How to Make a Missing Person Flyer

A good missing person flyer is simple: one large, recent photo, the word MISSING in big letters, a short description, where and when the person was last seen, and one phone number to call. Below is a checklist of what to include, layout tips, where to post flyers, and a free flyer maker that does the formatting for you.

Updated November 15, 2026 · Crime Solvers Central, an independent, volunteer-run cold case site

Free to use: pick a template, fill it in from any case on Crime Solvers Central or type your own details, then print it. Members can also save flyers, download PNG or PDF files and use every template.

Make a flyer now

Before you make the flyer

Report the person missing to police first. You do not have to wait 24 hours; that is a myth. For a missing child, also call the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
Get the case number and ask the investigating agency which phone number they want on the flyer. A police tip line is usually better than a personal number: tips go straight to investigators, and your own phone stays private.
Check what the police want kept quiet. Some details (exact clothing, items they took) may be held back on purpose. Ask before you print.

What to put on a missing person flyer

"MISSING" across the top in the largest text on the page. Add "MISSING CHILD" or "ENDANGERED" if it applies.
A recent, clear photo of their face, as big as the page allows. A second full-body photo helps if you have one. Use photos that look like them today: current hair, glasses, facial hair.
Full name, plus any nickname they go by.
Age (and date of birth if the family is comfortable sharing it).
Height, weight, hair and eye color.
Distinguishing marks: tattoos, scars, birthmarks, piercings, glasses, braces.
Last seen: date, time and place, as exactly as you know them (for example, "Nov. 12, about 9 p.m., near Main St. and 4th Ave., Springfield").
What they were wearing, if police are fine with sharing it.
Vehicle if they may be driving: color, year, make, model and license plate.
Medical or safety concerns that make it urgent, in plain words, if the family agrees: for example "needs daily medication" or "has dementia and may be confused".
Who to call: the police agency, its phone number and the case number. Add "Call 911 if you see them" for urgent cases.
Reward, only if one has actually been offered, and who is offering it.
A QR code or short link to a page with more details and updates.

Layout tips that make people stop and read

One page, one person. Letter size (8.5 x 11 in) works almost everywhere.
Photo first, words second. Most people glance for two or three seconds. The photo and the word MISSING should be readable from across a room.
High contrast: dark text on a white or light background, in a plain, bold font. No script fonts.
Short lines instead of paragraphs. Leave white space.
Use color if you can: a red MISSING banner and a color photo get noticed more than black and white. A clear black-and-white copy is still far better than nothing.
Make a bilingual or Spanish version if the area has many Spanish speakers.
Add the date the flyer was made in small print, so people know it's current.

Where to post missing person flyers

Near where they were last seen first, then along routes they might have taken.
Places with lots of foot traffic: gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, laundromats, coffee shops, libraries, community boards.
Transit and travel stops: bus and train stations, truck stops and rest areas (for people who may have left the area).
Places they might go for help: hospitals, clinics, shelters, food banks, churches.
Their usual places: school, work, gym, favorite stores and restaurants.
Online: share the flyer image on Facebook, Instagram, Nextdoor and local community groups, and send it to local news outlets with a short press release.

Always ask the business owner before posting inside, and check local rules for poles and public boards. For outdoor flyers, use sheet protectors or lamination and tape all four sides.

After the flyers are up

Keep a list of where every flyer went, so you can replace worn ones and take them all down later.
Refresh them every week or two, and update the flyer if new information comes out.
Make special versions for search parties, vigils and anniversaries; they bring new attention to the case.
When the person is found, take the flyers down and post a short "found, thank you" update online.

Free to use: pick a template, fill it in from any case on Crime Solvers Central or type your own details, then print it. Members can also save flyers, download PNG or PDF files and use every template. See membership options.

Make a flyer now

Frequently asked questions

What should a missing person flyer include?

The word MISSING in large letters, a recent clear photo, the person's full name and age, height, weight, hair and eye color, any tattoos or scars, when and where they were last seen, what they were wearing, and the police agency's phone number and case number.

Is there a free missing person flyer template?

Yes. The Crime Solvers Central Flyer Builder is free to use: you can pick a template, fill it from any case on the site or type your own details, and print it. Members can also save, download PNG or PDF files and use every template.

Whose phone number should go on the flyer?

Usually the investigating police agency's number and the case number, so tips go straight to investigators. Ask the agency which number they want listed before you print.

Do you have to wait 24 hours before reporting someone missing?

No. There is no required waiting period. Report the person missing to police as soon as you believe they are missing, then make and post flyers.

Where is the best place to post missing person flyers?

Start near where the person was last seen, then busy places like gas stations, grocery stores, transit stations, truck stops, hospitals, shelters and the person's usual places, and share the flyer online in local community groups.

More help for families

Crime Solvers Central is an independent, volunteer-run case research and advocacy site, not a law enforcement agency. In an emergency call 911. Questions? Contact us.