Report a Missing or Unidentified Person
Key information
There's no waiting period in Maryland to report a missing person
Call 911 to report a missing or unidentified person. For further assistance, call 800-637-5437
On this page
The Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons (MCMUP) is part of the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP). The center helps find missing children and adults and identify unidentified persons across Maryland.
MCMUP supports local police by helping manage missing person reports, sharing alerts with the public, and connecting families to important resources. These resources may include forensic services (such as DNA or dental records) and investigative support.
Report a missing person in Maryland
There is no waiting period to report someone missing in Maryland.
- Go to your local police station in person as soon as possible to file a report
- Initial missing person reports must be taken by local law enforcement
- You can also:
- Visit NamUs.gov to search databases or find family support
- Check Maryland State Police or local police social media for alerts
Get help right away
- Call 911 to report a missing or unidentified person
- For additional help, call Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons 1-800-637-5437
What to do when someone goes missing
- Contact friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers for information
- Check with the person’s school or workplace about recent attendance
- Call 911 immediately and file a missing person report with local police
- Call the Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons at
1-800-MDS-KIDS (1-800-637-5437) - Note whether the person took personal items or had access to money
- If a computer or device they used may have information, do not use it and tell the police
Resources
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons (MCMUP)