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
The Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons (MCMUP) is part of the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP). The center assists police departments and families locate 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
Get help immediately. There is no waiting period to report someone missing in Maryland.
- Call 911 or 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
What to do when someone goes missing
- Search your home and area thoroughly
- Contact friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers for information
- Check with the person’s school or workplace about recent attendance
- Note whether the person took personal items or had access to money
- If a computer or device they used may have information on their disappearance, do not use it and tell the police
- After a missing persons report has been filed, call the Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons at 1-800-MDS-KIDS (1-800-637-5437)
Resources
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
Maryland Center for Missing and Unidentified Persons (MCMUP)