Guide
Overview
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) coordinates the national response to missing and exploited children. This directory links to NCMEC search tools, state clearinghouses, Amber Alert systems, and law enforcement resources for reporting and locating missing children.
Guide
National Missing Children Resources
Guide
Alert Systems
Guide
How to Search Missing Children Records
Finding a missing child requires immediate action and use of official resources. This guide covers every official database, reporting agency, and search tool available.
File a Report Immediately
Call 911 immediately. There is NO waiting period for reporting a missing child. Law enforcement must accept the report and enter it into NCIC (National Crime Information Center) immediately.
Contact the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or visit missingkids.org. NCMEC maintains a searchable database and provides immediate support.
Search the NCMEC Database
Search missingkids.org by name, age, location, or physical description. The database includes photos and case details for all active missing child cases.
Check State Missing Persons Clearinghouses
Every state has a clearinghouse (usually within State Police or AG's office) that coordinates missing persons cases. Select your state below to access it directly.
Use AMBER Alert Systems
AMBER Alerts are issued through the Emergency Alert System for child abduction cases. Sign up for state-level AMBER Alert notifications through your state's emergency management office.
What Records Are Available
- NCMEC DatabaseNational database of missing children with photos
- AMBER AlertsActive abduction alerts, suspect descriptions
- State ClearinghousesState-managed missing persons databases
- NCIC RecordsLaw enforcement database, accessible via police
Guide
Missing Children by State
State-specific missing-child registries and reporting agencies.
Straight answers
Missing Children Database & Resources, questions
How do I report a missing child?
Call 911 immediately, then contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). File a report with local law enforcement. There is no waiting period to report a missing child.
What is an Amber Alert?
AMBER (America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) Alert is a national system that broadcasts descriptions of abducted children through media, highway signs, and wireless emergency alerts to enlist public help.
What does NCMEC do?
NCMEC operates the national missing children hotline, maintains the CyberTipline for online exploitation reports, provides forensic services, and coordinates with law enforcement on missing child cases.
How many children go missing each year?
NCMEC and the FBI's NCIC Missing Person File process a large volume of reports annually. The majority of missing-child cases are resolved quickly; most involve runaways or family-related circumstances. Current statistics are published by NCMEC (missingkids.org) and the U.S. Department of Justice AMBER Alert program (amberalert.gov).
Is there a waiting period to report a missing child?
No. Federal law (Suzanne's Law) requires law enforcement to immediately enter missing children under 21 into NCIC. Do not wait, report immediately.
What is AMBER Alert and how does it work?
AMBER Alert (America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) is an alert system that broadcasts information about child abductions via radio, TV, highway signs, and mobile phone emergency alerts.
Can I search for a missing child online?
Yes. NCMEC's missingkids.org has a free searchable database. The FBI also maintains a missing persons database at fbi.gov. State clearinghouses (linked below) maintain state-specific databases.
What happens when a missing child is found?
Law enforcement removes the child from the NCIC database. NCMEC is notified and updates their records. If the child was taken across state lines, federal charges (Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act) may apply.