Maryland Public Records
State Level Information
The Maryland Public Information Act is that series of laws that was created to ensure that the public has reasonable access to the public records of all government bodies within the state. Statutes 10-611 through 10-628 of the Maryland legislature define the law.
"Public records means all paper, correspondence, forms, books, photographs, photostats, films, microfilms, sound recordings, maps, drawings, or other written documents, regardless of physical form or characteristics. Public records includes all copies made or received by the Department in connection with the transaction of public business and includes the salaries of all employees of the Department." Code of Maryland, 09.01.04.02
The law provides that anyone may request access to public documents.
State of Maryland Secretary of StateMaryland Department of Agriculture
State of Maryland Department of Real Estate
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation
Maryland Department of Transportation
Court Record Resources
If you are seeking a background check for the purposes of employment in the state of Maryland, your employer must be the requester of such a check. A fingerprint card must be supplied by your employer or you must be prepared to supply your employer's authorization number when asked.
For other purposes you may go to a local law enforcement agency in the state of Maryland and complete a fingerprint card Form 011. The form will then be over-nighted to the CJIS Central Repository. Out of state requesters must request the fingerprint card by mail or telephone and mail the card along with associated fees to the central repository in Baltimore.
Maryland Judicial BranchMaryland Criminal Justice System
Maryland State Police
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services
Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Vital Records Facts
Maryland State ArchivesMaryland State Archives Reference & Research