UDGAM can help users search for unclaimed deposits, but claims and payments are handled through the relevant bank’s process. A record appearing on the portal does not by itself prove ownership or guarantee immediate payment.
Understand the law and process
Searching by name, bank and available identification details may show information about potential accounts. It would not be correct to assume that all accounts or all situations will appear immediately on the portal. The process for a dormant account, an unclaimed deposit and a deceased customer’s claim may differ at the bank. Transfer of money to a regulatory fund does not mean that an eligible customer’s claim is permanently extinguished. After a search result is found, identity, entitlement and account details will be verified by the relevant bank. Before paying an unknown recovery agent to make a claim, it is better to use the bank’s official channel.
In detail: What can affect the results?
Use old passbooks, addresses, initials and name spellings to assist your search. If your name has changed due to marriage or another reason, linking documents may be useful. For a deceased family member’s deposit, a matching surname alone does not establish a claim; the nominee or succession process will also need to be considered. Do not make account or identity information public when sharing a search result.
What should you do?
- Use only the RBI’s official UDGAM portal or the relevant bank’s official search facility.
- If you find a matching record, obtain the reference and bank branch details and request a claim checklist.
- Submit identity and entitlement documents, and keep written acknowledgement and status updates.
Which documents should you keep?
Keep old passbooks, identity and address records, proof of a name change and, where needed, death or heirship documents.
Hypothetical example
A family found an indication of a deposit using an old address and the initials in a name. During bank verification, it emerged that there were two people with the same name. Rather than treating the portal match as conclusive proof of entitlement, identity had to be confirmed.
Does not finding an account on the portal rule out the possibility that money is there?
No. There may be limitations in coverage, data and search details; making a separate inquiry with the relevant bank may be useful.
Sources and related rules
Editorial review: 26 October 2026. This is general legal information. The outcome may vary depending on the facts of the case, the applicable state law and subsequent amendments.