How to Get an Age Progression Photo of a Missing Person

An age progression shows what a missing person may look like today. For missing children, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) creates them at no cost through its forensic artists. For adults, the investigating agency can often arrange one through a forensic artist. Families can also make an AI-generated preview to use alongside the original photo.

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

Members can add an AI age progression to a missing person's social post or flyer, shown beside the original photo. It is an illustration, not a forensic progression; ask investigators before using it publicly.

Make an AI age progression preview

Forensic age progressions: where to ask

Missing children: if the child is registered with NCMEC, ask the investigating agency or call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) about an age progression. NCMEC's forensic artists create them for long-term cases at no cost to the family.
Missing adults: ask the investigating detective whether a forensic artist can produce one. Many state police agencies and larger departments have one, or can request help from another agency.
Long-term cases: progressions are usually updated every few years as the person would have aged. Ask when the last one was made.

Photos and details to gather

The most recent clear, front-facing photos of the missing person, plus photos at different ages if you have them.
Photos of parents and siblings at the age the missing person would be now. Artists use family resemblance to predict how a face changes.
Details that affect appearance: scars, glasses, weight changes, hair loss in the family, habits like smoking.

Using the age progression

Always show it next to the original photo and label it clearly as an age progression, with the age it shows.
Use it to restart attention: a new progression is a good reason to send a press release and update flyers and social posts.
Keep the police tip line on everything that uses it.

AI age progression previews

AI tools can make a quick preview of how someone may look older. They are useful for social posts and flyers when no forensic progression exists yet, but they are not forensic work: label them as AI-generated illustrations and ask investigators before publishing one.

Members can add an AI age progression to a missing person's social post or flyer, shown beside the original photo. It is an illustration, not a forensic progression; ask investigators before using it publicly. See membership options.

Make an AI age progression preview

Frequently asked questions

Who does age progressions for missing children?

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) creates age progressions for long-term missing children cases through its forensic artists, at no cost to the family. Ask the investigating agency or call NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678.

Can I get an age progression for a missing adult?

Ask the investigating agency whether a forensic artist can create one. Many state police agencies and larger departments have forensic artists or can request help from another agency.

What photos are needed for an age progression?

Recent clear front-facing photos of the missing person, photos at different ages, and photos of parents and siblings at the age the person would be now.

Are AI age progressions accurate?

They are illustrations, not forensic work. They can help keep a case visible, but label them clearly as AI-generated and check with investigators before using them publicly.

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.