Disabled American Veterans “Postage Paid” Key Tags

The “postage paid” key tags you found are part of a Disabled American Veterans (DAV) program that ran from the 1940s through the 1970s. These were small, miniature license plate–style key fobs or key chain tags sent to registered DAV members as a benefit.

How the program worked

• DAV would mail these tags to members, often as part of unsolicited mailings to vehicle owners.

• The tags were exact miniatures of the member’s state license plate.

• If a member lost their keys, they could mail the key tag (and the keys) to any mailbox.

• The DAV would pay the postage, look up the license plate number on the tag, and return the keys and tag to the rightful owner.

• In return for the tag, members were asked to donate a small amount (often 25 cents or more) to DAV programs.

Appearance and use

• The tags were usually made of metal or plastic, with the miniature license plate on one side and the DAV logo or “Postage Paid” message on the other.

• They were attached to key chains or key fobs.

• The “Postage Paid” wording was often printed on the back, sometimes with a postal code or address (e.g., “Postage Guaranteed. Finder Deposit Any Mailbox. Disabled American Veterans. Cincinnati, Ohio 45014”).

Historical context

• The program was similar to the B.F. Goodrich “lost key insurance” program, which ran earlier (1939–1942).

• It was a way for DAV to provide a tangible benefit to veterans while also raising funds for their programs.

• The program ended after 1975.

If you have one

• It’s a collectible piece of veteran history.

• You can display it or share it with other DAV members or veteran groups.

• If you want to learn more, the DAV website and veteran memorabilia collectors often have photos and details of these tags DAV.org.

In short, these “postage paid” key tags were a lost key insurance benefit from the Disabled American Veterans, designed to help members recover lost keys while supporting DAV’s mission.