Modern Court Records in Maryland
The Maryland State Archives holds many historical and genealogical records, but we also have a large number of modern Maryland court records including marriage certificates, divorce decrees, separation agreements, criminal records, and more. Government agencies often require copies when a person applies for retirement, social security, pension, expungement, and drivers licenses.
What information do I need to provide?
When you call or email, please have the approximate year, the names of the people involved in the case, the city or county in which the case was filed, and, if known, the case number. Not certain of this information? Contact us anyway, since we will be happy to advise you.
Why isn't my record online?
Current funding limitations, along with the sheer volume of our holdings of cases from every Maryland county, means that we are currently unable to put most of our court records online. So please contact us directly for help in ordering.
Why can’t I get my court record the same day I visit?
You can get some court records on the same day that you visit us, but many of our modern court records are in an off-site, employees-only warehouse due to space limitations in our Annapolis building. So, before visiting, call us at 410-260-6487 or email us at msa.helpdesk@maryland.gov so that we can save you a trip if the record is in the off-site warehouse.
Do you have all of Maryland’s court records?
No. Please call or email us in advance so that we can see if we have the record you need. If we do not hold your record, then we can give you contact information for the agency that still has the record.
How to Order Copies
If you already have called or emailed us, and learned that we do have your record, then you can place an order.
How long does it take to receive an order I placed by phone, online, or mail?
It takes us approximately fifteen business days. If you send your order by mail, or order copies of a large case file, then it may take longer.
Do you certify documents?
If we mail out a copy of a government record, then we must certify it, which means that we put the state seal on the document and also include an official letter. There is no extra charge to follow up with copies by email and/or fax.
Is certification the same as notarization?
No. A notary public confirms that a signature is yours, while our certification shows that a copy of a Maryland government record comes from the Maryland State Archives and can legally stand in for the original.
What is an apostille?
When the Maryland State Archives certifies a document, it is good in the United States, but an apostille is for international certification. People often need apostilles to apply for passports and international citizenship.
After receiving your certified document from the Maryland State Archives, you should contact the Maryland Secretary of State's office directly to have an apostille affixed to a document. Information can be found at the Secretary of State website. The Secretary of State's point of contact for apostilles is Craig.Jackson@Maryland.gov
I need a document for my Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits. Is there a discount?
Orders for VA Benefits are always free.
Court records can be complex and confusing, but the Maryland State Archives’ staff are here to help you. Whether the court record you need is with the Maryland State Archives or with one of Maryland's courts, the Archives can help point you in the right direction.
Resources:
Apostilles / International Certification
Maryland Secretary of State
Hours, address, and further information
Assistance and Ordering: Maryland State Archives
Contact the Maryland State Archives
Email and phone contact information for helpful staff who can help point you in the right direction.
Place an Order
Ordering information, an explanation of fees, and more
Contact Information for Maryland Courts
List of Maryland Circuit Courts
A list of phone numbers and addresses for the circuit courts in each of Maryland's twenty-four counties.
List of Maryland District Courts
A list of phone numbers are addresses for Maryland's district courts, which generally deal with criminal records.
Expungement Information
Introduction to Expungements
A general overview defining expungement, explaining what cases are eligible, and providing helpful guides through the expungement process.
Brochure: Information About Removing Criminal Records from Public Access in Maryland.
An in-depth, online brochure taking you step-by-step through the expungement process.
Expungements FAQ
Other Resources
Maryland Judiciary Case Search
A searchable database by name, time frame, county, court, and case type, to help locate case numbers from 1980s and 1990s to the present day. Database is not cumulative, so staff at the Maryland State Archives and the courts can assist with more in-depth searches if no information is found.
Maryland Veteran's Affairs
A website providing resources, programs, and contact information for veterans in Maryland.
Glossary:
Expungement
Process by which record of criminal record is destroyed or sealed from the state or Federal repository