Maryland Public Records: Court, Criminal & Vital Records Search

Maryland maintains an extensive network of public records spanning court filings, criminal histories, vital events, property ownership, and business registrations. Whether you are researching a court case in Baltimore, verifying a professional's background, or tracing family history in Annapolis, understanding which state agency holds each record type—and how to request it—can save you significant time and frustration.

What Counts as a Public Record in Maryland

Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA) is the state's foundational open-records law. It establishes a general presumption that records created or received by state and local government agencies are open to the public unless a specific exemption applies. The law covers documents, photographs, recordings, emails, and other recorded information held by executive branch agencies, local governments, and most other public bodies.

Not every government record is fully accessible. Common exemptions in Maryland include records that would identify confidential informants, certain personnel files, records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations, adoption records, and information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. Court records, vital records, and criminal history data each have their own statutory frameworks layered on top of the PIA, which is why navigating Maryland's system requires knowing not just that a record exists, but which specific agency and legal framework governs it.

How to Search Maryland Court Records

The primary tool for searching court case information statewide is Maryland Judiciary Case Search, the official online portal maintained by the Maryland Judiciary. It allows the public to look up case information by party name, case number, or attorney across the District Court, Circuit Court, and appellate courts. Case Search is available through the state judiciary's online portal—search for "Maryland Judiciary Case Search" to locate it.

Trial courts: Maryland has two levels of trial court. The District Court of Maryland handles minor civil matters, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and some landlord-tenant and small claims cases. It operates in every county and Baltimore City. The Circuit Courts are the courts of general jurisdiction, handling felonies, major civil cases, family law matters such as divorce and child custody, and appeals from the District Court. Each county—and Baltimore City—has its own Circuit Court with a clerk's office that maintains physical case files.

Appellate courts: The Appellate Court of Maryland (formerly the Court of Special Appeals) is the intermediate appellate court, and the Supreme Court of Maryland (formerly the Court of Appeals) is the state's highest court. Opinions and dockets from both courts are accessible through the judiciary's online resources.

Role of county clerks: While Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides index-level information online, obtaining actual documents—pleadings, orders, exhibits—typically requires contacting the clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the case was filed. Clerks can provide certified copies for a fee that varies by county and document length. Some clerks also accept requests by mail or in person.

Be aware that certain records are sealed or expunged by court order and will not appear in public searches. Juvenile records, for example, are generally confidential in Maryland.

Maryland Criminal Records and Background Checks

Official criminal history records in Maryland are maintained by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). CJIS is the centralized repository for fingerprint-based criminal history records and is the authoritative source for background screening in the state.

Who can request what: Access to full criminal history records depends on your purpose. Criminal justice agencies (law enforcement, prosecutors, courts) have broad access. Employers in sensitive sectors—childcare, healthcare, education—may be authorized by statute to request records for employment screening purposes. Private individuals can obtain their own criminal history record through a self-request process administered by CJIS. For most other purposes, including general employment background checks, the process is governed by both state law and federal law, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Name-based vs. fingerprint-based checks: A name-based check searches records by the subject's name and date of birth. It is faster and less expensive but is more prone to false positives (matching the wrong person) and false negatives (missing records filed under a different name). A fingerprint-based check compares biometric data against the CJIS database and produces a definitive match tied to a specific individual. Fingerprint-based checks are considered the gold standard for accuracy and are required for many licensed occupations and positions of trust in Maryland.

To request your own record or to understand the process for an authorized employer check, contact CJIS directly—search for "Maryland CJIS Central Repository" to find their current contact information and application forms.

Consumer people-search websites aggregate public data and can surface arrest records or court case information. These tools can be useful for personal research, but it is critical to understand that they are not FCRA-compliant and may not be used for employment decisions, tenant screening, or credit determinations. For more background on the legal boundaries, read our guide on is it legal to background check someone. If you are exploring no-cost options for personal use, you can also review what is available through a free background check.

Vital Records: Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce

Vital records in Maryland—birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce records—are maintained by the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. The Division serves as the statewide repository and processes requests for certified copies.

Access restrictions: Unlike court records, vital records in Maryland are not fully open to the public. Birth and death certificates are typically restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a direct and tangible interest. Maryland birth records are generally closed for a period of years after the event date; older records that have passed that threshold may be accessible through the Maryland State Archives.

