State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Maine
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Maine under the Maine Freedom of Access Act (est. 1959).
Overview of Public Records in Maine
Maine's Freedom of Access Act is one of the older public records laws in the nation, reflecting the state's tradition of open and accessible government. The law declares that public proceedings exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business and that the records of public proceedings are public records. Maine's relatively small size and strong municipal governance structure mean that many records are maintained at the town level. The law applies to all state, county, and municipal agencies and covers both records and meetings.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Maine
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 5 business days by acknowledging the request and providing a reasonable timeline for fulfilling it. Simple requests for readily available records are often fulfilled immediately.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge reasonable fees based on the actual cost of searching for and reproducing records. Standard per-page copy costs are typically $0.25 or less. Fee waivers may be available.
How to Submit a Request
Requests can be made orally or in writing. No specific form is required. The requester does not need to state a purpose or show identification to obtain public records.
Appeal Process
Requesters may appeal to the agency head and then to the Superior Court. Maine also has a public access ombudsman who provides informal mediation assistance for records disputes.
Types of Public Records Available in Maine
Property Records
Property records in Maine include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Maine contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Maine election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Maine court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Maine include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Maine vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Maine document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Maine Public Records
To request records in Maine, you may submit a written request to the relevant public agency. Maine law does not specify a response deadline, but agencies are expected to acknowledge requests promptly and provide records within a reasonable time. If a request is denied, the denial must be in writing. Maine's county registries of deeds maintain property records, and the Maine Judicial Branch provides online case searches. The Secretary of State's office offers online access to business filings and corporate records.
Online Access
Maine courts provide online case lookup through the Judicial Branch website. Many towns maintain online property records through third-party hosting services. The Secretary of State provides business entity searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Maine
While the Maine Freedom of Access Act establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Maine.
- Records that would constitute an invasion of personal privacy
- Confidential law enforcement investigation records
- Records protected by attorney-client privilege
- Trade secrets and proprietary data submitted to government
- Records whose disclosure would endanger public safety
- Individual income tax return information
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Maine provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Maine Freedom of Access Act
Enacted: 1959
Maine's Freedom of Access Act is codified in Maine Revised Statutes Title 1, Sections 400-414. The act establishes that public records are open to inspection by any person. The law was amended in 2017 to establish a Public Access Ombudsman position within the Attorney General's office to provide guidance on records and open meetings issues. Maine has also adopted an information privacy law that interacts with the Freedom of Access Act.
Key Features of Maine's Records Law:
- Maine established a Public Access Ombudsman in the Attorney General's office in 2017
- The state's strong municipal governance means many records are kept at the town level
- Maine's Freedom of Access Act covers both records and meetings in a single statute
Maine Public Records Facts
Maine has 16 counties and over 400 municipalities maintaining local records
The Maine Secretary of State maintains records for over 150,000 business entities
The state has approximately 1 million registered voters
Maine's registry of deeds records date back to the early 1700s in some counties
Search Maine Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Maine. Enter a name below to search public records in ME.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Public Records
Does Maine have a deadline for responding to records requests?
How do I access Maine court records?
How do I search Maine property records?
How do I get Maine vital records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Maine Freedom of Access Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Maine or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.