Lost & Found Services in Washington

Discover how to report or find lost items across major cities in Washington. We help you connect with local services, transportation hubs, and more.

Most Populated Cities in Washington

Seattle

Spokane

Kennewick

Bremerton

Tacoma

Olympia

How Lost & Found Works in Washington

Washington State handles lost property under chapter 63.21 of the Revised Code of Washington. The statute describes a 60-day owner claim period after the find is reported, subject to the applicable procedures.

Washington law describes procedures and obligations for finders and law enforcement. The applicable steps and holding period depend on the circumstances and the agency involved. ReportLost is an independent service. A free report creates a public listing; paid options add public-web monitoring, and the $25 team-assisted option also includes relevant local outreach. Agencies and venues set their own filing and holding procedures.

What the Law Says in Washington

The finder's 7-day report (RCW 63.21.010)

A finder who wants any claim to a found item must report the find within 7 days to the chief law enforcement officer of the place where it was found, surrender the item if requested, and file a notice of intent to claim. A finder who skips this process gives up any right to the item.

The 60-day owner window

From the day the find is reported, the owner has 60 days to come forward and establish their right to the property. If no owner appears, the item is released to the finder and legally becomes theirs. Check the agency’s notice and claim instructions for the dates that apply to the specific item.

Where the item waits

During the window, the item either stays with law enforcement or with the finder under the officer's oversight, depending on the situation. Either way, the official record of the find lives with the law enforcement agency of the city or county where it was found, which is why filing your loss with the right department matters.

Where items end up in Washington

Found items are recorded with the police department or county sheriff where they were found, while venues keep their own desks: Sound Transit and King County Metro for transit, Sea-Tac Airport's lost & found (one of the busiest in the country), hotels and malls, and county animal services for pets. The city pages below list local contacts. ReportLost is independent; its free listing, six-month automatic monitoring and twelve-month team-assisted option are described on the report form.

Lost something in Washington?

A free report creates a public listing. The $12 option adds six months of automatic monitoring, a ReportLost certificate, an anonymous case address, and QR stickers. The $25 option adds manual research, direct service contact, report submission, local social sharing, and 12 months of monitoring.

Report my lost item →

Washington Lost & Found FAQ

How long do I have to claim a found item in Washington?

The core window is 60 days from the day the find was reported to law enforcement. After that, ownership can legally pass to the finder. It is one of the shortest windows in the country, so check the applicable agency’s claim instructions.

Does a finder have to turn my item in?

A finder who wants to keep the item legally must report it within 7 days and follow the official process. A finder who does not follow the process has no legal claim to your property.

I lost something at Sea-Tac or on public transit, who holds it?

Sea-Tac Airport, Sound Transit and King County Metro each run their own lost & found, separate from police property rooms. The report form describes ReportLost’s free public listing, six-month automatic monitoring and twelve-month team-assisted option with relevant outreach.

Do I get my item back if someone turned it in?

The agency may ask you to prove ownership with a photo, serial number or identifying detail. Keep one detail private when contacting a finder or agency so it can help confirm ownership.

Is a reward mandatory in Washington?

No. Offering a reward is always your choice, never a legal obligation.

This page provides general information about Washington State law as of publication and is not legal advice. Procedures vary by city and department; verify details with your local authorities. Last reviewed: July 2026.

All Cities We Cover in Washington

Each city page lists the local lost & found contacts and how to report a loss there.