Marriage and divorce records: Marriage certificates are filed with the clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the license was issued, though the Division of Vital Records also maintains copies. Divorce records are filed with the clerk of the Circuit Court where the divorce was granted. Certified copies can typically be requested from the relevant county clerk's office. Fees apply and vary.

To request a vital record, identify whether you are eligible under the access rules, gather required identification and any supporting documentation proving your relationship to the registrant, and submit your request with the applicable fee to the Division of Vital Records or the appropriate county clerk. Requests can often be submitted by mail, in person, or through an authorized third-party service.

Property, Business and Other Maryland Records

Property records: Real property records in Maryland are maintained at the county level. Each county—and Baltimore City—has a clerk of the Circuit Court who records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land instruments. The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) maintains property assessment data statewide and provides a searchable online database of real property accounts, ownership information, and assessed values. Search for "SDAT Real Property" to access this tool at no cost.

Business filings: The Maryland Secretary of State (more precisely, the Department that handles business filings is SDAT's Business Entity Search) handles the registration of corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other entities formed or registered to do business in Maryland. Business entity filings, including articles of incorporation, registered agent information, and annual report status, are searchable through SDAT's online business entity search. This is a valuable resource for verifying whether a company is in good standing before entering a contract.

Other records: UCC (Uniform Commercial Code) filings are maintained by SDAT. Professional license verifications are handled by individual licensing boards under the Maryland Department of Labor or the Department of Health, depending on the profession. Voter registration records have limited public access under Maryland election law.

Filing a Public Records Request in Maryland

When the record you need is not available through an online portal, you may need to submit a formal request under the Maryland Public Information Act. Here is how to approach the process practically:

• Identify the custodian agency. A PIA request must go to the specific agency that created or controls the record. Sending it to the wrong agency wastes time. If you are unsure, contact the agency's public information officer and ask which office holds the records you need.
• Be as specific as possible. Describe the records by subject matter, date range, parties involved, or case number. Vague requests are more likely to be denied or returned for clarification. The more precisely you define what you want, the faster the agency can locate it.
• Expect fees. Maryland law permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for search time, copying, and preparation. Fee amounts vary across agencies and counties. You can request a fee waiver or reduction if disclosure is in the public interest, but approval is not guaranteed.
• Expect exemptions. Agencies will review your request and may withhold or redact portions that fall under a recognized exemption. They are generally required to tell you which exemption applies so you can evaluate whether to appeal.
• Know your timeline. Maryland law requires agencies to respond to PIA requests within a reasonable time, though the specific deadline can depend on the nature of the records and the agency's workload. If a response is unreasonably delayed, you may have the right to seek judicial review.
• Consider the Maryland Attorney General's office. The Office of the Attorney General has a Public Access Ombudsman who can help mediate disputes between requesters and agencies without litigation.

For help navigating records processes in other states, see our public records guides for other states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Maryland court records free to access online?

Index-level information through Maryland Judiciary Case Search is available to the public at no charge. However, obtaining certified copies of actual court documents from a county Circuit Court clerk typically involves a per-page or per-document fee. Fees are set by individual counties and can vary.

Can I get someone else's criminal record in Maryland?

Full criminal history records from CJIS are not available to the general public for third-party inquiries unless you fall within an authorized category—such as a statutorily authorized employer or a criminal justice agency. Individuals can always request their own record. Arrest records that appear in public court case data through Maryland Judiciary Case Search are accessible to anyone, but they reflect only the charges that were filed, not the final outcome unless you view the complete case history.

How do I get a copy of a Maryland birth certificate?

Submit a request to the Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records. You will need to demonstrate eligibility (typically being the registrant, a parent, a legal guardian, or an immediate family member), provide valid government-issued identification, and pay the applicable fee. Processing times and fees vary; expedited options may be available.

How long does Maryland keep court records?

Retention periods vary significantly by court level and case type. Some Circuit Court records are retained permanently; District Court records for minor matters may have shorter retention schedules. If a case has been expunged, the records are removed from public access. Contact the specific court clerk's office if you are researching a case that may be older or may have been expunged.

Does Maryland have a central online portal for all public records?

No single portal covers every type of Maryland public record. Different record types are held by different agencies: Maryland Judiciary Case Search for court records, SDAT for property and business records, the Division of Vital Records for birth and death certificates, and CJIS for criminal history. Starting with the agency that logically controls the record type you need is the most efficient approach.