OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Maryland Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Maryland. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 24 jurisdictions (23 counties + Baltimore City)
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Maryland)
  • Background checks: Maryland CJIS — Criminal Justice Information System
  • Records law: Maryland Public Information Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Maryland CJIS
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Maryland has 24 jurisdictions (23 counties plus Baltimore City). You can search court cases using Maryland Judiciary Case Search, the official statewide case search.

Court records include circuit courts and district courts. The Case Search system covers most case types statewide.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Maryland are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of Maryland — Baltimore, Greenbelt

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Maryland Judiciary Case Search 🏛️ Maryland Courts Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Maryland are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository maintains criminal records.

🔍 Maryland DPSCS — Background Checks 📋 Maryland DPSCS Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Maryland operates under the Maryland Public Information Act (GP §4-101). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 30 days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Maryland

Court records are maintained by the Maryland Judiciary across 24 jurisdictions. Criminal history is centralized through the CJIS Central Repository. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Maryland

Maryland has 24 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Maryland state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Maryland for free?
Use Maryland Judiciary Case Search, the official statewide case search system.
Are arrest records public in Maryland?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Maryland Public Information Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Maryland?
The Maryland DPSCS provides criminal background checks through the CJIS Central Repository. Visit the DPSCS website for details.
What is the Maryland Public Information Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 30 days. The Maryland Attorney General oversees compliance.
How many court systems does Maryland have?
Maryland has a multi-level court system: District Court, circuit courts (one per county/Baltimore City), Court of Special Appeals, and the Supreme Court of Maryland.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026