Use each person’s applicant number.

5. Sign the Application

The person completing the application must sign it under oath on behalf of the business.

Unsigned applications will be denied.

6. Pay the Application Fee

Pay the $500 application fee through the payment portal.

This fee does not apply to CPA registrations.

7. Submit Your Application Package

Email your completed application package to Licensing@IllinoisTreasurer.gov

Your application package must include:

• Completed, typed application,
• Proof of payment, unless submitting a CPA registration,
• Color copy of each applicant’s government-issued ID
• Proof of fidelity bond
• Any other required supporting documents