I wouldn't have let it get as far as him not showing up. I always say I don't have any money—which is frequently true as I usually avoid carrying cash at all.
However... leaving it at the desk as lost is a good call.
One wonders what a guy who's willing to give up his license for $3 is after. He's gotta be desperate, and he can't realistically expect to get the license back. So, desperate for what?