Return it to the DMV or the person who lost it
If you find a driver's license, you have two straightforward options: return it directly to the person whose name is on it, or turn it in to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The fastest path for the owner is usually the direct return — most licenses now include a phone number or address you can use to contact them. If you cannot reach the person, the DMV will hold the license and notify the owner that it has been found.
Do not throw away a lost license or leave it where you found it. The owner will need it to get a replacement, and the process takes time and money. A few minutes of effort on your part can save them significant hassle.
Key Takeaways
- Call or text the person whose name is on the license if their contact information is printed on it or visible online.
- If you cannot reach the owner, take the license to your local DMV office or mail it to your state's DMV with a note explaining where you found it.
- Some states allow you to submit found licenses through an online form on the DMV website instead of visiting in person.
- Never attempt to use someone else's license or keep it — doing so is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
- If the license is damaged, expired, or you suspect it was stolen rather than lost, still turn it in to the DMV rather than discarding it.
How to contact the person directly
Start by looking at the license itself. Many modern licenses print a phone number or address on the back. If you see contact information, call or text to let the owner know you have found it and where you are located. Be clear about your location and offer a safe time and place to meet — a public location like a coffee shop or your workplace is better than your home.
If the license does not have contact information printed on it, search online using the person's name and the city or county where you found the license. Social media, local business directories, or a straightforward web search may turn up a phone number or email. Keep your message brief and factual: say what you found, where, and how they can reach you.
If the person does not respond within a day or two, or if you cannot find their contact information, move on to the DMV option. Do not hold onto the license indefinitely.
Turning in a license at the DMV
Visit your local DMV office during business hours and explain that you found a driver's license. Bring the license with you. The staff will take it, record that it was turned in, and typically contact the owner to let them know where it is. The owner can then pick it up at that office, usually with a photo ID to verify their identity.
Some states allow you to mail a found license to the DMV instead of visiting in person. Check your state's DMV website for the mailing address and any forms you should include. Write a brief note with the license explaining where and when you found it. Mailing takes longer than a direct visit, but it works if you cannot get to an office easily.
A few states now have online forms on their DMV websites where you can report a found license. Search "[your state] DMV found license" to see if this option is available where you are. Online reporting is the fastest method if your state offers it, since it creates an when ready record and the DMV can contact the owner right away.
What happens after you turn it in
Once the DMV has the license, they will attempt to contact the owner using the address on file. The owner will be told that their license was found and where they can pick it up. Most DMV offices hold found licenses for 30 to 90 days before discarding them, though this varies by state — check your state's policy if you want to know the exact timeline.
The owner does not need to pay you a reward, though some people do offer one. If the owner contacts you to arrange a pickup before you turn the license in, that is fine — you can skip the DMV step. If they offer a reward and you accept it, make sure the exchange happens in a safe public place.
Licenses found at specific locations
If you found the license at a business — a restaurant, store, gas station, or hotel — ask to speak with a manager and hand it to them directly. Businesses often have lost-and-found systems and will hold items for the owner or turn them in to local police. This is often faster than the DMV because the owner may retrace their steps and call the business.
If you found it on public transportation, turn it in to the transit authority's lost-and-found office. Most transit systems have a central location where found items are held. If you found it on the street or in a public park, the DMV is your best option, though you can also turn it in to a nearby police station — many departments accept found identification and will contact the owner or forward it to the DMV.
What not to do with a found license
Do not attempt to use the license yourself, even if you look similar to the person in the photo. Using someone else's identification is illegal and can result in criminal charges including identity theft or fraud. Do not keep the license as a souvenir or leave it where you found it hoping the owner will retrace their steps — most people do not find lost items this way, and the license will likely be destroyed or picked up by someone with bad intentions.
Do not post the license on social media to try to find the owner. This exposes the person's full name, address, and identifying information to the public and creates a security risk. Use private messages or direct contact instead. If you cannot reach the owner privately, the DMV is the safest next step.
If the license looks fake or stolen
If the license appears to be forged, altered, or you suspect it was stolen rather than lost, still turn it in to the DMV or a police station rather than discarding it. Do not attempt to investigate whether it is real — let the authorities handle it. When you turn it in, mention your concerns to the staff member taking it. They will flag it for review if needed.
If you found multiple licenses or identification documents together, this may indicate a stolen wallet. Turn everything in to the police non-emergency line or your local police station so they can investigate and contact the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a reward for turning in a lost license?
Some people offer rewards, but you are not may have access to to one. If the owner contacts you and offers money, you can accept it, but never ask for payment. Always meet in a safe public place if you arrange a direct exchange.
What if the address on the license is old or the person has moved?
The DMV will use the address on file to contact the owner. If the person has moved and did not update their license, they may not receive the notice. This is why direct contact is faster if you can find current information online. If you turn it in to the DMV, the owner can still retrieve it by calling the DMV and providing their license number.
Do I need to provide my name or contact information when I turn in a license?
Most DMV offices do not require your information, though some may ask for it to document the turn-in. You can decline to provide it if you prefer. The important thing is that the license gets returned to the owner.
How long does it take for the owner to get their license back?
If you return it directly, it is when ready. If you turn it in to the DMV, the owner typically learns about it within a few days and can pick it up at their local office. If you mail it, add a week or two for postal delivery and DMV processing.
What if I found a license from another state?
Contact that state's DMV using the same methods — mail it to their address or look for an online form on their website. You can also turn it in to your local police station and ask them to forward it to the appropriate state DMV.