About Queen Annes County
Queen Annes County is located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, bordered by the Chesapeake Bay to the west and the Chester River to the north. Queen Annes County Seat is Centreville, situated at 120 Broadway, Centreville, MD 21617. Established in 1706, Queen Annes County is named after Queen Anne of Great Britain and covers approximately 372 square miles of land and 149 square miles of water. With a population of approximately 50,000 residents, Queen Annes County is characterized by its agricultural heritage, waterfronts, and small-town charm.
Major towns include Stevensville, Chester, Grasonville, and Queenstown. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge connects Queen Annes County to the western shore at Stevensville, making it a path to the Eastern Shore region. Queen Annes County is home to significant landmarks including the Historic Centreville district, Wye Oak State Park (former site of Maryland's official state tree), and numerous working farms and marinas.
Queen Annes County Recorder's office, officially the Land Records Division, operates within the Circuit Court Clerk's office at Queen Annes County Courthouse, 107 N. Liberty Street, Centreville, MD 21617. Queen Annes County Assessments office is located at 110 Vincit Street, Centreville, MD 21617, and handles property valuations and tax assessments.
Queen Annes County maintains a blend of rural character with strategic economic development, preserving its maritime and agricultural traditions while accommodating residential growth from nearby Baltimore and Annapolis metropolitan areas.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement across the unincorporated areas of Queen Annes County. It manages Queen Annes County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is known for its community policing efforts and specialized divisions such as the Criminal Investigations Division and the Narcotics Task Force. The Sheriff's Office also runs various community outreach programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in Queen Anne's County is primarily handled by the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office, which covers the unincorporated areas. The Centreville Police Department serves the town of Centreville, focusing on local ordinances and community safety. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Queen Annes County. The Sheriff's Office often collaborates with municipal departments on joint operations and emergency response efforts.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Queen Annes County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 104 Powell Street, Centreville, MD 21617 (phone: 410-758-0770), is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Queen Annes County. Sheriff Gary Hofmann leads the office, which provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates Queen Annes County Detention Center at the same Powell Street location. The detention facility houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Inmate searches and current custody information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website at https://www.qac.org/191/Sheriffs-Office or by calling 410-758-2171.
- Arrest records requests should be submitted in writing to the Sheriff's Office Records Division, identifying the specific individual and approximate date of arrest.
- Maryland law requires reasonable fees for copies and processing.
- Mugshot photographs are considered public records once an arrest is processed and may be available through the detention center or by formal public records request.
- The Maryland State Police Centreville Barrack at 101 Trenton Avenue provides additional state-level law enforcement support, particularly for traffic enforcement on U.S.
Booking information includes inmate names, charges, booking dates, and bond amounts. The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and booking logs available for public inspection under Maryland's Public Information Act, codified at Maryland General Provisions Article §4-101 et seq. Municipal police departments operate in incorporated towns: the Centreville Police Department serves Queen Annes County Seat, and smaller jurisdictions may contract with the Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services.
Queen Annes County does not maintain tribal law enforcement, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Queen Annes County. Route 50 and other state highways traversing Queen Annes County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Queen Anne's County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Sheriff's Office and the Maryland Judiciary maintain these records, providing access for background checks and legal proceedings. Residents can request background checks through the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, which provides full reports. The Maryland Bureau of Investigation supports local law enforcement with resources and expertise in complex criminal investigations.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Queen Anne's County are maintained by the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, subject to the Maryland Public Information Act. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's information. The process for obtaining these records makes sure transparency while protecting sensitive information as mandated by state law.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Queen Anne's County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within Queen Annes County. The booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office, which provides information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Maryland state guidelines, allowing for release upon payment of bail set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Queen Anne's County are taken and retained by the Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Maryland does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can seek removal through legal channels if the charges are dropped or expunged. The availability of mugshots is subject to state privacy regulations and public interest considerations.
Courts & Case Records
The Circuit Court for Queen Annes County is located at 107 N. Liberty Street, Centreville, MD 21617 (phone: 410-758-1773). This court has general jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $5,000, all criminal felonies, family law matters including divorce and custody, juvenile cases, and appeals from the District Court. The Honorable Chief Judge presides over the circuit bench.
