Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
307 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

How to Find Out If an Unidentified Person Matches Your Missing Loved One

Thousands of unidentified people in the U.S. may belong to a missing person case that has never been compared with them. The most important steps are getting your loved one's case into NamUs and making sure DNA, dental records and fingerprints are on file through law enforcement. You can also search unidentified cases yourself and report possible matches to the investigating agency.

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

Crime Solvers Central compares every missing person with every unidentified person each day on sex, race, age, height, weight, location and dates, and lists possible matches of 75% or higher.

See possible matches

1. Make sure the case is in NamUs

NamUs, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System run by the U.S. Department of Justice, lets medical examiners and investigators compare missing and unidentified cases nationwide. Families can start a missing person case in NamUs; it is published after law enforcement verifies it. Ask the investigating agency to confirm the case is in NamUs.

2. Get identifying records on file

  • Family DNA reference samples: ask the investigating agency about giving a DNA sample (usually a cheek swab) from the missing person's biological parents, children or siblings. The samples are compared with DNA from unidentified remains.
  • Dental records: name the missing person's dentists so investigators can collect X-rays and charts.
  • Fingerprints if they were ever taken (for a job, the military or an arrest).
  • Medical details: surgeries, implants with serial numbers, broken bones, tattoos and distinguishing marks, with photos if you have them.

3. Search unidentified cases yourself

  • Search by state, sex, race and estimated age in the Unidentified Persons Database and in NamUs.
  • Look at the date the person was found: it should be after your loved one went missing.
  • Compare height, weight, hair, tattoos, scars, dental work and clothing. Estimated ages on unidentified cases are often a range, so allow some room.
  • Check the possible matches list for your loved one's case.

Some unidentified case photos are post-mortem. Take care, and have someone with you if you need to.

4. If you think you've found a match

  • Contact the investigating agency for your missing loved one and give them the unidentified case number, or the medical examiner listed on the unidentified case.
  • Don't share it publicly until it's confirmed. Identification is made by the medical examiner, usually through DNA, dental records or fingerprints.
  • Ask what happens next and how long a comparison will take; DNA results can take weeks or months.

Crime Solvers Central compares every missing person with every unidentified person each day on sex, race, age, height, weight, location and dates, and lists possible matches of 75% or higher. See membership options.

See possible matches

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out if an unidentified body is my missing relative?

Make sure the missing person case is in NamUs, give family DNA reference samples, dental records and fingerprints through the investigating agency, search unidentified cases by state and description, and report any possible match to the investigating agency or the medical examiner.

How are unidentified remains matched to missing persons?

Medical examiners compare DNA, dental records, fingerprints and physical details. Family DNA reference samples are the most common way unidentified people are matched to missing person cases.

Can families enter a missing person in NamUs?

Yes. Families can start a missing person case in NamUs, and it is published after law enforcement verifies it.

What does a possible match on Crime Solvers Central mean?

It means the two cases are similar on details like sex, race, age, height, weight, location and dates. It is a lead to give investigators, not an identification.

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.