Lost property

Before you enquire

We store found items for a maximum of 3 months. If you have lost something earlier than this, it may no longer be available. Any cash (on its own or in property) can still be claimed for up to a year after loss.

Buses

If you have lost something on a bus in the past 3 days, contact the operator first to see if it is still at the garage.

Credit and debit cards

We do not keep or take enquiries for individual credit or debit cards - these are securely destroyed when found.

For cards lost inside other property, such as wallets and purses, we still recommend that you contact your bank immediately to report the loss and arrange a replacement.

Hazardous, objectionable or perishable items

We do not keep or take enquiries for lighters, e-cigarettes, foodstuffs, soiled clothing, highly flammable substances or other items that may be hazardous to store.

Oyster cards and photocards

We do not take enquiries for individual Oyster cards or photocards. Apply for a replacement Oyster card or photocard.

Make an enquiry

We collect and store property found on the following services:

  • London Buses
  • London Underground (Tube)
  • Docklands Light Railway
  • London Overground
  • Elizabeth line
  • Black cabs (taxis)
  • IFS Cloud Cable Car
  • Victoria Coach Station

We use the NotLost system to manage our lost property enquiries and records.

Lost your property on a different service?

Find out about property lost on the river, trams and other services.

Once we've received your enquiry

It can take up to 15 days to process your enquiry. We will let you know if we think we have your item, or if we need more information.

Please do not visit the office in person.

Reclaiming your property

Once we have confirmed that we have found your property, we will let you know how you can reclaim it. Items may be collected from our office by appointment only or couriered to you for an additional cost.

Collection point

The collection office is open for pre-booked appointments only, Monday to Friday. We'll provide you with collection details once your property has been processed and is ready.

Fees

There is no fee for the collection of items from stations or garages before the property is sent to the Lost Property Office. An admin fee is payable once items have been sent for processing and storage. 

Property found in taxis is subject to an additional fee based on the value of the item. This award is given directly to the driver in recognition of their actions.

Unclaimed items

Items which remain unclaimed after 3 months from the date of loss become the property of TfL.

We remove and securely destroy any personal data. Unclaimed property is donated to charity, recycled, disposed of, or sold. We do not hold specific auctions for unclaimed items.

Other services

River boats

Contact the boat operator.

Piers

Email: river@tfl.gov.uk

Trams

Search online for items lost on London Trams at www.missingx.com.

Address: London Trams Shop, 5 Suffolk House, George Street, Croydon, CR10 1PE

Non-TfL

Contact the service operator if you have lost property on other services such as National Rail services, licensed mini-cabs, coaches, tour buses or at airports.