- Maryland's judiciary operates a statewide case search system at http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/, providing free public access to court records for both civil and criminal cases.
- Certified copies of court documents cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, with a $10 certification fee.
- Online access through Maryland Case Search is free for viewing, though official certified copies must be requested in person or by mail with appropriate fees.
- The courts accept online payments for certain filing fees through the Maryland Judiciary's electronic payment system.
Queen Annes County Court of Maryland for Queen Annes County, located at 100 Court Square, Centreville, MD 21617 (phone: 410-758-0484), handles civil cases up to $30,000, landlord-tenant disputes, criminal misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney. The Orphans' Court for Queen Annes County, which handles probate matters, estates, and guardianships, sits at the Circuit Court location and can be reached at 410-758-4098.
Court records are governed by Maryland Rule 16-1001 et seq. And the Maryland Public Information Act. The Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains land records, marriage licenses, judgments, and civil case files.
Property & Public Records
The Land Records Division of Queen Annes County Circuit Court Clerk's office, located at 107 N. Liberty Street, Centreville, MD 21617 (phone: 410-758-1773), is the official recorder of deeds and maintains all property related documents. Available records include warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgage documents, releases and satisfactions, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, UCC financing statements, subdivision plats, easements, and right-of-way documents dating back to Queen Annes County's founding in 1706.
- The Department of Assessments and Taxation maintains property assessment records at 110 Vincit Street, Centreville, MD 21617 (phone: 410-758-4093).
- Certified copies of land records cost $20 for documents up to five pages plus $1 per additional page.
- Same-day service is typically available for in-person requests.
Queen Annes County provides a free online land records search at https://landrecords.qac.org/, powered by TylerTech, allowing users to search by grantor/grantee name, property address, subdivision, liber and folio numbers, or instrument type. Digital images of recorded documents from recent decades are available for immediate viewing and printing. The office provides an online property search through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Real Property database at https://sdat.dat.maryland.gov/RealProperty/, where users can access property valuations, ownership history, sales data, tax assessment amounts, lot dimensions, and improvement descriptions.
Queen Annes County GIS mapping system is accessible at https://gis.qac.org/, offering interactive parcel maps with layers for zoning, floodplains, environmental features, and infrastructure. The Tax Office, located at 120 Broadway, Centreville, MD 21617, handles property tax payments and maintains payment history records.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for Queen Annes County are maintained by the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, 6764-B Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215. Birth certificates for events occurring in Queen Annes County can be requested through the state vital records office, with fees of $24 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $24 for the first certified copy and $10 for additional copies. Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests, with expedited service available for an additional fee.
- Liberty Street, Centreville, MD 21617 (phone: 410-758-1773).
- Couples must apply in person, with both parties present, and pay a $85 fee.
- Certified copies cost $10 plus $5 for the certificate and $1 per page for the decree.
Online ordering is available through VitalChek at https://www.vitalchek.com/ with credit card payment and express delivery options. Maryland law (Health-General Article §4-201 et seq.) restricts access to birth certificates for 100 years and death certificates for 20 years to authorized individuals including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest. Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification.
Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's office for Queen Annes County at 107 N. There is a 48-hour waiting period after license issuance before the ceremony can be performed, though this may be waived by court order. Marriage certificates from the ceremony are returned to the Clerk's office for permanent recording.
Divorce decrees and annulments are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk as part of the court case record system.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Queen Annes County involves both county and state-level processes. Queen Annes County Department of Business and Tourism at 425 Piney Narrows Road, Chester, MD 21619 (phone: 410-604-2100) provides information on local business requirements, economic development resources, and county-specific regulations. Trade name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) are recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk at 107 N. Liberty Street, Centreville, MD 21617, with a filing fee of $25.
- Commerce Street, Centreville, MD 21617 (phone: 410-758-4088) handles building permits, certificates of occupancy, zoning approvals, and contractor registration for work performed in Queen Annes County.
- Queen Annes County Chamber of Commerce, located at 1561 Postal Road, Chester, MD 21619 (website: https://qacc.com/), provides business networking, advocacy, and member directories.
