MTA lost and found: NYC subway and bus

How to file a claim

1. File online at lostandfound.mta.info, which the MTA calls the preferred method, or call 511.
2. Describe the item in detail, and use an email address you check. The MTA says it contacts you at the email in your claim, or through a phone number or address on the item itself.
3. Wait for updates by email while it searches.

Picking it up

• Pickup is by appointment only, and you can book one only after the Lost and Found office contacts you.
• Bring ID that matches the information on your receipt, such as a driver license, NYC ID, passport, or job or student ID.
• You can have it shipped instead, at your own cost.

How long they keep it

The MTA holds items for at least three months, depending on their estimated value. Unclaimed items are auctioned or disposed of under New York State Personal Property Law.

Lost it on the LIRR or Metro-North?

Those railroads run their own lost and found. See the MTA's pages for the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North.

Next time

A lost-and-found form is where things wait. Something with a way to reach its owner usually goes home faster: the cleaner, driver or passenger who finds it can contact you directly instead of hoping it reaches the right desk.

A TangoTag sticker on your bag, keys or laptop does that. Whoever finds it scans the code with their phone camera and can call, text or leave you a note, without seeing your address. It isn't a tracker and can't show where something is; it only helps when a person finds it and scans it. How it works.

Other guides

• Who has my lost item? All the guides, by place
• Hertz lost and found
• Found a wallet? What to do