Return it to the DMV or the person who lost it

If you find a driver's license, your first step is to return it to either the person whose name is on it or to the state DMV that issued it. The fastest route is usually the person themselves — call directory information or search online for their phone number using the name and city on the license. If you cannot reach them, mail or deliver the license to the DMV office listed on the back, or to the DMV office in the county where the license was issued.

Do not throw the license away or keep it. A lost license creates real problems for the owner: they cannot use it for identification, travel, or age verification, and they may worry it will be used for fraud. Returning it, even days or weeks later, solves that problem when ready.

Some states print a mailing address on the back of the license itself. If yours does, that is the fastest route. If not, search the state DMV website for the office nearest to where you found the license — that office can forward it to the correct location.

Key Takeaways

  • Try to contact the license holder directly by phone or online search before involving the DMV.
  • If you cannot reach the person, mail the license to the DMV office listed on the back or to the county DMV where it was issued.
  • Do not remove cash, cards, or other items from a lost wallet — return the entire wallet or license as-is.
  • Some police departments and businesses will accept lost licenses and hold them for the owner or forward them to the DMV.

How to contact the license holder directly

Start with an online search. Type the person's full name (from the license) plus the city listed on the address into Google or your phone's search function. You may find a Facebook profile, LinkedIn account, business website, or local directory listing with a phone number or email.

If the license includes a phone number on it (some states print this), call that number. If you reach the person, tell them what you found, where you found it, and ask how they want you to return it. Most people will offer to pick it up or ask you to mail it.

If you find a phone number but reach someone else, ask if they know how to contact the license holder. Family members or roommates often answer and can relay the message.

Mailing a license to the DMV

Place the license in a standard envelope with a brief note explaining where and when you found it. You do not need to include your name or contact information, though you may if you want the owner to know who returned it.

Address the envelope to the DMV office in the county where the license was issued. You can find this address on the state DMV website — search "[your state] DMV lost and found" or look for the office location list. Mail it using regular postage; do not use certified mail or special handling unless you want proof of delivery.

The DMV will hold the license and either contact the owner or wait for them to report it lost and come retrieve it. This process usually takes one to three weeks.

Turning in a license at a police station or business

If you found the license at a restaurant, store, gas station, or other business, ask the manager or front desk if they have a lost and found. Many businesses will hold items for 30 to 90 days and contact the owner if they have phone or email information.

Some police departments also accept lost licenses and will hold them or forward them to the DMV. Call the non-emergency line for your local police department and ask if they take lost licenses. If they do, you can drop it off during business hours.

This route is useful if you found the license nearby and want someone local to handle it, or if you do not have time to mail it yourself.

What not to do with a found license

Do not open or remove anything from a wallet or purse that contained the license. Do not take cash, cards, or other documents. Return the entire item as-is, or return only the license if that is all you found.

Do not post the license on social media or share photos of it online. This exposes the person's full name, address, and date of birth to strangers and increases the risk of identity theft.

Do not assume the license is fake or expired and throw it away. Even an expired license is still the property of the person whose name is on it, and they may need it for records or identification purposes.

If the license is damaged or waterlogged

If you found the license in water, mud, or otherwise damaged, still return it. Place it in a plastic bag or envelope to protect it further, and mail it to the DMV or the person's address if you can contact them. The owner can bring the damaged license to the DMV and request a replacement, which is usually faster and cheaper than explore for a new one from scratch.

Include a note explaining the condition you found it in. This helps the DMV understand why the license looks the way it does and prevents confusion about whether it was altered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep a found license if I cannot find the owner?

No. Mail it to the DMV office in the county where it was issued. The DMV will hold it and contact the owner when they report it lost, or the owner can retrieve it by visiting the office in person. You are not responsible for tracking down the owner indefinitely.

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

Mail it to the DMV office in the state listed on the license, not your current state. The DMV in that state will contact the person or hold the license for them. If the address is old, the DMV may have updated contact information in their system.

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

No, but you may if you want. Most people do not include their name or address. If you do, the owner may contact you to say thank you, but the DMV will not share your information without your permission.

What if I found a license in another state?

Mail it to the DMV office in the state listed on the license. Each state's DMV handles its own licenses. Include a note with the date and location where you found it so the owner knows it was turned in.

Is there a reward for returning a lost license?

Not from the DMV or government. Some people offer a reward, but you will only know this if you contact them directly. If someone offers you money for returning their license, that is their choice, but you are not required to accept it.