You can use a found license, but you need to return it to the person who lost it

If you find a driver's license on the ground or in a public place, the right move is to return it to the person whose name is on it. A lost license is not yours to keep or use, even if you look similar to the photo. Using someone else's license — even temporarily — is identity fraud and can result in criminal charges.

The person who lost the license will need it back to drive legally and to prove their identity. Without it, they cannot renew their registration, board a plane, or open a bank account. Getting it back to them quickly matters.

Key Takeaways

  • Return a found license directly to the person whose name is on it, or turn it in to the police or the DMV in the state that issued it.
  • Do not use someone else's license to drive, even if you resemble the photo — this is a crime.
  • If you cannot locate the person, the DMV can contact them through their address on file.
  • The person who lost the license will need to report it lost and may be able to get a replacement the same day at their local DMV.

How to return it directly to the person

The easiest path is to contact the person yourself. The license shows their name and often their address. If the address is local, you can mail the license to them or drop it off in person. Include a brief note so they know you found it and are returning it intentionally.

If you find contact information — a phone number in a nearby wallet, a social media profile, or a work phone number — call or message them directly. Most people will be grateful and may offer a reward, though you are not obligated to accept one.

Turning it in to police or the DMV

If you cannot locate the person or do not feel safe going to their address, take the license to your local police station's non-emergency line or to the DMV office that issued it. The state on the license tells you which DMV to contact. Police will log it as found property, and the DMV can mail it to the address on file or hold it for the person to pick up.

Some police departments have a lost-and-found system for items turned in by the public. Call ahead to ask whether they accept found licenses and where to drop it off during business hours.

What happens after you return it

Once the person gets their license back, they are done — no further action needed on their part unless they want to report it found to the DMV. If they never get it back and report it lost, they will need to go to the DMV with proof of identity (passport, birth certificate, or state ID) and pay a replacement fee. Most states charge between $10 and $30 for a replacement license.

Some states allow people to report a license lost online and order a replacement without visiting an office, though the new license takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. The person will receive a temporary paper license to drive while they wait.

Why you should not keep or use it

Using someone else's license — even briefly — is fraud. If you are stopped by police while driving with someone else's license, you can be charged with identity theft, forgery, or driving with a suspended or invalid license. These are criminal charges that can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent record.

Even if you look like the photo, the license is not valid for you. Your name is not on it, your address is not on it, and your signature is not on it. A police officer or security guard will catch the mismatch when ready.

If the license is damaged or unreadable

If the license is torn, water-damaged, or the information is hard to read, still turn it in to the DMV or police. Include a note explaining the condition so they know it was not deliberately destroyed. The person who lost it will still be able to use it as proof that they reported it lost, which can help them get a replacement faster.

Do not attempt to repair it yourself with tape or glue. Turn it in as-is so the person can show it to the DMV if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I find a license from another state?

Contact the DMV in that state or turn it in to a police station in your area. Police can forward it to the correct state's DMV. You can also look up the out-of-state DMV online and mail it directly with a note explaining where you found it.

Can I get a reward for returning a lost license?

Some people offer rewards, but you have no right to one. If the person offers money or thanks, you can accept it, but do not ask for payment. Returning it is the right thing to do regardless.

What if the address on the license is old or no longer valid?

The DMV will still have the person's current address on file if they have renewed their license recently. Turn it in to the DMV and they will contact the person at their registered address. If you know their current address, you can include that information in a note when you turn it in.

Do I have to give my name when I return a found license?

You do not have to give your name to the police or DMV, though many people do. If you return it directly to the person, you can remain anonymous by leaving it in their mailbox or with a note that does not include your contact information.

What if I find a license in a wallet with cash?

Return the entire wallet to the person or to police. Do not take the cash. Keeping money you find is theft, even if you return the license. Police or the person will be grateful for the return of the whole wallet, and many people do offer rewards in this situation.