Elizabeth Smart was missing for about nine months, from June 5, 2002, until she was found on March 12, 2003.

Basic timeline

  • Kidnapped from her bedroom in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 5, 2002, at age 14.
  • Rescued in Sandy, Utah, on March 12, 2003, about 18 miles from her home.
  • That period adds up to roughly nine months in captivity.

In many recent discussions and coverage (including new documentaries and news features as of 2025–2026), this nine‑month duration is the key answer to “how long was Elizabeth Smart missing?”

TL;DR: Elizabeth Smart was missing for approximately nine months before she was found and reunited with her family.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.