when ready steps when you find someone else's license
If you find a driver's license that belongs to someone else, the fastest way to return it is to contact your state's DMV directly with the license number and the person's name. Many states now have online lost-and-found forms on their DMV websites where you can report the license and upload a photo. The DMV will then contact the license holder to let them know where their license was found and how to retrieve it.
Do not attempt to contact the person whose license you found using information from the license itself — addresses on licenses are often outdated, and you may reach the wrong person or put yourself in an unsafe situation. The DMV is the safest intermediary and has current contact information on file.
If you found the license at a business — a restaurant, gas station, bank, or store — hand it to the manager or customer service desk when ready. Most businesses have a lost-and-found system and will hold the license until the owner claims it or until they forward it to the DMV.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state DMV online or by phone with the license number and holder's name; many states have dedicated lost-and-found web forms.
- If you found the license at a business, turn it in to the manager or customer service desk rather than keeping it or trying to contact the person directly.
- Do not use contact information printed on the license to reach the owner, because addresses are often outdated and the DMV has current information.
- Some states allow you to mail a found license directly to the DMV address printed on the back of the license itself.
- If the license is damaged or appears altered, report it to the DMV anyway — they will investigate and notify the holder.
Reporting a found license to the DMV by mail
Many state DMVs print a mailing address on the back of the license specifically for this purpose. If you want to mail the license, place it in an envelope and send it to that address. Include a brief note with the date and location where you found it, so the DMV can document the recovery.
Mailing is slower than calling or using an online form — it typically takes one to three weeks for the license to reach the DMV and for them to contact the owner. Use this method only if you cannot reach the DMV by phone or online, or if you found the license in a location far from where you live.
Do not send cash, gift cards, or other items found with the license through the mail. The DMV will not forward these items. If you found money or valuables, contact the DMV by phone to ask what to do with them.
What to do if you found your own lost license
If you lost your driver's license and then find it yourself, you do not need to report it to the DMV or request a replacement. straightforward keep it and use it as normal. Your license remains valid whether you reported it lost or not.
However, if you already reported your license as lost and requested a replacement, and then you find the original, you will have two valid licenses. Contact the DMV to let them know you found the original so they can update their records. You can use either license, but most people destroy the original and keep the replacement to avoid confusion.
Reporting a license found in a vehicle or at a police station
If you find a license in a parked car, on the street near a car, or in any situation where it may have been lost during a traffic stop, contact the local police non-emergency line and report what you found and where. Police departments often hold found licenses and can contact the owner or forward the license to the DMV.
If you find a license at a police station itself — in a waiting area, parking lot, or lobby — hand it to the front desk or the officer on duty. Police stations maintain lost-and-found systems and will return the license to the owner or send it to the DMV.
Handling a damaged or altered license you found
If the license you found is torn, water-damaged, or appears to have been altered or forged, do not attempt to repair it or use it yourself. Report it to the DMV with a description of the damage or alteration. The DMV will investigate and contact the license holder to inform them that their license may be compromised.
If you suspect the license is counterfeit or fraudulently altered, you can also report it to your state's law enforcement agency or the DMV's fraud hotline. Most states have a dedicated phone line or online form for reporting suspected fraudulent documents. Provide the license number, the location where you found it, and a description of what made you suspicious.
State-by-state differences in lost license procedures
Most states accept lost licenses through their DMV website, by phone, or by mail, but the specific process and response time vary. Some states have a dedicated lost-and-found portal where you can upload a photo of the license and receive confirmation that it was received. Others require you to call a specific phone number and provide the license number verbally.
A few states, including California and New York, have partnered with third-party services to handle lost licenses found in public places. If you find a license in one of these states, you may be directed to a specific website or phone number rather than the main DMV office. Check your state's DMV website for the exact procedure and any dedicated lost-and-found contact information.
The time it takes for the DMV to contact the license holder also varies by state. Some states contact the owner within a few days; others may take two to three weeks. If you want to know whether the license was returned, you can call the DMV back after a week or two and ask for a status update using the license number.
What happens after you report a found license
Once you report a found license to the DMV, the DMV will attempt to contact the license holder using the phone number and address on file. The DMV will tell the owner that their license was found and where it can be picked up or how it will be returned to them.
If the license was reported to the DMV through a business's lost-and-found, the owner can usually pick it up at that location. If you mailed it to the DMV, the owner will be told to contact the DMV to arrange pickup or to have it mailed to them. Some states mail found licenses automatically; others require the owner to request it.
You are not responsible for what happens after you report the license. The DMV takes over from that point, and the owner will be notified through official channels. You do not need to follow up unless you want to confirm that the license was received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a found driver's license as a souvenir or for identification purposes?
No. A driver's license belongs to the person whose name is on it, and keeping it is considered theft in most states, even if you found it. Return it to the DMV or a business when ready. Using someone else's license for any purpose is illegal.
What if I find a license from another state?
Contact that state's DMV using the same process you would use for your own state. Most state DMVs have online lost-and-found forms or phone numbers on their websites. You can also mail it to the address printed on the back of the license if you prefer not to call.
Do I need to provide my name and contact information when I report a found license?
Most DMVs do not require your name or contact information to accept a report of a found license. However, some may ask for it so they can send you a confirmation that the license was received. Providing this information is optional in most states, but it can be helpful if you want proof that you reported it.
What if the DMV cannot reach the person whose license I found?
If the DMV cannot contact the license holder after several attempts, the license will typically be held in the DMV's lost-and-found for a set period — usually 30 to 90 days — before it is destroyed. The license holder can contact the DMV at any time to ask if their lost license has been turned in.
Is there a reward for returning a found license?
Most states do not offer rewards for returning found licenses. However, some license holders may offer a reward if they include contact information on the back of the license or in a note inside their wallet. If a reward is offered and you want to accept it, you can ask the DMV to pass your contact information to the license holder.