Your Comprehensive Guide to Maryland Public Records
Maryland Public Records
Maryland public records refer to a wide range of documents, information, and data maintained by state or local government agencies, public offices, and other departments. These records allow members of the public to view and study how government functions, ensuring an atmosphere of accountability. Public records in Maryland are primarily governed by the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA). The MPIA gives the public the right to inspect or obtain copies of government documents, subject to certain exemptions intended to protect privacy, security, and other state interests.
Are Maryland Records Public?
In general, Maryland records are considered public as long as they fall under the scope of the Maryland Public Information Act. The Act presumes that government records should be open to public inspection unless they meet specific exemption criteria. Some exemptions include information such as medical records, ongoing criminal investigation files, and certain personal financial details. However, most other materials, such as meeting minutes, budgets, and correspondence related to government business, are accessible.
What Information Is Included in Maryland Public Records?
Many categories of data are covered by Maryland public records. Examples include:
• Court filings, dockets, and decisions.
• Property deeds, land surveys, and mortgage documents.
• Vital records, such as birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees.
• Corporate filings and business registrations.
• Government meeting minutes and budget documents.
• Licensing records for professional trades, drivers, and other regulated activities.
• Criminal records and inmate information, subject to specific privacy restrictions.
What Does the Maryland Public Records Law Do?
The Maryland Public Information Act, found primarily in the General Provisions Article of the Maryland Code, ensures that members of the public can access records held by governmental entities. It also lays out procedures for requesting these records and stipulates the timelines and fees that agencies may charge. Additionally, the MPIA identifies circumstances in which certain records must remain confidential, protecting individuals’ privacy and preventing harm that may result from releasing sensitive details.
Under this statute, agencies must respond within a reasonable period, grant paper or electronic copies (if feasible), and notify requestors of any fees. Should an agency deny access to a record, the law provides avenues for administrative or judicial review, ensuring that requestors can contest a refusal.
How To Find Public Records in Maryland in 2025
By 2025, most agencies in Maryland are expected to continue offering multiple avenues for public records requests. Generally, one can use:
• Online portals: Some departments provide dedicated request portals on their websites.
• Email or mail submissions: Written applications remain accepted by many agencies.
• In-person requests: Public counters and clerk’s offices permit the filing of forms and direct document inspection during regular business hours.
When searching for specific types of documents, it is essential to identify which agency manages or archives the materials. Land records, for instance, are typically held by county clerks’ offices, whereas court proceedings are maintained by the state’s judicial branch. To initiate a request, it is recommended to provide detailed information—such as file numbers, names, or addresses—to help agencies locate the correct data.
Does Maryland Have Free Public Records?
Certain online databases and resources make records freely available to the public. Land records, for example, may be viewed electronically at no cost, although physical copies or certified copies typically come with a fee. Additionally, accessing many court-related documents through official portals can be done without an upfront cost. However, when extensive staff time or copying is required, agencies may charge fees to cover these expenses.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Maryland?
Under the Maryland Public Information Act, agencies may impose fees covering search, preparation, and reproduction costs. Typically, agencies must give the first two hours of search and preparation at no cost. Beyond that, fees can vary depending on the complexity of the request and whether staff must redact or compile large volumes of documents.
The cost for copying paper records commonly runs a nominal fee per page. Electronic copies, when readily available, might be cheaper, though special formatting or data extraction efforts can increase costs. If a requestor believes the fee is excessive, they may request a fee waiver or challenge the amount through administrative appeal procedures.
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Maryland?
The Maryland Public Information Act expects agencies to respond to records requests within 30 days. This timeline may shift if the request is very broad, requires extensive redaction, or concerns documents stored off-site. Agencies are obligated to communicate with requestors, letting them know the status of their inquiry if any delays arise. In practice, many smaller requests may be processed far sooner, especially if they are submitted through efficient electronic systems.
What Records Are Confidential In Maryland?
Certain categories of records are exempt from disclosure under the Maryland Public Information Act, including but not limited to:
• Attorney-client privileged communications within government agencies.
• Documents related to pending or ongoing criminal investigations.
• Personal identifying information when disclosure could risk an individual’s personal privacy or safety.
• Certain law enforcement investigatory materials and sensitive security records.
• Classified information specifically protected by federal or state law.
Entities aiming to protect sensitive data must balance the public right to know with legitimate concerns for privacy, security, and the integrity of government operations.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Maryland
Any individual, business, organization, or government official may request public records in Maryland without stating a reason. The law does not discriminate based on residency. Under the MPIA, agencies can only request enough information to process the inquiry (though a mailing or email address is typically required to receive copies or notifications).
