Lost and Found

Reporting a lost item

There are two ways to report an item lost within the Metro Rail or Metro Bus systems.

Report a lost item online

  • Fill out the online Lost and Found form.
  • After you submit, check your email for a confirmation message from csvc@wmata.com with a case number.  If it has been more than 30 minutes and you do not see the message, check your spam folder.
  • To add additional information about your lost item, reply to the confirmation email.

Report a lost item by phone

Found items typically take two to five days to be routed and processed.  Metro makes every attempt to return lost items to their rightful owners within 30 days.
 
Repeated visits, calls, or emails to our Lost and Found office will not help the process work more efficiently. Do not visit the Lost and Found office until you are contacted. 

Claiming a recovered item

You can claim your item in person at our Lost and Found office in Hyattsville, or pay to have the item mailed to you. 

Picking up your item

Bring both: 

  • Photo identification
  • Your case number

If your lost item included your photo ID (like a wallet), bring another form of identification showing your name and address.

To claim a lost cell phone you will need to have the device's ESN (Electronic Serial Number). Contact your provider to get the ESN before you come to pick up your item. No cell phones are released without this identifier.

Shipping your item

Items can be shipped at your expense using a FedEx or UPS account.

To request shipping, complete and return the Lost and Found property release form. 

Authorizing someone else to claim your item

Another person may pick up your item but we require that they bring:

  • A notarized statement from the owner granting permission.
  • A copy of the owner's photo ID (either driver’s license or non-driver ID) 

No exceptions are made to this policy. 

Storing recovered items

Recovered items are held for 30 days. After 30 days, unclaimed items are destroyed, disposed of, or donated to charity. 

Items we don't keep

Lost and Found does not keep or return: 

  • Perishables
  • Clothing
  • Umbrellas
  • Bikes

Loose credit or debit cards

Loose credit or debit cards are destroyed within 24 - 48 hours of receipt for customer security.  Customers should notify their credit card company or bank to report the loss.

Smart Trip cards

Do not submit a lost item report for Smart Trip cards.  Read more in Help | Lost or malfunctioning Smart Trip

If we find your wallet

If the wallet contains identification, we will mail a postcard to the address on the ID. You can also file a lost item report.

Contact the Lost and Found office

Phone: 202-962-1195

Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm

Closed on federal holidays.

If you have a case number, please have it ready when you call. 

Lost and Found

4000 Garden City Drive, 8th floor, Suite 804, Hyattsville, MD 20782

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