Maryland Criminal Records
To begin, add a criminal record or view a list of
locations and
resources for Maryland criminal records.
Where to Locate Maryland Criminal Records
In Maryland, the Department of Public Safety operates the central repository of criminal records. The Department of Public Safety only performs fingerprint searches, so individuals must go to local law enforcement agencies or visit the CJIS-Central Repository for fingerprinting. The fee for fingerprinting is $20 at CJIS plus $18 for the criminal record check.
Laws Governing Access to Maryland Criminal Records
Maryland allows individuals to access their personal Maryland criminal records, but restricts public access. Authorized employers and law enforcement agencies may obtain Maryland background checks on others.
How to Challenge Mistakes in Your Criminal Record
If you find an error on your personal criminal record, call the Central Repository and provide your reference number or social security number so they can look up your request. They will then direct you on how to proceed.
If you would like to retrieve Maryland background checks and criminal records, take the following measures:
Step 1:
For conducting checks on other individuals, visit the Maryland Fingerprint Card Order Form for the fingerprint request form and fill it out only if you have an authorization number from an employer to request the appropriate fingerprint card.
Step 2:
For individual requests, visit your local law enforcement agency and get fingerprinted there. The cost varies depending on the location, but should cost around $20.
Step 3:
Mail the fingerprint card to the CJIS Central Repository, along with a certified check or money order for $18.
The Maryland Department of Public Safety can provide additional information and assistance through the contact information below:
The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services provides Maryland arrest records to the public. To make accessing these records easier, the Department maintains an online Inmate Locator.
Step 1: Go online to utilize the Maryland Inmate Locator system.
Step 2: Fill in the field with the inmate’s first and last name and click search. Inputting just a first or last name will return all inmates with that name.
Step 3: Results will be displayed in alphabetical order by inmate name. Click on the name of the Maryland arrest record you would like to see in more detail.
If you need more information on Maryland arrest records, you can contact the Department by one of the following methods:
Public Records
Court Records
Criminal Records
Birth Records
Death Records
Marriage Records
Divorce Records
Genealogy Records