Return it to the person or the DMV, depending on what information you have
If you find a driver's license, your best option is to return it directly to the person whose name is on it — most people list a phone number or address on their license or in public directories. If you cannot locate them, take the license to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which can contact the owner. Some states also accept licenses at police stations or sheriff's offices. Do not throw it away or keep it; a lost license creates real problems for the owner, from identity risk to the cost and time of replacing it.
The specific steps depend on what you know and where you live, but the goal is always the same: get it back to the rightful owner as quickly as possible.
Key Takeaways
- Search for the person online using their name and address from the license before taking other steps.
- If you find contact information, call or send a message directly — most people will arrange to pick it up or meet you.
- Your state's DMV can mail the license back to the address on file or contact the owner to retrieve it.
- Police stations and sheriff's offices in some states will hold lost licenses and contact the owner, though response times vary.
- Never keep a license or throw it away, as it can be used for fraud and the owner faces real costs to replace it.
Try to contact the person directly first
The fastest way to return a license is to reach the owner yourself. Start with what is printed on the card: a phone number, an address, or both. Call the number if it is listed — many people still include their phone on their license, and a quick call often solves the problem in minutes.
If there is no phone number, try an online search using the person's full name and the city or zip code from the address on the license. Google, Facebook, LinkedIn, and local business directories can turn up contact information. If you find them on social media, send a direct message explaining that you found their license and want to return it. Be specific: mention the state, the expiration date, or another detail from the card so they know you actually have it.
If the address on the license is local, you can also mail it back to that address or leave it with a neighbor if you know them. Include a brief note explaining where you found it.
Take it to your state's DMV if you cannot locate the owner
Every state's DMV has a process for handling lost licenses. In most cases, you can walk in during business hours and hand the license to a staff member, who will log it and contact the owner. Some DMVs also accept licenses by mail — you can put it in an envelope with a note and send it to your local DMV office. Check your state's DMV website for the address and whether they prefer in-person drop-off or mail.
The DMV will use the address on file to mail the license back to the owner or call them to arrange pickup. Response times vary by state and how busy the office is, but most owners hear back within one to two weeks. This is a free service and requires nothing from you except dropping off the card.
Some states also allow you to submit a lost license online through their DMV portal, though you will still need to mail the physical card. Check your state's website for this option.
Leave it with police or the sheriff's office as a backup option
If your DMV is far away or has limited hours, many police stations and sheriff's offices will hold a lost license and contact the owner. Call the non-emergency number for your local police department or sheriff's office and ask if they accept lost licenses. If they do, you can drop it off during business hours.
Police departments are less consistent than the DMV about following up with owners, so this is a good backup option but not the first choice. If you use this route, ask for a name or reference number so you can follow up if the owner does not retrieve it within a week or two.
Do not keep the license or throw it away
A lost driver's license is a real security risk. Someone who finds it can use it to open accounts, make purchases, or commit fraud in the owner's name. Even if you have no intention of misusing it, keeping it puts the owner at risk and delays them from replacing it.
Replacing a lost license costs money — usually $15 to $50 depending on the state — and requires a trip to the DMV, a new photo, and proof of identity. The owner also has to worry about identity theft until they report it missing and get a replacement. The fastest way to help is to return it within a day or two.
What to do if the license is damaged or very old
If the license is water-damaged, torn, or so old that the address is likely outdated, the DMV is still your best option. Staff can often read enough of the card to identify the person and look up their current address in the system. Even if the license is barely readable, bring it to the DMV rather than guessing at the address or throwing it away.
If the license is so damaged that you cannot read the name or any identifying information, you can turn it in to the DMV anyway — they have processes for handling illegible cards, and it is better than leaving it where someone else might find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the address on the license is out of state?
Contact that state's DMV using the same process you would use for your own state. Most DMV websites have a "lost and found" or "report a lost license" section. You can also mail it directly to the DMV office in that state — the address is on their website — with a note explaining where you found it.
Can I just leave the license at the place where I found it?
Only if you found it at a business like a restaurant or store. Tell a manager or staff member that you found it and ask them to hold it or turn it in to their lost and found. If you found it on the street or in a public place with no obvious owner nearby, take it to the DMV or police instead — leaving it where you found it risks it being lost again or misused.
What if the person contacts me after I turn in the license?
Let them know where you turned it in — the DMV office, police station, or business — so they can retrieve it. If you turned it in to the DMV, they should check their mail or call the DMV office to see if it has arrived. Most DMVs will hold a license for several weeks before discarding it.
Do I need to give my name or contact information when I turn in a license?
Most DMVs and police departments do not require your information, though some may ask. You can usually turn in a license anonymously. If you want the owner to know who returned it, you can include a note with your name and phone number, but this is optional.
What if I find a license from another country?
If it is a passport or national ID from another country, contact your local police non-emergency line and ask where to turn it in. They can usually advise you on the best way to return it, which may involve contacting a consulate or embassy. If it is a driver's license from another country, the same DMV process applies — your state's DMV can often contact the issuing country's equivalent agency.