The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, Business Personal Property Division, maintains records of business personal property for tax purposes. All business entities including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and statutory trusts must register with the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT), which operates the online Maryland Business Express portal at https://businessexpress.maryland.gov/ for entity formation, annual reports, and business name searches. The SDAT Charter Division can be searched free online at https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch to verify business registration status, view officers and registered agents, and check business name availability.
Professional licenses for trades such as contractors, electricians, and plumbers are issued by the Maryland Department of Labor at the state level. Queen Annes County Department of Inspections and Permits at 206 N.
Elections & Voter Records
Queen Annes County Board of Elections, located at 120 Broadway, Centreville, MD 21617 (phone: 410-758-4095, website: https://elections.qac.org/), administers all federal, state, and local elections within Queen Annes County. The office operates under the supervision of the Maryland State Board of Elections and is staffed by a local election director and bipartisan election judges.
- In the November 2024 general election, Queen Annes County recorded approximately 58-62% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with Maryland's overall participation rates.
- Citizens may request election related records under Maryland's Public Information Act by contacting the Board of Elections office.
Voter registration in Queen Annes County can be completed online through the Maryland State Board of Elections at https://elections.maryland.gov/voter_registration/index.html, by mail using a downloadable application, or in person at the Board of Elections office. Maryland law requires voter registration applications to be submitted at least 21 days before an election. Citizens must be U.S.
Citizens, at least 18 years old by the next general election, Maryland residents, and not under guardianship for mental disability or convicted of buying or selling votes. Voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots through the Maryland Voter Lookup system at https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch. Queen Annes County operates approximately 18-20 Election Day polling locations distributed across precincts in Centreville, Stevensville, Chester, Grasonville, Queenstown, Church Hill, Sudlersville, and other communities.
Early voting is available at designated centers typically for eight days preceding Election Day, including two weekends. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races for Maryland's 1st Congressional District, Maryland state offices including Governor (if applicable to cycle), and county-level positions.
Absentee and mail-in ballots can be requested through the Maryland online ballot request system at https://elections.maryland.gov/voting/absentee.html or by submitting a written application to Queen Annes County Board of Elections. Ballot applications must be received by the Tuesday before Election Day, though earlier submission is strongly encouraged. Maryland law provides for transparency in election records: voter registration lists are public records available for inspection (though some personal information is redacted); campaign finance reports are maintained by the Maryland State Board of Elections and searchable online; candidate filing documents are public; and precinct-level election results are published after certification.
Economy & Demographics
Queen Annes County's economy reflects a diverse mix of agriculture, maritime industries, tourism, retail, and residential development driven by its proximity to the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan corridor. Agriculture remains a cornerstone sector, with significant grain production, corn, soybeans, and wheat farming across Queen Annes County's 165,000+ agricultural acres. Queen Annes County ranks among Maryland's top producers of corn and soybeans. Poultry production, including integrated chicken farming operations, contributes substantially to the agricultural economy.
- The median household income in Queen Annes County is approximately $88,000, significantly above the Maryland state median, reflecting Queen Annes County's desirable residential character and commuter population.
The maritime industry includes commercial fishing, recreational boating services, yacht sales and service, and marina operations along the Chesapeake Bay and Chester River waterfronts. Major employers include Queen Annes County Public Schools system, the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Chester River Hospital Center, Queen Annes County Government, and retail establishments along U.S. Route 50 corridor including the Chesapeake Village outlet shopping center in Queenstown.
Tourism generates substantial economic activity through waterfront attractions, bed-and-breakfast establishments, charter fishing operations, and agritourism ventures including farm markets and pick-your-own operations. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge's location at Stevensville positions Queen Annes County as a path to beach destinations, driving substantial pass-through retail and restaurant activity. Economic development initiatives focus on preserving agricultural land through conservation easements while promoting targeted commercial growth in designated town centers.
Queen Annes County's unemployment rate typically tracks below the state average at approximately 3.5-4.0%. Recent development projects include expansion of Kent Island commercial corridors and infrastructure improvements supporting planned residential communities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Queen Annes County provides excellent digital access to land records, property assessments, and court case searches, with strong online election resources and accessible inmate information through the Sheriff's Office website.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Queen Annes County
Explore public records for 12 cities and communities in Queen Annes County, Maryland.