How to claim
your prize
YOU WON. CLAIM YOUR PRIZE!
Notice
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, processing of same-day checks for prizes $1,000 and less will be temporarily unavailable at all California Lottery District Offices. District Offices will be open during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all other business. Same-day check processing will resume on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
Congrats on winning! The fastest way to claim prizes $600 and over is at a Lottery District Office. Lottery District Offices are open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accept claim forms. No appointments are required. Assistance is on a first-come first-serve basis.
Same-day check processing of claim prizes $600 to $1,000 is also available in each district office location until 4:30 p.m. with a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID.
Wondering about the status of your claim and prize payment? Submit your question using the Contact Us page or email customerservice@calottery.com for the fastest answer. Check out the various options below for claiming your prize and Common Claim Errors that could delay processing.
The current processing time for error-free claims is 4 to 6 weeks.
There are three ways to claim prizes $599 and under: visit a Lottery retailer, claim at a Lottery District Office or claim by mail.
Option 1: Visit a Lottery Retailer Best Option!
Take your winning ticket to a Lottery retailer and the clerk will hand you cash on the spot. Talk about easy!
Option 2: Claim at Your Local California Lottery District Office
Lottery District Offices are now open to the public for the acceptance of claims. Procedures have been implemented at all District Offices to maximize health and safety for everyone. See all District Office locations here.
To claim, download the Claim Form (PDF) or pick one up at any Lottery retail location or District Office. Fill out and sign the claim form, and don’t forget to sign your winning ticket, too! Watch this short video to ensure you complete your claim form correctly.
For in-person window service:
- Follow the instructions above for completing your claim form.
- Keep a copy or picture of the claim form and the front and back of your winning ticket for your records.
- Please bring current identification (State ID card, driver license, passport, etc.).
Prepare for your visit to Lottery District Offices by following all local health and safety requirements.
Option 3:
Mail Your Winning Ticket and Claim Form
Download the Claim Form (PDF) or pick one up at any Lottery retail location or District Office. Fill out and sign the claim form, and don’t forget to sign your winning ticket. Watch this short video to ensure you complete your claim form correctly. Mail the original ticket and the signed claim form (along with the Claim Authorization Receipt from a retailer, if you have it) to:
Mailing address only:
California Lottery
730 North 10th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
*Please note for claim drop-off and opportunities for same day check, stop by a local California Lottery District Office. You can find contact and location information for all District Offices here.
We recommend sending everything by certified mail and saving a copy of every item you submit. We’re not responsible for mail, tickets or claim forms that are late, lost, damaged, misdirected, misaddressed, incomplete or illegible. So, protect your prize by keeping a copy of your winning ticket and claim form. And always sign the back of your ticket.
Your draw game ticket must be postmarked or received by Lottery offices within 180 days of the winning draw date, except that, in the case of Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpots, the tickets must be postmarked or received within one year from the winning draw date. Scratchers® tickets must be postmarked or received by Lottery offices within 180 days of the announced end of game date.
State law prohibits the sale of a Lottery ticket or the payment of a prize to anyone under 18. Tickets failing validation are void.
All California State Lottery game tickets, transactions, claims and prize payments are subject to California State law and the California State Lottery rules and regulations. By participating, you agree to comply with all laws and Lottery rules and regulations.
Prizes of $1,000 or less are eligible for same-day payment at our District Offices from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID. After your ticket is validated and your Claim Form is approved, you have an opportunity to get your check on the spot. Same-day check is not guaranteed. All claims must be error-free. Some claims, including but not limited to 2nd Chance prizes, promotional awards, and prizes won on advance plays, may not qualify for same-day payment and will require additional processing at Lottery Headquarters.
Prizes over $600 must file a claim form. Just follow these simple steps.
1. Get Your Claim Form
- Individual claimants complete Claim Form CSL1242 (PDF).
- Watch this short video to ensure you complete your claim form correctly.
2. Are You a Group Winner?
- Complete Claim Form CSL1242 (PDF) and IRS Form 5754 (PDF)
- Group representative completes CSL 0896 (PDF)
- Remaining members each complete CSL 0897 (PDF)
3. Is This an Annuity Prize?
An annuity is a prize paid in installments over a period of years. A Payment Election form must be witnessed by a Lottery representative or notary. Select the game below for appropriate form to complete.4. Submit Your Claim
There are several options for claiming prizes $600 and above.
Claim at Your Local California Lottery District Office
Lottery District Offices are open to the public for in-person services. Procedures have been implemented at all District Offices to maximize health and safety for everyone. See District Office locations here.
