how to claim scratch-off lottery ticket by mail from dc lottery
For a DC Lottery scratch-off, you can generally claim by mail by signing the ticket, completing the claim form, and mailing the original winning ticket with copies of your required ID to the DC Lottery Prize Center at 2235 Shannon Place, SE, Washington, DC 20020. DC Lottery says mail claims are allowed for prizes of any amount, but the claim must be postmarked within 180 days of the game’s official end date for instant tickets.
Mail-in steps
- Sign and complete the back of the winning ticket.
- Fill out the DC Lottery claim form.
- Make copies of your primary and secondary identification.
- For prizes over $5,000, call the Prize Center at 202-645-8000 before mailing your claim.
- Mail the original ticket, the claim form, and the ID copies to the Prize Center.
What to include
DC Lottery’s guidance says you should send the original signed winning ticket, the completed claim form, and copies of your ID documents, and it also recommends using trackable mail because the lottery is not responsible for lost tickets. The published claim form asks for basic claimant details such as name, address, phone, date of birth, and ID information.
Time limit
All prizes must be claimed within 180 days, and for instant scratch tickets that means 180 days from the announced end date of the game. If the envelope is not postmarked in time, the prize may be forfeited to the District’s General Fund.
Practical tip
Before mailing, keep a photo or copy of the front and back of the ticket for your records, and use certified or another trackable mailing option. That reduces the risk of losing proof of your claim in transit.
| Prize amount | Mail claim allowed | Extra note |
|---|---|---|
| Any amount | Yes | Must follow the mail-in claim process and deadline rules. | [1][2]
| Over $5,000 | Yes | Call 202-645-8000 before sending it. | [2]