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Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation

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Iowa Death Investigator's Association

NetzSmartz
(Internet Safety Education)

Crime Lab Reports for All Non-DPS Agencies

Crime Lab Reports for DPS Employees Only

Evidence Prelog

ISORD (IA Sex Offender Registry Database - Criminal Justice Agencies ONLY)

Missing Person Information Clearinghouse

Searching For an Individual Not Meeting the Requirements to File a Missing Person Report

Often our agency is contacted regarding how to go about locating someone they have not been in touch with for a long time, yet they do not meet the definition for filing a missing person report. In order to assist these individuals in their search process, some of the following information may be helpful.

The more information you can provide regarding the individual, the more assistance you will be able to obtain. Knowing the complete name and date of birth, the social security number and places where the individual has been in the past are very helpful in securing information.

Census Information	Often, information can be obtained on the individual or family members through census records. Generally, census information can be obtained at the state historical office or the local geneolical society.
Office of Vital Statistics	the Office of Vital Statistics in each state can provide information regarding birth and death information. You will need to contact the office in your state to find out what information they can provide as well as what procedure you need to follow to obtain the information. The telephone number for the Iowa Department of Health, Birth, Death and Marriage Certificates is 515-281-4944.
Genealogy Services	Just as genealogy services help individuals to obtain information about their ancestors, these services can also assist in locating an individual. Finding past information on the individual, such as parent and/or sibling information can lead you to relatives who may be able to assist you in locating the individual. Local genealogy services are usually located in your telephone book. Many computer services provide genealogy forums within their systems and you can also find genealogy information pages on the Internet.
Social Security Information	In some cases when the social security number is known for the individual a letter can be sent through the Social Security Office to his/her place of employment. Information is not provided regarding the individual or whether or not the letter was even received. It is left up to the individual whether he/she wants to contact the person searching for him/her or not. You will need to contact your local social security office to obtain information regarding this procedure. You will be required to provide the social security number.
State Motor Vehicle and Drivers License Records	Vehicle and/or drivers license information can sometimes be obtained on an individual which will provide you with the last address on file for him/her. You will need to contact the office in your state to find out what information can be provided as well as what procedure you will need to follow to obtain the information. The telephone number for the Iowa Department of Transportation is 515-244-8725.

The following list of reading materials has been compiled as reference material in relation to locating individuals. Points of view or opinion presented in these reference materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the Iowa Missing Person Information Clearinghouse. The clearinghouse, while providing the reference list, has not placed its’ endorsement on these materials.

All 50 states now have a clearinghouse relating to
missing children and/or missing persons.
Click here to obtain information regarding the
missing children/person clearinghouse in your state.

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Created: 02-07-2006 Last Updated: 04-01-2012 (LNM)