State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Maryland
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Maryland under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) (est. 1970).
Overview of Public Records in Maryland
Maryland's Public Information Act provides citizens with the right to access government records maintained by state and local agencies. The MPIA declares that all persons are entitled to have access to information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees. Maryland has invested significantly in digital access to public records, with the Maryland Judiciary offering one of the more comprehensive statewide online court records systems. The law applies to all units of state and local government.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Maryland
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 10 business days. They may extend by up to 30 calendar days with written notice explaining the reason for the extension. Complex requests may take longer with justification.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copying and search time. Standard copy fees are typically $0.25 per page. The first two hours of search and preparation time are free. Fee waivers are available when disclosure is in the public interest.
How to Submit a Request
Requests should be made in writing, though oral requests are also permitted. Agencies must provide a written response explaining their action on the request, including any reasons for denial.
Appeal Process
The Maryland Public Information Act Compliance Board reviews complaints and issues advisory opinions. Requesters may also file suit in circuit court. The Board can refer willful violations for prosecution.
Types of Public Records Available in Maryland
Property Records
Property records in Maryland 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 Maryland contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Maryland election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Maryland 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 Maryland 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
Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland Public Records
To request records under the MPIA, submit a written request to the custodian of records at the relevant agency. Agencies must respond within 30 days, which is longer than many states allow. However, many routine records can be obtained more quickly. If your request is denied, you can file a complaint with the State Public Information Act Compliance Board. Maryland's 24 jurisdictions (23 counties plus Baltimore City) maintain property records through their respective clerk of court offices, and Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides free online access to court records statewide.
Online Access
Maryland Land Records provides online access to property documents through the Judiciary's electronic system. Maryland courts maintain an electronic case search portal. The State Department of Assessments offers online property data.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Maryland
While the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) 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 Maryland.
- Interagency and intra-agency memoranda that are part of the deliberative process
- Personnel records of government employees
- Trade secrets and confidential financial information
- Records that would endanger public safety if disclosed
- Medical and psychological records of individuals
- Records pertaining to active criminal investigations
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Maryland 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
Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA)
Enacted: 1970
Maryland's Public Information Act is codified in Maryland Code, General Provisions Article, Title 4. The act establishes a general right of access to government records with specific enumerated exemptions. The Public Information Act Compliance Board, created in 2015, provides an administrative dispute resolution process. The law was reorganized into the General Provisions Article in 2014 and has been amended multiple times to address electronic records and response timelines.
Key Features of Maryland's Records Law:
- Maryland created the Public Information Act Compliance Board in 2015 for administrative dispute resolution
- The Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides one of the most comprehensive online court records systems
- Maryland allows 30 days for agencies to respond, longer than most states
Maryland Public Records Facts
Maryland has 23 counties plus Baltimore City maintaining local records
Maryland Judiciary Case Search contains records for millions of cases across all courts
The state has approximately 4.1 million registered voters
The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation maintains property records for the entire state
Search Maryland Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Maryland. Enter a name below to search public records in MD.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Public Records
How long does Maryland have to respond to MPIA requests?
How do I access Maryland court records?
Are Maryland property records available online?
How do I obtain Maryland 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 Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Maryland 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.