Return it to the DMV or the person who lost it
If you find a driver's license, your first step is to identify who it belongs to and get it back to them. The fastest route is usually to contact the person directly — call them, text them, or use social media if their name and photo are on the license. If you can't reach them, take the license to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Secretary of State office, or equivalent agency. They have the person's address on file and can mail it back.
Some states also let you mail a found license directly to the address printed on it. Check your state's DMV website for their specific process — some have a dedicated form for reporting found documents, while others ask you to include a note explaining where and when you found it.
Do not throw away a license you find, even if it's damaged or expired. The person who lost it may need it to prove their identity while they wait for a replacement, and returning it saves them the time and cost of getting a new one.
Key Takeaways
- Try to contact the person whose license you found directly using their name, phone number, or social media before going to the DMV.
- If you can't reach them, take the license to your state's DMV or mail it to the address printed on the license.
- Some states have a specific process for reporting found licenses on their DMV website — check yours before you go in person.
- Never throw away a found license; even an expired one can help the person prove their identity while waiting for a replacement.
How to contact the person directly
If the license has a phone number printed on it, call or text and explain that you found their license. Be straightforward: "Hi, I found your driver's license at [location]. I'd like to get it back to you." Most people will be relieved and grateful.
If there's no phone number, search for the person's name on social media or Google. Many people list their city or workplace, which can help you confirm you have the right person. Send them a message explaining what you found and ask how they'd like to retrieve it. You can also ask mutual friends if you recognize the name.
If the license is from out of state and you can't locate the person, don't worry — the DMV process still works. The state that issued the license has their address and can send it back.
Taking a found license to the DMV
Bring the license to your local DMV office during business hours. You don't need an appointment for this. Tell the staff member at the counter that you found it and want to return it. They'll take it from there and either mail it to the person or contact them to pick it up.
If the license is from a different state, you can still take it to your local DMV — they have processes to return out-of-state licenses. Some states also accept found licenses at highway patrol offices or police stations, so if the DMV is far away, call ahead to ask if those locations can help.
Mailing a found license directly
Many states allow you to mail a found license directly to the address printed on it. Write a brief note on a separate piece of paper explaining where and when you found it, so the person knows it's legitimate and not a scam. Put both the note and the license in an envelope and mail it to the address listed.
Use regular mail, not certified mail — certified mail requires a signature, which can create confusion if the person has moved. Include your name and phone number in the note in case they want to thank you or ask questions, but this is optional.
Before you mail it, check your state's DMV website to confirm they allow this method. Some states prefer that found licenses go through the DMV instead, so a quick search for "[your state] found driver's license" will tell you the official guidance.
What not to do with a found license
Don't keep the license, even temporarily, unless you're actively trying to return it. Don't post it on social media with the person's full name and address visible — this creates a security risk. Don't assume an expired license isn't worth returning; the person may still need it for identification purposes.
Don't try to use the license yourself or give it to someone else. Using someone else's license is identity theft and is illegal. If you find a license and suspect it's been stolen or used fraudulently, contact local police instead of the DMV.
If the license is damaged or waterlogged
A damaged license is still worth returning. The person can use it to prove their identity while they explore for a replacement, which saves them time. If it's waterlogged or partially illegible, the DMV can still read enough to identify the person and contact them.
If you're worried the damage makes it unreadable, take a photo of both sides before you return it and include that photo with a note explaining the condition. This gives the person a record of what happened and helps the DMV process it faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a reward for returning a found license?
Some people offer rewards, but this is entirely up to the person who lost the license. You're not may have access to to one, and most people will straightforward thank you. If someone offers a reward and you want to accept it, that's between you and them — the DMV won't be involved.
What if the license has no address or contact information?
Take it to the DMV. They have the person's full information in their system, even if it's not printed on the card. The DMV can look up the license number and contact the person or mail it to their address on file.
Do I have to give my name when I return a license?
If you're returning it in person at the DMV, staff may ask for your name for their records, but it's not required. If you're mailing it, you can include your name and contact information in the note, but you don't have to — the person will be grateful either way.
What if I found a license but the person is deceased?
Take it to the DMV anyway. They'll see that the person is deceased in their system and can notify the family or handle it according to state procedure. Don't try to contact family members yourself unless you know them personally.
Is it illegal to keep a found license?
Keeping a found license with the intent to use it or give it to someone else is illegal. Keeping it temporarily while you try to return it is not. If you find a license and make a good-faith effort to return it, you're doing the right thing.