Lost and Found FAQ's
- What is the easiest and most efficient way to report a lost item?
- How long before I can claim my recovered lost item?
- How will I know that my item has been recovered?
- What if I live out of town or I cannot come pick my item up?
- How do I enter a claim for Lost and Found if I don’t have Internet access?
- After I am contacted about a recovered Item, where do I go to claim it?
- What do I need to bring to claim a recovered item?
- How long does WMATA/Metro hold a recovered item?
- What happens to unclaimed items?
- What happens if I lose my SmarTrip Card?
- How do I claim paper farecards and passes?
- What is the process for claiming keys and eyeglasses?
- How do I claim my cell phone?
- How are wallets and purses processed?
- Can someone else claim my lost item?
- Where are the items auctioned after the 30 day holding period?
What is the easiest and most efficient way to report a lost item?
Online - The easiest and most efficient way to report a lost item is our Online Lost and Found Form. Once submitted, all of your lost item information will be accessible by Lost and Found personnel. You will receive a confirmation email with a case number for tracking purposes. If you reply to the confirmation email with additional lost item information, it will automatically be routed to the appropriate person/department that is handling your report.
Phone - If you would prefer, you can report your lost item by phone. You may contact our Lost and Found office at (202) 962-1195 at the following hours: T-F 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. A customer service representative will record your information and provide you with a case number.
How long before I can claim my recovered lost item?
It can take 2 to 5 days for items to be routed to and processed by our Lost and Found office in Silver Spring. Processing times vary depending on the type of item and where it was lost within the Metro system. Report your lost item as soon as possible but please do not come to the Lost and Found office until you are contacted.
How will I know that my item has been recovered?
If your item is recovered, you will be contacted by phone by a WMATA Lost and Found team member. The item can be picked up or shipped to you.
What if I live out of town or I cannot come pick my item up?
Shipping arrangements (door to door pick up and delivery) for recovered items is the sole responsibility of the customer. Recovered items will be packaged and available for pick up. Provide your shipper/courier the address above and reference the Case number. The following shipping carriers can arrange for door to door pick up and delivery services:
- Fed Ex http://www.fedex.com
- UPS http://www.ups.com/
- DHL http://www.dhl.com/splash.html
- United States Postal Service http://www.usps.com/
How do I enter a claim for Lost and Found if I don’t have Internet access?
Contact the Lost and Found Department T-F 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on (202) 962-1195, a customer service representative will record your information and provide you with a case number.
After I am contacted about a recovered Item, where do I go to claim it?
Metro Office of Lost and Found
8405 Colesville Road
Suite 505
Silver Spring, MD 20910
(Short walk from the Silver Spring Metro Station)
What do I need to bring to claim a recovered item?
Photo Identification and the case number will help expedite the process...
How long does WMATA/Metro hold a recovered item?
Recovered items are held for 30 days
What happens to unclaimed items?
After 30 days unclaimed items are destroyed, disposed of, donated to charity or auctioned off.
What happens if I lose my SmarTrip Card?
If you have lost your SmarTrip card on Metrobus or Metrorail, please call 1-888-762-7874 or send an email to smartrip@wmata.com. Please do not submit a lost item report for lost SmarTrip cards. SmarTrip cards are processed by a 3rd party vendor that utilizes a specialized tracking system.
How do I claim paper farecards and passes?
In order to claim all other fare media, you must identify the exact amount remaining on the card and number of days remaining on pass.
What is the process for claiming keys and eyeglasses?
If you have lost keys or eyeglasses, please visit the Lost and Found office as these items are too numerous and non-descriptive to determine ownership without visual confirmation. During business hours key and eyeglass bins are available for customers to search through. Please do not complete a Lost and Found form for these items.
How do I claim my cell phone?
Cell phones will be released to customers who can identify their ESN (Electronic Serial Number). Please contact your cellular provider and get this information from them prior to coming to the Lost and Found. No cell phones will be released without this identifier.
How are wallets and purses processed?
If a wallet or purse is found and it contains identification, a postcard will be mailed to the address listed on the identification. If a lost item report has been opened by the owner, contact information (phone number/email address) will be used to notify the owner of their lost item recovery. In order to claim this item, another form of identification bearing the name and address will be required.
Can someone else claim my lost item?
Yes, someone may pick up the lost item for you but must have a notarized statement from the owner giving them permission to pick up the item on their behalf. A copy of the person claiming the items photo identification (drivers or non-drivers license will only be accepted) will be attached to the notarized statement and filed. No exceptions will be made to this policy.
Where are the items auctioned after the 30 day holding period?
The items are auctioned:
Capital Auto Auctions
1905 Brentwood Road, NE
Washington, DC 20748
Auction is held every month, please contact Capital Auto Auctions at 202-269-3361 for further information.
