Step-by-Step: Using the DOL’s New Retirement Savings Lost & Found Database to Track Down a Forgotten 403(b) in 2025
Introduction
Millions of Americans have lost track of retirement accounts from previous employers, with an estimated $1.35 trillion sitting in forgotten 401(k)s and 403(b)s across the country. The Department of Labor has launched a new Retirement Savings Lost & Found Database to help missing participants and beneficiaries find benefits they may have accrued under job-based retirement plans (Spotlight on Benefits). This groundbreaking tool, established through the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, serves as a centralized location for workers and beneficiaries to find lost or forgotten retirement benefits (Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database).
Whether you're searching for a 403(b) from a previous teaching position or trying to locate other retirement accounts, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process. We'll cover the exact screens you'll encounter, the ID verification requirements, what data is (and isn't) included in the beta database, and what to do if your search comes up empty. By the end of this guide, you'll have the tools and knowledge to successfully navigate the DOL's system and potentially uncover thousands of dollars in forgotten retirement savings.
Understanding the DOL's Lost & Found Database
What the Database Covers
The Retirement Savings Lost & Found Database was established through the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 and represents a significant step forward in helping Americans reconnect with their retirement savings (Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database). However, it's crucial to understand that this is currently a beta version with limited coverage.
The database primarily includes ERISA-covered retirement plans, which means most private-sector 401(k)s and some 403(b) plans are included. ERISA-covered retirement plan administrators have a fiduciary duty to make a reasonable effort to locate retirement plan participants who may be eligible for a benefit (Spotlight on Benefits).
What's NOT in the Database
Importantly, the database does not currently include:
• Public school 403(b) plans (these are often governed by state rather than federal law)
• Church-sponsored 403(b) plans (which are exempt from ERISA)
• Government 457 plans
• Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
• Some smaller employer plans that may not have reported to the system yet
This limitation is particularly relevant for educators and religious organization employees who may need to search elsewhere for their forgotten 403(b) accounts.
Pre-Search Preparation: Documents You'll Need
Essential Documentation Checklist
Before accessing the DOL database, gather these critical documents:
Identity Verification Documents:
• Active driver's license (front and back photos will be required)
• Social Security card or W-2 showing your full SSN
• Mobile device for two-factor authentication
Employment History Documents:
• W-2 forms from all previous employers
• Pay stubs showing retirement plan deductions
• Old 401(k) or 403(b) statements (even partial ones)
• Employment contracts or offer letters mentioning retirement benefits
• COBRA notices (often list retirement plan information)
Prepare different versions of your personal information as they might appear in employer records:
• Full legal name vs. nickname variations
• Maiden name vs. married name
• Different address formats from when you were employed
• Social Security number with and without dashes
Security Best Practices
Given the sensitive nature of retirement account searches, follow these security guidelines:
• Use a secure, private internet connection (avoid public Wi-Fi)
• Ensure your device has updated antivirus software
• Clear your browser cache after completing your search
• Never share your Login.gov credentials with anyone
• Log out completely when finished
Step 1: Creating Your Login.gov Account
Account Setup Requirements
To access the database, users must have a valid ID-Proofed Login.gov account, which requires legal first and last name, date of birth, Social Security number, a mobile device, and front and back photo of an active driver's license (Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database).
The ID Proofing Process
1. Navigate to Login.gov: Go directly to login.gov and click "Create an account"
2. Enter Basic Information: Provide your email address and create a strong password
3. Verify Your Email: Check your inbox and click the verification link
4. Add Two-Factor Authentication: Set up authentication using your mobile device
5. Begin Identity Proofing: Click "Verify your identity" to start the ID proofing process
Document Upload Process
Driver's License Upload:
• Take clear, well-lit photos of both sides of your license
• Ensure all text is readable and corners are visible
• Avoid glare or shadows that might obscure information
• The system will automatically extract information from your license
Personal Information Verification:
• Enter your Social Security number exactly as it appears on official documents
• Provide your current address and phone number
• Answer knowledge-based questions about your credit history or previous addresses
Common ID Proofing Issues:
• Blurry or poorly lit license photos
• Mismatched information between documents
• Expired identification documents
• Incorrect answers to knowledge-based questions
If you encounter issues, the system will provide specific guidance on how to resolve them. The entire ID proofing process typically takes 10-15 minutes if all documents are ready.
