North Carolina § 121-56 - Acquisition of undocumented property.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 121-56 — Acquisition of undocumented property., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 121-56. Acquisition of undocumented property.
Property in the possession of a museum or archives repository that the museum or archives repository has reason to believe may be on loan and for which the museum or archives repository does not know the owner or have any reasonable means of determining the owner becomes the property of the museum or archives repository as provided in this section. If no person has claimed the property within seven years after the museum or archives repository or a predecessor or assignor of the museum or archives repository took possession of the property, then the museum or archives repository shall follow the notification process set out in G.S. 121-52(c). Pursuant to G.S. 121-52(d), if the Department receives a claim and determines that the claim is valid and that the claimant is the legal owner of the artifact, the Department shall return the artifact to the owner at the owner's expense. Otherwise, after following the notification process and consistent with G.S. 121-52(e), the museum or archives repository shall become the owner of the property, shall acquire title to the property and shall own the property free and clear from all claims of ownership. The requirements of G.S. 121-52 and G.S. 121-53 shall apply to valid and disputed claims of ownership to undocumented property. History (2015-218, s. 2.)
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 121-56
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 121-56 cover?
Section 121-56 ("Acquisition of undocumented property.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 121-56?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 121-56" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 121-56 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.