How to Claim a California State Lottery Prize
California State Lottery calottery.com
Where to cash a winning California ticket, what to bring and how long you have. Sign the back of your ticket first.
Where to claim
- Up to $599Any participating California Lottery retailer
- Over $599A California Lottery District Office (same-day check up to $1,000), or by mail
- The biggest prizesBy mail: California Lottery, 730 North 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
Small prizes: bring
- Your signed ticket
Big prizes: bring
- Your signed original ticket
- A completed Winner Claim Form
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- The retailer's Claim Authorization Receipt, if you have one
Claiming by mail
Any prize can be mailed with the signed ticket and claim form to California Lottery, 730 North 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811 (certified mail recommended).
Deadlines
- Draw games180 daysafter the draw
- Scratch-offs180 daysafter the game ends
- Cash option60 daysto choose a lump sum
- Minimum age18to play and claim
180 days from the draw for every draw game prize, except Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots: one year. Scratchers: 180 days after the announced end of game. The cash option must be chosen within 60 days after the Lottery authorizes payment.
Taxes: California does not tax lottery prizes. What you keep from a California prize
From the California State Lottery's own claim rules: calottery.com, calottery.com, calottery.com. Rules change: check with the lottery before you travel.
Questions
How long do I have to claim a California State Lottery prize?
180 days after the draw for draw games. Scratch-offs: 180 days after the game ends.
How old do you have to be to play the California State Lottery?
18.
Are California State Lottery prizes taxed?
Not by California. Federal: 24% is withheld from prizes of $5,000 or more.