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Maryland
Accessing public records allows requestors to review government decisions, research historical documents, verify property or licensing information, and undertake investigative or journalistic work. Detailed records may help with genealogy projects, permit academic analysis, or inform legal strategies in civil processes. Public data that is lawfully obtained can generally be shared or published, although some restrictions may apply if the records include sensitive or protected information.
Key Agencies and Departments for Public Records in Maryland
The following agencies and departments in Maryland oversee or maintain various types of public records. These offices permit in-person requests, mail-in applications, or online submissions. When contacting them, be sure to provide as many details as possible for efficient processing:
• Maryland Department of General Services
301 W Preston St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone Number: (410) 767-4275
Official Website: Maryland Department of General Services
• Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone Number: (410) 768-7000
Official Website: Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
• Maryland Department of Health (Vital Statistics Administration)
201 W Preston St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone Number: (410) 767-6500
Official Website: Maryland Department of Health
• Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
300 E Joppa Rd, Towson, MD 21286
Phone Number: (410) 339-5000
Official Website: Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
• Supreme Court of Maryland (Court System)
361 Rowe Blvd, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone Number: (410) 260-1500
Official Website: Maryland Courts
• Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Blvd, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone Number: (410) 260-6400
Official Website: Maryland State Archives
• Maryland State Library Agency
25 S Charles St Suite 1310, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone Number: (667) 219-4800
Official Website: Maryland State Library Agency
• Maryland Department of Commerce
401 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone Number: (410) 767-6300
Official Website: Maryland Department of Commerce
• Maryland Department of Labor
1100 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone Number: (410) 767-2241
Official Website: Maryland Department of Labor
• Maryland State Department of Education
200 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone Number: (410) 767-0100
Official Website: Maryland State Department of Education
• Maryland Department of the Environment
1800 Washington Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone Number: (410) 537-3000
Official Website: Maryland Department of the Environment
• Maryland Department of Natural Resources
580 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone Number: (877) 620-8367
Official Website: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
• Baltimore City Circuit Court (Recorder’s Office/Land Records)
111 N Calvert St, Rm 412, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone Number: (410) 396-5122
Official Website: Baltimore City Circuit Court
• Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
301 W Preston St, Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone Number: (410) 767-1184
Official Website: Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
• Maryland Department of Transportation
7201 Corporate Center Dr, Hanover, MD 21076
Phone Number: (410) 865-1000
Official Website: Maryland Department of Transportation
• Maryland Attorney General’s Office
200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone Number: (410) 576-6300
Official Website: Maryland Attorney General’s Office
• Office of the Public Access Ombudsman (State Ombudsman)
200 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone Number: (410) 576-6560
Official Website: Office of the Public Access Ombudsman
• Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (State Housing Finance Agency)
7800 Harkins Rd, Lanham, MD 20706
Phone Number: (301) 429-7400
Official Website: Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development
• Maryland General Assembly (State Legislature)
90 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone Number: (410) 946-5400
Official Website: Maryland General Assembly
• Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (State Permanent Fund or Trust Corporation)
120 E Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone Number: (410) 625-5555
Official Website: Maryland State Retirement and Pension System
• Montgomery County Clerk’s Office (Major Municipal/County Clerk)
50 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850
Phone Number: (240) 777-9400
Official Website: Montgomery County, MD
• Prince George’s County Clerk of the Circuit Court (Major Municipal/County Clerk)
14735 Main St, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
Phone Number: (301) 952-3318
Official Website: Prince George’s County, MD
• Baltimore County Clerk of the Circuit Court (Major Municipal/County Clerk)
401 Bosley Ave, Towson, MD 21204
Phone Number: (410) 887-2601
Official Website: Baltimore County, MD
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Maryland
If a public agency denies a request, a requester may appeal through several avenues. One option is to file an administrative appeal with the head of the agency or department that denied the request, outlining the reasons that the documents should be released. Requesters may also consult the Office of the Public Access Ombudsman, which offers mediation services to resolve disputes without resorting to litigation.
In certain instances, requesters can initiate judicial review by filing a lawsuit in the appropriate Maryland circuit court. The applicable judge will review the records under seal to determine whether the agency correctly applied any claimed exemptions. If the exemption is not justified or too narrowly or broadly applied, the court may order the records to be disclosed.
Difference Between Federal and Maryland Public Records
Federal public records requests are governed by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which applies to federal agencies, offices, and departments. FOIA procedures, fees, and timelines differ in several respects from those in Maryland. Importantly, records held by state or local Maryland agencies are not covered by FOIA but instead by the Maryland Public Information Act. This distinction can be crucial when identifying which legal framework to utilize for a particular request. Additionally, some records may involve both federal and state agencies, in which case parallel requests under each law may be required.