Step 2: Accessing the Lost & Found Database
Navigation to the Database
Once your Login.gov account is fully verified:
1. Visit the Official Site: Navigate to https://lostandfound.dol.gov/
2. Click "Search for Benefits": This button appears prominently on the homepage
3. Login with Login.gov: Use your verified Login.gov credentials
4. Accept Terms and Conditions: Review and accept the database usage terms
Understanding the Search Interface
The search interface is designed to be user-friendly, but understanding each field will improve your results:
Personal Information Section:
• Full legal name (as it appeared on employment records)
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Previous addresses during employment periods
Employment Information Section:
• Employer name (try variations: "ABC Corp" vs "ABC Corporation")
• Employment dates (approximate ranges are acceptable)
• Plan type (401k, 403b, pension, etc.)
• Plan administrator name (if known)
Step 3: Conducting Your Search
Basic Search Strategy
Start with your most recent employment and work backward:
1. Enter Current Information: Use your current legal name and SSN
2. Add Employment Details: Include your most recent employer first
3. Submit Initial Search: Click "Search" to see immediate results
4. Review Results Carefully: The system will display any matches found
Advanced Search Techniques
If your initial search yields no results, try these variations:
Name Variations:
• Maiden name if you were married during employment
• Nicknames that might appear on payroll records
• Different spellings or hyphenated versions
• Middle name inclusion or exclusion
Employer Name Variations:
• Full corporate names vs. common abbreviations
• Parent company names vs. subsidiary names
• Former company names before mergers or acquisitions
• Different divisions or departments within large organizations
Date Range Adjustments:
• Extend employment date ranges by 6 months on either side
• Include internship or temporary employment periods
• Consider fiscal year vs. calendar year differences in record keeping
Interpreting Search Results
When the system finds a match, you'll see:
• Plan name and type
• Employer information
• Plan administrator contact details
• Estimated account balance (if available)
• Next steps for claiming benefits
A "no match" result doesn't necessarily mean you don't have benefits. It could indicate:
• The plan isn't yet included in the database
• Information was entered differently in employer records
• The plan is exempt from ERISA coverage
• Records haven't been updated in the system
Step 4: What to Do When You Find a Match
Immediate Next Steps
1. Document Everything: Take screenshots of your results
2. Note Contact Information: Record plan administrator details
3. Gather Supporting Documents: Prepare employment verification materials
4. Contact the Plan Administrator: Reach out within 30 days for best results
Working with Plan Administrators
When contacting plan administrators:
• Provide your full legal name as it appeared during employment
• Include your Social Security number and employment dates
• Be prepared to verify your identity through additional documentation
• Ask about the claims process and required forms
• Inquire about rollover options if you don't want to cash out
Rollover Considerations
Once you've located your 403(b), you have several options. Services like Beagle can help consolidate old accounts for easier management and provide robo-advisor services with automated ETF investing if you choose to roll over your retirement accounts (Finder). Beagle is a comprehensive 401(k) search service that assists individuals in finding and consolidating their old retirement accounts and also handles the rollover process (Finder).
