Lost something in Washington, DC? Here is where to report it.
One report and we route it to the right MPD, Metro transit, airport, and active local social channels. Our automated search keeps scanning the entire web, marketplaces and local social networks for matching 'found' posts, so you don't have to check them yourself every day.
What did you lose?
If there isn’t an adequate suggestion, select “Other – My item isn’t listed” and enter the item’s category. You can provide details later.
Publishing your report is free and your details stay private. The assisted search is a separate paid service, described in the Terms.
Recent activity
Reported in Washington
- water bottleOctober 9
- WalletOctober 7
- WalletOctober 1
Across the United States
- Wrislet clutch gray/silver bag with documents · Chicago, IL, October 8
- Ring TM on top · Greensboro, NC, October 8
- Keys · Sarasota, FL, October 8
- Keys · Brookline, MA, October 7
- Camera · Monterey, CA, October 7
Local contact details reviewed on October 7, 2026.
How ReportLost works in Washington, DC
You report the loss
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We generate the exact information needed for MPD, Metro, DCA, or any other DC channel.
We route it to the right places
Your report goes to the Metropolitan Police Department's Property Clerk, WMATA Lost & Found (if transit), Ronald Reagan Airport Lost & Found, or other relevant DC offices. We handle the routing, you just report once.
Automated monitoring finds matches for you
Our automated search keeps scanning the entire web, marketplaces and local social channels for matching 'found' posts, so you don't have to check them yourself every day. You're alerted as soon as something credible surfaces.
Where to report a lost item in Washington, DC
Official channels and how ReportLost routes your report
Metropolitan Police Department (MPD)
The MPD Property Clerk handles all recovered items for the District. You can file a police report online or by phone. We tell you which precinct covers your loss location and submit your report with the exact details MPD needs.
WMATA (Metro Transit)
Lost something on a bus, train, or in a station? WMATA's Lost and Found Department keeps items for a limited time. You can report by phone or online. We generate the exact route and vehicle info to include so your claim is matched quickly.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Lost an item in the terminal? DCA's Lost and Found holds items during business hours. We point you to the right contact and ensure your description matches their intake process.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
If you lost something at Dulles, their Lost and Found office (behind Baggage Claim #2) can help. Call during business hours. We ensure your report reaches them with all necessary details.
Lost or Found Pet
If you've lost a pet, call DC's Animal Control immediately at (202) 888-PETS. Report your pet as missing and check local shelters. If you've found a pet, report it to Animal Control and share details on local networks. For comprehensive coverage, file a priority lost pet report with ReportLost, and we'll amplify your search across DC shelters, rescue groups, and social channels.
US Park Police Property Recovery
Lost something in a DC park or on National Park Service land? US Park Police handles property recovery. Their Brentwood Property Office can help you track down your item.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
One report. Every relevant office in DC.
Don't spend the next week calling different agencies and scrolling through Facebook groups. Tell us what you lost, and we take it from there. We route your report to MPD, Metro, the airport, and beyond, then monitor the web for you.
Report my lost item →Washington, DC is a city in motion, a place where things go missing across multiple systems at once. Lost your wallet on the Metro? Your luggage at an airport? A package in your neighborhood? Each one typically requires a separate call to a different office, and none of them talk to each other. Then you're left refreshing Facebook groups and Nextdoor posts every morning, hoping someone posts a photo of your belongings.
ReportLost simplifies that. One report to us, and we make sure the right DC agency gets your information: MPD's Property Clerk, WMATA, airport lost & found, or the appropriate DC service. Better yet, our team monitors social channels, local marketplaces, and public listings continuously for 12 months, so you don't have to. The sooner your report is in the system, the better the odds, and once it is, we take it from there.
Common places to lose things in Washington, DC
Where items are most often lost and found
Downtown DC & Government District
Office buildings, Metro stations, and government plazas see frequent losses. Items are often turned in to local security or MPD.
Metro System
Red, Blue, Orange, Silver, Green, and Yellow lines serve the entire metro area. Lost items go to WMATA's central depot within 24-48 hours.
Reagan National & Dulles Airports
Busy travel hubs where luggage, wallets, and electronics are commonly left behind. Both airports have dedicated Lost and Found departments.
Georgetown, U Street, and Capitol Hill
Neighborhood hotspots, restaurants, and retail areas where personal items are frequently misplaced. Local businesses often hold items briefly.
National Mall & Parks
Tourists and visitors frequently lose items at monuments and park areas. US Park Police handles recoveries on NPS property.
Where DC residents post lost and found items
Join the conversation and boost your search
Facebook group run by ReportLost where locals post lost and found items
Dedicated group covering DC, VA, MD for reuniting lost and found pets
Active subreddit where residents ask for help finding lost items and pets
Neighborhood-specific posts about lost and found items in your area
Hyper-local groups for specific neighborhoods, blocks, or buildings
Common questions about lost and found in Washington, DC
How long does MPD keep recovered items?
The Metropolitan Police Department typically holds recovered property for 90 days. If you lose something in DC, report it to MPD's Property Clerk as soon as possible. You can file a report online or call (202) 727-3230.
How do I claim something from WMATA Lost and Found?
Call WMATA's Lost and Found Office at (202) 962-1195 or report online at https://wmata.custhelp.com/app/ask_lnf. You'll receive a case number. Items are held for a limited time, so report your loss quickly.
What should I do if I lose something at the airport?
For Reagan National (DCA), call (703) 417-0110 (Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm). For Dulles (IAD), call (703) 572-8479 (Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm). Both have online reporting systems on their websites. Have your flight number and departure time ready.
Where do I report a lost pet in DC?
Call DC Animal Control immediately at (202) 888-PETS. Also check local shelters, post on Nextdoor and Facebook groups, and consider a <a href="/report-lost-pet">priority lost pet report</a> with ReportLost for amplified social media monitoring.
Can I file a police report online for lost property?
Yes. The MPD offers an Online Reporting Tool for lost property at https://mpdc.dc.gov/service/file-police-report. You can also call 311 or 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
Is ReportLost.org official or does it replace the police?
ReportLost is an independent service, not affiliated with DC government or the police. We don't replace police reports, we complement them. When you use ReportLost, we ensure your loss is reported to the right DC agencies (MPD, WMATA, etc.) and we monitor public channels continuously so you don't have to. You can always file directly with an agency, but ReportLost saves you time and keeps searching even after you've made initial reports.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Ready to find your lost item?
The sooner your report is filed, the better. Tell us what you lost, where, and when, and we'll route it to the right DC agencies and monitor social channels for you. One report. Every relevant channel in Washington, DC. You can breathe.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Metropolitan Police Department, WMATA, Reagan National Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, DC Animal Control, US Park Police, or any other government or private agency mentioned on this page. We help you report to the right places and monitor public channels on your behalf, but we do not replace official police reports or agency procedures. Always file a direct report with the relevant DC agency if your situation is urgent or involves a crime.