Lost something in Iowa City? Here is where to report it.
File one report with ReportLost, and we route it to the Iowa City Police Department, the University of Iowa Campus Safety, Iowa City Transit, and local community channels. Then our system monitors the web continuously, scanning lost-and-found posts, social media, and marketplace listings across the region so you don't have to.
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
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
You submit your lost item details
Tell us what you lost, where, and when. We generate the exact information needed for every relevant authority and channel in Iowa City.
We connect you with the right channels
Your report is routed to Iowa City Police, the University of Iowa lost-and-found if applicable, IC Transit if you lost something on a bus, and active local community networks.
Automated monitoring finds your item for you
Over the next 12 months, our system scans Facebook groups, Nextdoor, local listings, and public web pages daily, matching descriptions, locations, and dates. When a credible match surfaces, we alert you immediately. No more checking the same sites every day yourself.
Where Items Turn Up in Iowa City
Each place has its own process. ReportLost submits to all of them at once.
Iowa City Police Department
The police station maintains a lost-and-found for items turned in by the public or found on city streets. For non-emergency reporting or to inquire about your item, contact the department. We ensure your report reaches the right desk and describe exactly what to look for.
University of Iowa Campus Safety Lost & Found
If you lost something on campus, in a residence hall, library, or university building, the Campus Safety lost-and-found is where items accumulate. Staff hold onto belongings during regular business hours and can search their inventory by description. We'll make sure your report reaches them with all the details they need.
Iowa City Transit Lost & Found
Items left on city buses go to the Transit Division office. Call or visit to describe what you're looking for, and staff will check whether your item was turned in by a driver. We tell you which contact method to use and what information to provide.
Lost Pet
If you've lost a pet in Iowa City, the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center is the main shelter where lost animals are brought. Time is critical with pets, so alert the shelter immediately by phone, then file a priority lost pet report with ReportLost to activate our social media monitoring and alert network.
⚠️ Spotted incorrect or outdated information? Let us know so we can review it.
Ready to Act?
The sooner you report, the sooner we can start searching. Our automated system will take it from there, monitoring Iowa City's lost-and-found ecosystem continuously so you can breathe easy.
Report my lost item →Iowa City is a college town where people lose items everywhere, from the University of Iowa campus and residence halls to downtown shops, the transit system, and local parks. The challenge is that found items end up scattered across different places: the police station, Campus Safety, the bus transit office, and multiple Facebook groups. Tracking them all down yourself is exhausting.
ReportLost cuts through that fragmentation. One form, and we handle the routing to every relevant office and community channel in Iowa City. The real win comes next, the automated part, our system keeps searching the web for you 24/7, watching for 'found' posts that match your item. You'll get an alert the moment a match is detected, so you can act fast without spending weeks refreshing lost-and-found pages.
Common Places People Lose Things in Iowa City
Losses happen everywhere. Your report reaches all of them.
University of Iowa Campus
Residence halls, libraries, lecture halls, and dining centers are hotspots for lost wallets, keys, phones, and clothing. Campus Safety's lost-and-found handles most campus losses.
Downtown Iowa City
The main commercial district around Washington Street and nearby shops, restaurants, and offices. Downtown losses often end up at the police station.
City Transit & Bus Routes
Belongings left on buses are turned in to the Transit Division. It's one of the most common places items surface if they're found quickly.
Parks & Recreation Areas
Riverside parks, the Iowa City Public Library, and recreational facilities. Items found in outdoor spaces may be reported to city authorities or Campus Safety.
Local Businesses & Restaurants
Retail shops, cafes, and dining establishments throughout the city. Many businesses hold onto items for a set period before disposal.
Where Your Item Might Be Found Online
ReportLost monitors these channels automatically. You'll get an alert if a match appears.
Facebook group for lost and found pets
Facebook community for local pet losses
Subreddit where locals post lost items and sightings
Neighborhood app where found items are often posted
Community-run lost-and-found pages
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the police station hold lost items?
The Iowa City Police Department maintains a lost-and-found, but check with them directly about retention times at 319-356-5275. Items are typically held for 30 to 90 days, depending on the item type.
Does Campus Safety keep lost items if I'm not a student?
Campus Safety's lost-and-found is primarily for University of Iowa students, staff, and visitors. If you lost something on campus, call 319-384-2797 or email lost@uiowa.edu to inquire. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
What happens to items found on Iowa City buses?
Drivers turn in items to the Transit Division at Iowa City Transit. Contact the office at 319-356-5151 or email ICTransit@iowa-city.org. Describe your item in detail and provide the route and approximate time you lost it.
How quickly should I report a lost item in Iowa City?
The sooner the better. Items are more likely to be found if reported within 24 hours. Once your report is filed with ReportLost, our system begins monitoring immediately and keeps searching for months, so you've given yourself the best chance.
Will ReportLost contact these offices for me?
Yes. We generate your report with the correct details for each office, route it to police, Campus Safety, Transit, and community channels, and handle the follow-up. You also receive instructions on what to do and say if you want to call or visit yourself.
Is ReportLost affiliated with the Iowa City Police Department or city government?
No. ReportLost is an independent service. We're not affiliated with any government agency, but we work directly with official lost-and-found offices, police departments, and public transit systems. We coordinate with them on your behalf and monitor community channels they don't track themselves.
Lost & found in nearby cities
Start Your Search Now
The more information you provide, the faster we can help. Once you submit, our team handles the routing and our automated system starts searching. You'll be the first to know if your item turns up anywhere in Iowa City.
Start my report →ReportLost.org is an independent service and is not affiliated with the Iowa City Police Department, University of Iowa, Iowa City Transit, Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, or the City of Iowa City government. We coordinate with these and other local services on your behalf and monitor public community channels to help reunite lost items with their owners. All contact information and links are provided for your reference and may change without notice. Check official websites for the most current hours and procedures.