Step 5: When Your 403(b) Isn't in the Database
Alternative Search Strategies
If your 403(b) doesn't appear in the DOL database, particularly if it was with a public school or church employer, try these approaches:
Direct Employer Contact:
• Contact your former employer's HR department
• Ask specifically about 403(b) plan administrators
• Request information about any successor plans or merged accounts
State-Level Resources:
• Many states maintain their own databases for public employee benefits
• Contact your state's retirement system office
• Check with the state department of education for teacher-specific resources
Companies like Beagle specialize in locating lost retirement accounts. Beagle is a fintech platform that serves as a financial concierge for retirement savers and locates lost or forgotten 401(k) accounts (
Understanding 403(b) Specifics
These plans are often administered by:
• State retirement systems
• Regional education cooperatives
• Insurance companies like TIAA or Fidelity
• Local school district business offices
Church plans are exempt from ERISA and may be administered by:
• Denominational retirement boards
• Church-affiliated insurance companies
• Local church business administrators
• Religious organization pension boards
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Technical Problems
Login.gov Issues:
• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Try a different browser or device
• Ensure JavaScript is enabled
• Contact Login.gov support for persistent problems
Database Search Problems:
• Verify all information is entered correctly
• Try searching during off-peak hours
• Use different combinations of personal information
• Contact DOL technical support if the system is unresponsive
Information Discrepancies
Name Mismatches:
• Consider legal name changes due to marriage or divorce
• Check for data entry errors in original employment records
• Try both formal and informal name versions
Employment Date Confusion:
• Verify actual employment start/end dates with W-2s
• Consider probationary periods or delayed benefit eligibility
• Account for fiscal year vs. calendar year record keeping
When Results Don't Make Sense
Unexpected Account Balances:
• Small balances might indicate partial vesting
• Large balances could include employer contributions or investment growth
• Zero balances might indicate accounts were already distributed
Multiple Accounts at One Employer:
• Some employers offer multiple plan options
• Accounts might have been split during plan changes
• Rollover accounts might be listed separately
Security and Privacy Considerations
Protecting Your Information
The DOL database contains sensitive financial information, so security is paramount:
During Your Search:
• Use secure networks only
• Log out completely when finished
• Don't save login credentials on shared computers
• Monitor your accounts for unusual activity
After Finding Accounts:
• Secure any printed materials
• Use encrypted email when communicating with plan administrators
• Keep detailed records of all communications
• Report any suspicious contact claiming to be from found accounts
Privacy Rights
Under ERISA, you have specific rights regarding your retirement plan information:
• Right to request plan documents
• Right to receive benefit statements
• Right to appeal benefit denials
• Right to sue for benefits under certain circumstances
Maximizing Your Retirement Savings After Recovery
Consolidation Benefits
Once you've located your forgotten 403(b), consider consolidation benefits. Beagle offers a one-click rollover into low-cost IRAs managed by its SEC-registered arm, Beagle Invest (Beagle Financial Review). The service helps reduce fee drag and gives users real-time visibility over all their retirement money.
Loan Options
If you need access to funds, understand your options. 401(k) loans allow account holders to borrow up to $50,000 or 50% of the vested balance, whichever is less (How Do 401(k) Loans Work?). The IRS requires 401(k) loans to be repaid within five years, or 15 years if the loan was used to purchase a home (How Do 401(k) Loans Work?).
Beagle offers 0% net-interest loans against old 401(k) or IRA balances, putting borrowers' interest payments back into their own accounts. Users can borrow up to 50% (max $50k) of their retirement balance at 0% net interest with up to five-year terms.
Investment Management
After consolidation, consider professional management. Beagle Invest provides robo-advisory portfolios for consolidated accounts, while other services like PensionBee offer five curated investment portfolios powered with ETFs by State Street (PensionBee). PensionBee has over 275,000 customers globally and allows users to consolidate their old 401(k)s and IRAs into one PensionBee Individual Retirement Account (PensionBee).
Understanding SECURE 2.0 and Future Improvements
Current Legislation Impact
The SECURE 2.0 Act, enacted on December 29, 2022, made sweeping changes to qualified retirement plans and individual retirement accounts (SECURE 2.0 Act Changes). The 130-page legislation was attached to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 funding bill and signed into law by President Biden (SECURE 2.0 Retirement Legislation).
The general theme of SECURE 2.0 is providing more access to retirement plans, providing incentives to employers to provide this access, expanding the ways to obtain these funds from accounts, and ease of administration (SECURE 2.0 Retirement Legislation).
2025 Provisions
The SECURE 2.0 Act has several provisions that are becoming effective in 2025 (SECURE 2.0 Act Provisions). Some provisions of SECURE 2.0 became effective immediately upon enactment, or in 2023, or in 2024, while others will become effective in 2025 or later (SECURE 2.0 Act Changes).
