Am I required to be licensed?

No. California Law does not require you to be licensed.

Do I need to notify you that I am a California Unclaimed Money Finder or run a Finder Service?

Do I need to notify you when I hire or terminate the employment or staff?

Do I need to register my business with the California Secretary of State?

Yes. If you are operating under a business name, you need to register with the California Secretary of State

Does the State Controller's Office provide training on becoming a Finder?

Will I receive a letter that identifies me as an "official California unclaimed money finder" with the California State Controller's Office?

Will the California State Controller's Office issue me a “finder number”?

No. The California State Controller's Office does not issue “finder numbers”

Are there restrictions on what I can charge a client?

There is no fee restriction for a County Probated Estate claim. For more information, refer to the Estates of Deceased Persons Escheated Funds from County Treasurer Offices in the Investigator Handbook

Can I create my own Agreement?

California is not able to process claim packages for Finders whose Finder Agreements are not in compliance with the law. Non-standardized agreements cause delays in the evaluation process because they must ensure the non-standardized agreement conforms with the California Code of Civil Procedure.

If your Finder Agreement does not meet all legal requirments as determined in the law, your investigator agreement will be rejected and the claim packages will be returned to you.

Does the Standard Finder Agreement form need to be notarized?

However, Claim Affirmation Forms may need to be notarized depending on the value and type of property.

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