About Prince Georges County
Prince George's County is located in the central portion of Maryland, directly adjacent to Washington, D.C, forming part of the National Capital Region. Prince Georges County Seat is Upper Marlboro, a historic town established in 1706. With a population exceeding 967,000 residents as of recent estimates, Prince George's County is the second-most populous county in Maryland and among the wealthiest majority-African American counties in the United States.
Prince Georges County includes approximately 499 square miles and is home to major landmarks including FedExField (home of the Washington Commanders), the University of Maryland College Park campus, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, and Joint Base Andrews (formerly Andrews Air Force Base). Founded in 1696 and named after Prince George of Denmark, consort to Queen Anne of Great Britain, Prince Georges County has evolved from its colonial tobacco plantation roots into a diverse suburban community with significant government, educational, and commercial sectors. The Prince George's County Circuit Court is.
The Office of the County Executive operates from the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building at 1301 McCormick Drive in Largo. Property records are maintained by the Land Records Division of the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the courthouse in Upper Marlboro.
The Assessment office, responsible for property tax assessments, is part of the Department of Finance at 1301 McCormick Drive, Suite 2100, Largo, MD 20774. Prince Georges County Clerk's Office, handling court filings and various public records, operates from the Circuit Court building in Upper Marlboro.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Prince George's County Sheriff's Office is responsible for a variety of law enforcement duties, including patrolling unincorporated areas, serving legal documents, and maintaining Prince Georges County jail. The office also processes arrests and maintains criminal records for Prince Georges County. Notable programs include community engagement initiatives and specialized units that focus on domestic violence and fugitive apprehension. The Sheriff's Office is key to making sure of public safety and enforcing the law within Prince Georges County's jurisdiction.
Police Departments
Prince George's County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Prince George's County Police Department and municipal police departments such as the Bowie Police Department, College Park Police Department, and Greenbelt Police Department. Each agency has jurisdiction over its respective area, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating on major crimes with other agencies.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Prince George's County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 5303 Chrysler Way, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (phone: 301-952-1100), serves civil process, provides courthouse security, and operates warrant services under Sheriff Melvin C. High. The agency website is www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sheriff. The Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD) is the primary law enforcement agency, operating from headquarters at 7600 Barlowe Road, Palmer Park, MD 20785 (phone: 301-352-1200, website: www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/police).
- PGPD provides law enforcement services county-wide and is one of the largest police departments in Maryland with over 1,800 sworn officers.
- Inmate lookup is available online at www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/corrections through their Inmate Locator system, providing booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates.
- Arrest records and incident reports may be requested under the Maryland Public Information Act (State Government Article §10-611 et seq.).
- Written requests should be submitted to the PGPD Records Division at 7600 Barlowe Road.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Department of Corrections inmate search portal and may also be obtained through formal public records requests.
The Prince George's County Department of Corrections operates Prince Georges County detention center at 13400 Dille Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Municipal police departments exist in several incorporated municipalities including Laurel Police Department, Greenbelt Police Department, Hyattsville Police Department, Bladensburg Police Department, and University of Maryland Police Department. The Maryland Park Police also maintain jurisdiction over state park properties within Prince Georges County.
Processing times for arrest records typically range from 10-30 days depending on case status and redaction requirements.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Prince George's County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Prince George's County Police Department, the Sheriff's Office, and the Maryland Judiciary. Residents can run background checks through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, which provides access to statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Prince George's County are maintained by the Prince George's County Police Department and the Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting these agencies directly, often requiring a formal request under the Maryland Public Information Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and the arresting agency. The Maryland Public Information Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access to government documents.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Prince George's County Correctional Center, located in Upper Marlboro, is the primary detention facility for Prince Georges County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup is available through Prince Georges County's online portal, allowing residents to find information about individuals currently held in custody. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to adhere to scheduled times and security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Maryland allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with information available through Prince Georges County's resources.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Prince George's County are taken and retained by the Prince George's County Correctional Center during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. While Maryland does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain circumstances. The availability of mugshots is subject to the state's public records law, which balances transparency with privacy concerns.
