Abandoned Bail

Client Services holds all cash bail until the court notifies them that a case is resolved.  Upon notice, they send a refund to the "surety" - that is, to the person who paid the bail. In some cases - for instance, if the surety moved - the refund may be undeliverable.  Client Services will then hold the money, waiting for the surety to come forward and claim it. If a refund is still unclaimed after five years, the refunds are considered "abandoned." 

By law, Client Services must publish a list of abandoned bail once a year.  However, to increase the chance that a surety will see the list and claim a bail refund, Finance is publishing the list twice – once on the web site and again, in early 2009, in at least two major NYC newspapers.

If the bail funds remain unclaimed by the end of March, the abandoned bail is forwarded to the New York State Comptroller's Office of Unclaimed Funds.

Abandoned Bail Listing
 Abandoned Bail List

If You See Your Name on The List
If your name is on the abandoned bail list, send Client Services a letter claiming your refund.  Make sure to include the following information:

• The defendant's name (that is, who you paid bail for);
• The docket number;
• The amount of bail you paid; and
• Your name, address, and telephone number.

Also, attach the following documents to your letter:

• A copy of the bail receipt, if you have it; and
• Copies of 2 pieces of photo ID that have your signature. Your employment ID, driver's license, non-driver's ID card, or passport are acceptable. 

Mail your letter and supporting documents to:
NYC Department of Finance
Abandoned Bail / Accounting Unit
One Centre Street, 22nd Floor
New York, NY 10007

If You Have Paid Bail But Do Not See Your Name On The List
Remember: Abandoned bail is at least 5 years old.  If you paid cash bail for someone who was arrested within the 5 boroughs of New York City more recently, but you have not yet received your refund, please check to see whether the case has been resolved. To check the status of a more recent NYC bail payment (i.e., one that is less than 5 years old), call Client Services at 212-669-2879/80.

If you paid bail for someone outside of the City, you would have to contact the court or facility at which you paid the bail to update your address or check on the status of the case.

Bail Refunds
Inquire about a Bail Refund
How to Get the Bail Refund
Assign (Transfer) Bail to Another Person
Notify Finance of a Cash Bail Refund Change of Address
Lost Bail Receipt
Forfeited Bail