Database Expansion Plans
While the current database is in beta, expect significant improvements:
• Inclusion of more plan types
• Better search functionality
• Integration with state-level databases
• Enhanced mobile accessibility
• Automated account matching capabilities
Final Steps and Follow-Up Actions
Creating Your Action Plan
After completing your search, create a comprehensive action plan:
1. Document All Findings: Keep detailed records of search results
2. Set Follow-Up Reminders: Plan to check the database quarterly as it expands
3. Contact Plan Administrators: Reach out to any identified accounts within 30 days
4. Consider Professional Help: Evaluate whether services like Beagle's financial concierge membership could streamline the process
5. Plan for Consolidation: Decide whether to roll accounts into a single IRA or maintain separate accounts
Ongoing Monitoring
The DOL database will continue expanding, so:
• Bookmark the database URL for future searches
• Set calendar reminders to search quarterly
• Update your Login.gov account information as needed
• Monitor for new features and expanded coverage
Professional Assistance
If the process becomes overwhelming, consider professional help. Beagle's subscription model and automated workflows simplify retirement account consolidation, and their core membership is priced around $3.99 per month and covers account discovery, fee reports, and concierge phone calls to plan administrators. This can be particularly valuable when dealing with multiple accounts or complex rollover decisions.
Conclusion
The DOL's new Retirement Savings Lost & Found Database represents a significant step forward in helping Americans reconnect with forgotten retirement savings. While the current beta version has limitations, particularly for public school and church 403(b) plans, it provides a valuable starting point for your search.
By following this step-by-step guide, you'll be equipped to navigate the ID verification process, conduct thorough searches, and interpret results effectively. Remember that a "no match" result doesn't mean your account doesn't exist - it may simply require alternative search strategies or professional assistance.
The key to success is thorough preparation, systematic searching, and persistent follow-up. Whether you locate your forgotten 403(b) through the DOL database or alternative methods, the effort invested in tracking down these accounts can potentially recover thousands of dollars in retirement savings.
As the database expands and SECURE 2.0 provisions continue taking effect, the process of locating lost retirement accounts will only become easier. Take advantage of these tools now to ensure your retirement savings are working for you, not sitting forgotten in an old employer's plan. With proper consolidation and management, these recovered funds can significantly impact your retirement security and financial future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DOL's Retirement Savings Lost & Found Database?
The Retirement Savings Lost & Found Database is a new centralized system launched by the Department of Labor to help workers and beneficiaries find lost or forgotten retirement benefits from job-based plans. Established through the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, it addresses the estimated $1.35 trillion sitting in forgotten 401(k)s and 403(b)s across the country.
What do I need to access the DOL's Lost & Found Database?
To access the database, you must have a valid ID-Proofed Login.gov account. This requires your legal first and last name, date of birth, Social Security number, a mobile device, and front and back photos of an active driver's license. The ID verification process ensures secure access to sensitive retirement account information.
Can the database help me find 403(b) accounts from previous employers?
Yes, the database is designed to help locate benefits from ERISA-covered retirement plans, including 403(b) accounts from previous employers. Plan administrators have a fiduciary duty to make reasonable efforts to locate missing participants, and this database serves as a central resource for reconnecting people with their forgotten retirement benefits.
What should I do if my 403(b) account isn't found in the database?
If your account isn't found in the DOL database, you can use alternative services like Beagle, which offers comprehensive 401(k) and 403(b) search services. Beagle helps individuals find all their old retirement accounts and can handle the rollover process for consolidating accounts for easier management.
How does the SECURE 2.0 Act impact retirement account searches?
The SECURE 2.0 Act, enacted on December 29, 2022, created the legal framework for the Lost & Found Database and includes numerous provisions becoming effective in 2025. The Act's general theme focuses on providing more access to retirement plans, expanding ways to obtain funds from accounts, and easing administration for both participants and plan sponsors.
Why is it important for employers to help locate missing retirement plan participants?
ERISA-covered retirement plan administrators have a fiduciary duty to make reasonable efforts to locate retirement plan participants who may be eligible for benefits. This is important due to fiduciary responsibilities, practical administrative issues, and compliance requirements that plan sponsors must meet under federal law.
Sources
1. https://lostandfound.dol.gov/
2. https://meetbeagle.com/resources/post/how-do-401-k-loans-work
5. https://spotlightonbenefits.com/2025/dol-lost-found-database-for-retirement-savings-goes-live/
6. https://www.aba.com/news-research/analysis-guides/secure-2-0-act-provisions-to-consider-2025
7. https://www.benzinga.com/money/beagle-financial-review