MD
Maryland
The law requires visitors to register, but the trigger isn't clear.
Maryland requires sex offender registration, but the day counts and deadlines that apply to visitors could not be verified from official text. State law bars registrants from knowingly entering school and child care properties, with narrow exceptions for their own children and voting. Nothing in that section addresses parks, libraries, or Halloween, though local rules may.
Registering as a visitor
- When it's required
- Required, but the law doesn't state a clear number of days.
- Deadline
- Not verified — the registration sections (§§ 11-701, 11-704, 11-705) could not be read in this session
Public registry
The law doesn't clearly say whether visitors appear on the public registry.
§ 11-717 and the DPSCS registry site were not reached; whether a visitor registering a temporary Maryland address is published, and for how long, is unverified.
Places registrants can't go
- Public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school propertyMay not knowingly enter onto the real property; violation is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 5 years and/or $5,000. Exceptions: entry where their own child is a student, with specific written permission given within the past year by the superintendent, school board, or principal, plus prompt notice to a school employee on arrival; or entry to vote on an election day if properly registered and their polling place is at that school. Students may receive education at alternative locations with notice and written permission.Applies to: All registrants and juvenile registrants (Md. Code Crim. Proc. § 11-722)
- Property with a registered family child care home, licensed child care home or institution, or a home providing informal child care to a non-resident childMay not knowingly enter onto the real property; same misdemeanor penalty. Exception for entry where their own child receives child care, with specific written permission from the owner/operator within the past year and prompt notice of presence and purpose.Applies to: All registrants and juvenile registrants (Md. Code Crim. Proc. § 11-722)
Laws cited
- Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 11-722 · Maryland General Assembly
Last checked September 19, 2026 · full review September 19, 2026
Research notes
Only § 11-722 was read in full from the official site; registration triggers, deadlines, registering agency, and public listing rules remain unverified and should be researched via §§ 11-701, 11-704, 11-704.1, 11-705, and 11-717 plus the DPSCS registry. Whether an unregistered out-of-state visitor is a 'registrant' for § 11-722 purposes depends on the § 11-701 definition, which was not read. The mgaleg page showed no 'as of' date; currency should be confirmed. Local ordinances and supervision conditions may add park or playground restrictions.
Common questions
Do registered sex offenders have to register when visiting Maryland?
Visitors must register in some circumstances, but the law doesn't set a clear number of days. Not verified — the registration sections (§§ 11-701, 11-704, 11-705) could not be read in this session
Will a visiting registrant appear on Maryland's public registry?
Maryland's law doesn't clearly say whether visitors appear on the public registry.
Are there places registrants can't go in Maryland?
The state restricts registrants from: public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school property; property with a registered family child care home, licensed child care home or institution, or a home providing informal child care to a non-resident child. Details and who they apply to are listed on this page.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules may add requirements. Confirm with the state registry agency or an attorney before you travel.