Maryland public records and people search guide
In Maryland, the Maryland Public Information Act (Md. Code, Gen. Prov. § 4-101 et seq.) governs access to government records. Court cases are generally public at the court where they were filed, and you can search many online through Maryland Judiciary Case Search. Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using them to screen tenants or employees requires an FCRA-compliant report.
At a glance
What is usually public in Maryland
- Court records: civil, criminal, small claims and most probate filings, unless sealed or confidential by law.
- Property records: owner of record, deeds and tax assessments, from the county assessor and recorder. See how to find a property owner.
- Business filings: companies registered with the Maryland Secretary of State (or equivalent office).
- Professional licenses: through Maryland's licensing boards. See how to verify a license.
- Sex offender registry: Maryland's registry is included in the national search at NSOPW.gov.
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce): access rules vary; many are restricted to the people named or their families. Contact the Maryland vital records office or the county.
How to request records from a Maryland agency
- Identify the agency that holds the record (city, county or state).
- Send a written request that describes the records as specifically as you can, citing the Maryland Public Information Act. Many agencies have an online portal.
- Expect a response within the statutory period: Within 30 days (with a 10-working-day notice if it will take longer).
- Ask about copy fees up front.
- If denied, ask for the specific exemption relied on. You can appeal to the Public Access Ombudsman and State Public Information Act Compliance Board.
Detailed, maintained legal summary: Reporters Committee Open Government Guide: Maryland.
Searching Maryland court records
- Maryland Judicial Branch: court directory, forms and access policies.
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search
- Federal cases in Maryland: PACER.
Reading results: an arrest is not a conviction, and similar names are easy to confuse. Match the date of birth and county. See how to check criminal records legally.
Public profiles, photos and phone data. Private: nobody is notified.
Maryland area codes
Questions
Are court records public in Maryland?
Most Maryland court records are open to the public unless sealed, expunged or confidential by law (for example juvenile and many family matters). You can search online through Maryland Judiciary Case Search.
What is Maryland's public records law?
The Maryland Public Information Act (Md. Code, Gen. Prov. § 4-101 et seq.) gives the public a right to inspect and copy government records, with exemptions set by law. Response time: Within 30 days (with a 10-working-day notice if it will take longer).
Can I run a background check on someone in Maryland?
You can search public records yourself for personal reasons. For hiring, renting, lending or insurance decisions, federal law (the FCRA) requires a consumer reporting agency and the person's permission, and Maryland may add its own rules.
How do I look up a Maryland phone number?
Enter it in a reverse phone lookup. Maryland area codes include 227, 240, 301, 410, 443, 667.
Updated 2026-10-28. Links checked 2026-10-28. General information, not legal advice; statutes change, so confirm details with the agency or the Reporters Committee guide.
TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.