Courts & Case Records
Prince George's County Circuit Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (phone: 301-952-3318), has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, major civil cases exceeding $5,000, family law matters including divorce and custody, probate and estate administration, and appeals from the District Court. The court's website is www.courts.state.md.us/courts/circuit/princegeorges.
- District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and civil cases up to $5,000.
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search is available free online at casesearch.courts.state.md.us, providing access to case information from all Maryland courts including civil, criminal, traffic, and family case types.
- Remote access is provided at no charge, though certified copies require fees: $5 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
Prince Georges County Court of Maryland for Prince George's County operates multiple locations: the Upper Marlboro District Court at 14735 Main Street (301-952-4170) and the Hyattsville District Court at 6707 Riverdale Road, Riverdale, MD 20737 (301-985-2340). The Orphans' Court for Prince George's County, located at the Circuit Court building, has concurrent jurisdiction with Circuit Court over probate matters. Under Maryland Rule 16-1001 and the Maryland Public Information Act, most court records are presumed public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute.
In-person research is available during business hours at the Clerk's Office. Land records, including deeds and mortgages recorded with the court, are accessible through a separate land records search system.
Property & Public Records
The Land Records Division of the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for Prince George's County, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (phone: 301-952-3790), maintains all recorded instruments affecting real property including deeds, mortgages, liens, releases, easements, assignments, plats, subdivisions, and condominium documents dating back to Prince Georges County's founding in 1696. Online property record searching is available through the Maryland State Archives Land Records website at mdlandrec.net, providing free access to scanned images of recorded documents for Prince George's County from 1696 forward, indexed by grantor, grantee, and liber-folio reference.
- Recording fees are established by state law: $40 for the first page and $5 for each additional page for most instruments.
- Property tax records and assessment information are maintained by the Assessment Office within the Department of Finance at 1301 McCormick Drive, Suite 2100, Largo, MD 20774 (phone: 301-952-2649).
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $5 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $5 certification fee.
- Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or online through the clerk's office.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for Prince George's County are maintained by the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, 6550 Reisterstown Road Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21215 (phone: 410-764-3038, website: health.maryland.gov/vsa). Birth certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $13 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $24 for the first copy and $13 for additional copies. Processing time for mail requests is typically 4-6 weeks, while in-person requests at the Baltimore office are processed same-day or within 24 hours.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with expedited processing options and additional service fees.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for Prince George's County at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 (phone: 301-952-3779).
- The marriage license fee is $85, with a 48-hour waiting period that may be waived for an additional $100 fee.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $10.
- Divorce records and judgments are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and may be searched through Maryland Judiciary Case Search or requested in person.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing in Prince George's County is administered by the Office of Central Services, Licensing and Permits Division, located at 1301 McCormick Drive, Suite 1100, Largo, MD 20774 (phone: 301-883-3840, website: www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/business). Prince Georges County requires most businesses operating within its boundaries to obtain a business license, with fees varying by business type and location. Applications may be submitted online through Prince Georges County's e-Government portal.
- Fictitious name registrations (trade names/DBAs) are filed with the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at 14735 Main Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, with fees of $25 for initial filing and $5 per year for renewals.
- Permit records and inspection reports are available through Prince Georges County's online permit portal.
- The Prince George's County Chamber of Commerce, located at 1400 McCormick Drive, Suite 150, Largo, MD 20774 (www.pgcoc.org), provides business resources, networking, and advocacy for county businesses.
Maryland business entity formation and registration, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, are handled by the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Business Personal Property Division. The SDAT Business Entity Search is available free online at egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch, providing information on registered business names, registration dates, resident agents, principal addresses, and entity status. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by various Maryland state boards and commissions depending on the profession.
Sales and use tax licenses are obtained through the Comptroller of Maryland Revenue Administration Division. Building permits, zoning approvals, and use-and-occupancy permits are issued by the Prince George's County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) at 9400 Peppercorn Place, Suite 300, Largo, MD 20774 (phone: 301-636-2000).
