My old iPad 3 requires the Apple ID and password that were originally used to set up. I do not know thee original password. How do I release the Activation Lock without this information?

Here are the Apple support pages that outline the Activation Lock - and the only mechanisms by which it can be turned off:

Activation Lock for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Turn off Activation Lock – Apple Support

As you will discover, unless you are the owner of the AppleID that was last used to activate the device, you’ll not be able to defeat or bypass the Activation Lock. With documentary evidence that you are the original owner (such as sales receipt showing the serial number), Apple may be prepared to assist - otherwise they and nobody here will be able to help you.

If you have the necessary documentation, Apple have recently introduced a new portal though which you may be able to request release of an Activation Lock:

How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support & start an Activation Lock support request.

However, recovery of the AppleID credentials should be possible…

If you have forgotten your AppleID or associated password, these can be recovered here:

https://iforgot.apple.com/

To recover your credentials, you’ll need access to any one of the following:

• Your primary email address mailbox that corresponds with your AppleID
• Any of the secondary/recovery email addresses that should be configured for your AppleID account
• Any of the trusted telephone numbers (fixed line or Cellular/Mobile) that are associated with your AppleID

Unless you AppleID account has not been fully/correctly configured, or has been seriously neglected, recovery of the AppleID and password should not be difficult.

More information about recovery of your AppleID:

If you forgot your Apple ID - Apple Support

More information about recovery of your AppleID password:

If you forgot your Apple ID password - Apple Support

When you recover access to your credentials, you would be well advised to log-in to your AppleID account from a web browser - and verify/update any email addresses and trusted telephone numbers:

https://appleid.apple.com/

None of these help me. A mini iPad that's about 7 years old. Can't remember password. Can't wipe it clean and start over. Most of the suggestions need a password, yet the question people are posing, is how can we wipe our device when we cannot remember the password. All of the information tells me to use iTunes (not on Big Sur), or go to General/Restore, no such thing on Big Sur. There has to be a way, but I'm sure not seeing it.

Lin-Jo wrote:

None of these help me. A mini iPad that's about 7 years old. Can't remember password. Can't wipe it clean and start over. Most of the suggestions need a password, yet the question people are posing, is how can we wipe our device when we cannot remember the password. All of the information tells me to use iTunes (not on Big Sur), or go to General/Restore, no such thing on Big Sur. There has to be a way, but I'm sure not seeing it.

The information given to the OP may not help you - as you may have an entirely different problem that requires a different solution. Rather than confuse the answer here, if you post your own question - clearly stating your specific problem and circumstances - you will likely receive an appropriate solution for your problem.

I will, however, share one item here - as it does not confuse the response already provided…

If you are using a modern Mac, it won’t have or use iTunes (as this has been deprecated). Your Mac instead uses the Finder App to communicate with a connected iPad.