How to Locate a Missing Relative by Their Birth Date
There are many reasons people lose touch with their relatives, such as adoption, life pressures or even a family argument which has gone on for a long time. If you've decided to track down a missing relative, it's important to collect as much information as you can about the person before you begin. This will make the search much easier to complete, and make you more likely to be successful. If you know the person's date of birth and name, this is a strong starting point.
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Instructions
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Search public records. Libraries and town halls usually have access to records full of public information. The records may be electronically stored, which makes sorting by name and date of birth very easy, or you may need to manually search through record books. Once you've located your relative, make a note of any information you find, such as addresses or preferred names. You may also find information about the person's partner or children.
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Use the Internet to find information. Most people will be documented online somewhere, whether through social networking sites or listed on Alumni websites for schools or colleges. Depending on their privacy choices, you may be able to find an address, telephone number or email address listed on these sites.
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Contact your local Social Security office. They should provide access to a Death Index, which will allow you to see if your relative is still alive. Usually, this search is free. If your relative is listed on the Index, it will provide additional information, such as the date of death and the last registered address.
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Consider a missing persons search. These will usually charge a fee. For example, the Salvation Army charge $50 to search for an adult relative on your behalf. Hand over all the information you have found, and discuss what you hope to achieve with the agency. Some may offer to approach your relative on your behalf once they have located them.
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Tips & Warnings
If you or your relative were adopted, you could use the adoptions register to try and find them. Some of this information may be closed to the public, however, and you may need to appeal to a court for access to this.
If you have not had contact with your relative for an extended period, be prepared for anything. Your relative may have a whole new life, with new partners or children, or they may not be interested in a relationship with you. They could have died, or they may not be tracked down.
