Lost property
Before you enquire
We store items for a maximum of three 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. You can get a replacement.
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.
We will try to match your enquiry against the property we receive. The large number of items and enquiries we handle means it can take up to 10 days or more to process your request.
We will keep you updated and let you know if we think we have your item, or if we need more information. Please do not visit the office in person.
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 working days for us to collect and catalogue items found on the network.
Please do not visit the office in person. We will try to match your enquiry against the property we receive. We will let you know if we think we have your item, or if we need more information.
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 or couriered to you for an additional cost.
Collection point
Items may be stored at different locations but will be made available for collection Monday to Friday from our office in South Kensington. We will provide details once we let you know your property has been found and is ready for collection.
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 becomes the property of TfL.
We remove and securely destroy any personal data. Then, we donate the property to charity or recycle, dispose of or sell it. 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
Trams Customer Service: 020 8681 8300 - charges apply. This number only takes calls about property lost on trams.
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.