How do I return a locked iPad I found to the owner?

Return it to the most logical lost-and-found based on where you found it.

If found in a public area, the municipal police are the best bet.

Unless the owner places a message on the screen as a recovery aid, you’ll not be able to track him/her down thru Apple.

Whilst your desire to return the iPad to its owner is commendable, Apple will not assist with locating, or reuniting a lost/found/stolen device. Using any information to which Apple may have access would likely violate privacy laws/legislation that apply in many countries.

If you can turn-on the iPad, if registered as “lost” by the owner, the iPad might display a message or owner contact information. If so, you may be able to independently make contact - otherwise, you’ll not have any means by which to contact the owner.

As such you would be best advised to simply hand-over the iPad to your local authorities - as they are best placed to reunite the device with its owner if a loss report has been made.

If there is no lost-and-found equivalent near where found, or if local police are not an option, recycle it.

Yes, really. Recycle it.

No, Apple won’t.

No, we can’t.

No, the user didn’t chose to provide contact info.