Elections & Voter Records
The Prince George's County Board of Elections, located at 1100 Mercantile Lane, Suite 115A, Largo, MD 20774 (phone: 301-341-7300, website: www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/elections), administers all federal, state, and local elections within Prince Georges County under the supervision of the Maryland State Board of Elections. Voter registration in Prince George's County may be completed online at elections.maryland.gov/voter_registration, by mail using a printable application form, or in person at the Board of Elections office, Motor Vehicle Administration offices, or designated government agencies.
- Maryland offers same-day voter registration during the early voting period, allowing eligible residents to register and vote simultaneously at early voting centers.
- Prince George's County had approximately 629,000 registered voters as of the 2024 general election.
- In the November 2024 presidential election, Prince George's County reported approximately 72% voter turnout among registered voters, exceeding the statewide Maryland average.
The voter registration deadline is 21 days before any election in Maryland. Polling place lookup is available on the State Board of Elections website at elections.maryland.gov/voting/where.html by entering your residential address, or by contacting Prince Georges County Board of Elections directly. Prince George's County operates approximately 240 Election Day polling places and 13 early voting centers during the early voting period (typically the Thursday through Thursday prior to Election Day).
Public election records include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under Maryland Election Law Article §3-507), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and political committees (accessible through the Maryland State Board of Elections campaign finance database at campaignfinance.maryland.gov), candidate filings and qualifications, unofficial and certified election results by precinct, and absentee ballot statistics. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. Senate and House of Representatives races, Maryland gubernatorial election, state legislative contests, and county offices including County Executive and County Council seats.
Absentee voting in Maryland includes both mail-in ballots and in-person early voting. Any registered voter may request a mail-in ballot without providing a reason; requests may be submitted online at elections.maryland.gov/voting/absentee.html, by calling Prince Georges County Board of Elections, or submitting a written request. Mail-in ballot applications must be received by the Tuesday before Election Day, though earlier submission is strongly recommended.
Early voting is conducted at designated centers for eight consecutive days ending the Thursday before Election Day, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. Under Maryland Public Information Act and election laws, citizens may request precinct-level election results, absentee ballot reports, provisional ballot statistics, voter history data (showing which elections a voter participated in, but not how they voted), and polling place accessibility information. Maryland uses paper ballots scanned by optical scan equipment, with ballot images subject to audit and potential public release under certain circumstances.
Economy & Demographics
Prince George's County has a diverse economy with major employment sectors including federal government, education, healthcare, retail trade, and professional services. Prince Georges County's proximity to Washington, D.C. Makes federal employment a significant economic driver, with major installations including Joint Base Andrews (employing over 20,000 military and civilian personnel), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (employing approximately 10,000), and the U.S. Census Bureau headquarters in Suitland.
- The median household income in Prince George's County is approximately $88,000, above the national median but below neighboring Montgomery County.
The University of Maryland, College Park is Prince Georges County's largest employer with over 13,000 employees and approximately 41,000 students, contributing substantially to the local economy through research, technology transfer, and workforce development. Major private sector employers include University of Maryland Capital Region Health (formerly Dimensions Healthcare System), MedStar Health, Giant Food, Safeway, and Verizon. Prince Georges County has significant retail and commercial corridors along the Capital Beltway and US Route 1.
MGM National Harbor, a major casino and resort complex located in Oxon Hill near the Potomac River waterfront, opened in 2016 and has become a major economic generator with approximately 4,000 employees and significant tax revenue for Prince Georges County. Economic development initiatives focus on attracting technology companies, life sciences firms, and using Prince Georges County's Purple Line light rail project connecting to Montgomery County and Metro system expansion. The unemployment rate typically tracks slightly above the Maryland state average, ranging between 4-6% in recent years.
Major development projects include the Largo Town Center mixed-use development, downtown Hyattsville revitalization, and redevelopment of former industrial sites along the Baltimore-Washington Parkway corridor. Prince Georges County has established opportunity zones and tax increment financing districts to spur investment in targeted areas.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Free Search | Property: Yes: Free Online Access | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online License Lookup | Elections: Yes: Full Online Access | Overall Score: 9/10, Prince George's County and Maryland provide exceptional digital access to public records with online portals for most record types, minimal fees, and compliance with transparency laws.