For in-person window service:
- Follow the steps above for completing your claim form.
- Groups claiming prizes may send a single representative but the representative will need to bring completed forms for all group members.
- Keep a copy or picture of the claim form and the front and back of your winning ticket for your records.
- Please bring current identification (State ID card, driver license, passport, etc.)
-
Prepare for your visit to Lottery District Offices by following all local health and safety requirements.
- OR - Mail Your Winning Ticket and Claim Form
Follow the steps above for completing your claim form(s). Mail the original ticket and signed claim form (along with the Claim Authorization Receipt from a retailer, if you have it) to:
Mailing address only:
California State Lottery
730 North 10th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
*Please note for claim drop-off and opportunities for same day check, stop by a local California Lottery District Office. You can find contact and location information for all District Offices here.
We recommend sending everything by certified mail and saving a copy of every item you submit. We’re not responsible for mail, tickets or claim forms that are late, lost, damaged, misdirected, misaddressed, incomplete or illegible. So, protect your prize by keeping a copy of your winning ticket and claim form. And always sign the back of your ticket.
Your draw game ticket must be postmarked or received by Lottery offices within 180 days of the winning draw date, except that, in the case of Mega Millions and Powerball Jackpots, the tickets must be postmarked or received within one year from the winning draw date. Scratchers® tickets must be postmarked or received by Lottery offices within 180 days of the announced end of game date.
State law prohibits the sale of a Lottery ticket or the payment of a prize to anyone under 18. Tickets failing validation are void.
All California State Lottery game tickets, transactions, claims and prize payments are subject to California State law and the California State Lottery rules and regulations. By participating, you agree to comply with all laws and Lottery rules and regulations.Claiming your 2nd Chance prize is easy. Just follow the 4 simple steps.
STEP 1
The Lottery will notify you by email to log into your account for “important information. When you sign into your Lottery account, you’ll see your prize and a link to a 2nd Chance Claim Form.
STEP 2
Download and print the 2nd Chance Claim Form (PDF)
STEP 3
Fill out the claim form, and don’t forget to sign it! To find out what you’ll need to complete the form, see My Account
STEP 4
Decide how you want to claim. There are two options for claiming your 2nd Chance prize: claim at a Lottery District Office or claim by mail.
Option 1: Claim at your local California Lottery District Office
Lottery District Offices are now open to the public for the acceptance of claims. Procedures have been implemented at all District Offices to maximize health and safety for everyone. See all District Office locations here
For in-person window service:
- Follow the steps above for completing your claim form.
- Keep a copy or picture of the claim form and the front and back of your winning ticket for your records.
- Please bring current identification (State ID card, driver license, passport, etc.).
Prepare for your visit to Lottery District Offices by following all local health and safety requirements.
Option 2: Mail your winning ticket and claim form
Follow the steps above for completing your claim form(s). Mail the original ticket and signed claim form (along with the Claim Authorization Receipt from a retailer, if you have it) to:
Mailing address only:
Attn: 2nd Chance PromotionCalifornia State Lottery
730 North 10th Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
We recommend sending everything by certified mail and saving a copy of every item you submit. We’re not responsible for mail, tickets or claim forms that are late, lost, damaged, misdirected, misaddressed, incomplete or illegible. So, protect your prize by keeping a copy of your winning ticket and claim form. And always sign the back of your ticket.
The claiming period for prizes may vary by promotion. Refer to the specific Promotion Rules for details.
State law prohibits the sale of a Lottery ticket or the payment of a prize to anyone under 18. Tickets failing validation are void.
All California State Lottery game tickets, transactions, claims and prize payments are subject to California State law and the California State Lottery rules and regulations. By participating, you agree to comply with all laws and Lottery rules and regulations.The following errors can delay the processing of your claim.
- Watch this short video to ensure you complete your claim form correctly.
- Be sure to sign your claim form. Players often forget to sign and date their winner claim form which cause delays in processing.
- Include your Date of Birth. If your Date of Birth is not included, processing will take longer as we will need you to complete and submit a new one.
- Missing claim form. California Lottery is unable to process any claims that are not accompanied by a completed, legible and accurate claim form.
- Ensure your address is complete and legible. Claimants often forget to include apartment numbers when completing claim forms.
- Include your signed ticket(s). Players often forget to include the ticket(s) Remember to complete and sign the back of the ticket(s).
Winning the lottery isn’t just exciting—it can be life-changing. That’s why we wrote the book on winning big. For answers about payments, taxes, estate planning, public disclosure, money management and more, download the Winner's Handbook (PDF).
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