How to Report a Missing Person (There Is No 24 Hour Rule)

Where the 24 hour myth came from

It came from television. The idea that police will not take a report for a day is a plot device from crime fiction that hardened into something people believe is a rule. It is not, and it never was.

The myth does real damage. Missing person cases depend on the first hours: that is when the trail is warmest, when video still exists, and when the search area is smallest. A family that waits a day because they think they have to is giving away the most valuable time in the entire investigation.

Who to call

Report to the law enforcement agency where the person was last seen, or where they live. If those are different places, start with either one — agencies coordinate, and no agency will turn you away for picking the wrong one.

For a non urgent report you can use the department’s non emergency line; you can find it in our directory. If there is any sign of danger, call 911 instead.

What police will ask you for

• A recent photograph. The most useful thing you can provide. A phone photo from this month beats a formal portrait from last year.
• Full name, date of birth, height, weight, and any distinguishing marks such as scars or tattoos.
• What they were wearing and carrying when last seen.
• Where and when they were last seen, and by whom.
• Vehicle description and plate, if they drive.
• Medical and mental health conditions, and any medication they need. This matters — it can change how the case is classified and how quickly resources are assigned.
• Phone number and carrier, plus social media accounts.
• Names and numbers of friends, coworkers and places they go.

What to do while you wait

• Do not clean, tidy or wash anything belonging to the person. Their room, clothes and belongings may matter later.
• Write down a timeline of the last confirmed sighting and everyone you have already contacted.
• Keep your phone charged and answered, and keep the line free.
• Ask the agency for the case number and the name of the assigned investigator before you hang up.
• Check with hospitals and, for adults, jails in the area.

Adults have the same right to be reported

Adults are entitled to go where they like without telling anyone, and that sometimes gets misread as police not caring. But an adult can still be reported missing at any time, and the report is still entered. If the person is considered at risk because of age, health, or the circumstances of their disappearance, the response escalates accordingly.

National resources

For missing children, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children operates a 24 hour hotline at 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) and works directly with law enforcement. It does not replace calling the police — report to your local agency first, then call them.

What to have ready

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to wait 24 hours to report someone missing?

No. That rule does not exist in any US state. It comes from films and television. The first hours matter most, so report it as soon as you are worried.

Does it matter if the person is an adult?

No. Adults can be reported missing too. An adult is entitled to go where they like without telling anyone, but police will still take the report and check on their welfare.

Which department do I call?

The agency covering the place the person went missing from or was last seen. If that is not obvious, call any of them: they will route it. For a child or anyone considered at risk, call 911.