Please turn in lost items to the lost and found office
Handing in a found item to the city’s lost and found office, including information on finder’s fees and transfer of ownership.
How to proceed
- 1
Report the find immediately
At the lost and found office or the police station, specifying where and when it was found.
- 2
Hand over the item
The lost and found office will hold onto the item and try to locate the owner.
- 3
Finder's fee or transfer of ownership
Once the statutory period has expired (usually 6 months), the finder may become the owner.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
1 day
Official: max. 1 day
Online application
In person or by post
Common mistakes
- • Failure to report or turn in a found item immediately
- • Claim for a finder's fee not asserted
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
People who have found a lost item.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. 1 day
Success rate
approx. 99.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Failure to report or turn in a found item immediately
- •Claim for a finder's fee not asserted
Common reasons for rejection
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.