A found driver's license is not yours to keep, and turning it in matters more than you might think

If you find a driver's license on a table, in a parking lot, or anywhere else, the correct step is to return it to the person whose name is on it or to the DMV that issued it. A driver's license contains enough personal information for identity theft, and the person who lost it is likely already worried. You have several straightforward routes to get it back to them, and none of them require you to do anything complicated.

The fastest way is usually to contact the person directly if you can find their phone number or address on the license itself. If that is not possible, you can mail it to the DMV office that issued it, or hand it to a police officer or sheriff's deputy. Some states also allow you to drop it at a local DMV office in person. The person who lost it will either retrieve it from the DMV or be notified that it has been turned in.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the license holder directly if their phone number or address appears on the license or if you can find them through other means.
  • Mail the license to the DMV office listed on the card if you cannot reach the person, including a note with where you found it.
  • Hand the license to a police officer, sheriff's deputy, or local DMV office if you prefer to turn it in person.
  • Do not attempt to use the license, lend it to someone else, or keep it as a lost-and-found item for an extended period.
  • Some states allow you to report a found license online through the DMV website, which notifies the owner automatically.

Contacting the person directly

The license itself usually contains a phone number or address. If the address is current, you can mail it back with a brief note saying where you found it. If a phone number is printed on the card, you can call and let them know you have it. Many people will be relieved to hear from you and may offer to pick it up from you or arrange for you to mail it.

If the license does not have a phone number, you can sometimes find the person through an online search using their name and the city or county shown on the license. Social media, a business website, or a public directory may have contact information. Keep your message straightforward: say you found their license and ask how they would like you to return it.

Mailing it to the DMV

Every state DMV accepts lost driver's licenses by mail. Look up the mailing address for the DMV office that issued the license—this information is usually printed on the back of the card itself, or you can find it on the state DMV website by searching for the office location or county listed on the license.

Place the license in an envelope with a brief note that includes the date and location where you found it. You do not need to include your name or contact information, though you may if you wish. Use regular mail; the license does not need to be sent by certified mail or priority mail. The DMV will process it and either mail it to the address on file or hold it for the person to pick up. Processing times vary by state, but most DMVs will contact the license holder within one to two weeks.

Turning it in to law enforcement or a local DMV office

If you are near a police station, sheriff's office, or DMV office, you can hand the license directly to staff there. Police departments and sheriff's offices routinely accept found identification and will either contact the owner or forward it to the DMV. A local DMV office will also take it and process it the same way they would if you mailed it.

This route is faster than mailing because the license enters the system when ready, and the owner may be notified the same day. If you choose this option, ask for a receipt or confirmation that the license has been turned in, though most agencies will not provide one. straightforward handing it over and stating where you found it is sufficient.

Using the DMV website to report a found license

Some states now allow you to report a found driver's license through an online form on the DMV website. This option is available in states including California, Texas, Florida, and New York, though the process and availability vary. Search the state DMV website for "found license" or "report found identification" to see if your state offers this service.

If the option is available, you will typically enter the license number, the name on the license, and the location where you found it. The DMV will then contact the license holder and let them know their license has been found and where to retrieve it. This method is convenient because you do not have to mail anything or visit an office, and the owner is notified automatically.

What not to do with a found license

Do not keep the license in your wallet or bag with the intention of returning it "later." Do not give it to a friend or family member to return on your behalf unless you know them well enough to trust they will actually do it. Do not attempt to use the license for any reason, and do not lend it to someone else—both are illegal and constitute identity theft or fraud.

Do not assume the person will come back looking for it at the place where you found it. Many people never retrace their steps, and a license left on a table in a restaurant or store will likely be thrown away or lost if you do not take action. The sooner you return it, the sooner the person can replace it if it has been damaged or use it for identification if they need it urgently.

If the license is damaged or appears fraudulent

If the license is torn, water-damaged, or otherwise compromised, still return it through one of the methods above. The DMV will note the condition and may contact the person to inform them they need to renew or replace it. If the license looks fake or altered, contact your local police department or the DMV directly by phone rather than mailing it, so they can investigate.

A fraudulent license is a law enforcement matter, and police will want to know where you found it and under what circumstances. Provide as much detail as you can about the location and any other details you remember. This helps authorities track down the person responsible for creating or using the fake document.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a found license if the person never claims it?

No. Once you have turned it in to the DMV, law enforcement, or mailed it, your responsibility is complete. The DMV will hold it for a set period (usually 30 to 90 days depending on the state) before destroying it. You should not keep it yourself.

What if the address on the license is old or out of state?

Mail it to the DMV office listed on the license anyway. That office has records and can forward it or contact the person at their current address. If the license is from another state, use the mailing address printed on the back of that state's license.

Do I need to include my contact information when I mail a found license?

No, it is not required. You can include your name and phone number if you want the person to thank you, but most people straightforward want their license back and do not expect to hear from the person who found it. A straightforward note with the date and location is enough.

What happens if I find a license at a business like a restaurant or store?

You can hand it to the manager or front desk staff and ask them to hold it or turn it in to local police. Many businesses have lost-and-found procedures. However, to be certain it reaches the owner, it is better to mail it to the DMV yourself or contact the person directly if you can.

Is it illegal to not return a found driver's license?

In most states, knowingly keeping someone else's identification with no intent to return it can be treated as theft or conversion of property. Returning it protects you legally and helps someone who is likely already stressed about losing it.