Baltimore County Court Records
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Baltimore County sits just north of Baltimore City in central Maryland and is one of the state's most populous jurisdictions, generating a high volume of court filings every year. The county's trial-level court system consists of two main courts: the Circuit Court for Baltimore County, which handles general jurisdiction matters, and the District Court of Maryland, which covers lower-level civil and criminal cases. The Orphans Court rounds out the system, serving as Maryland's dedicated probate tribunal. The Clerk of the Circuit Court — currently Julie L. Ensor — maintains the official records for all circuit-level cases, including civil lawsuits, felony criminal proceedings, family law actions, and land records. The District Court Clerk's offices handle their own separate records, covering misdemeanors, traffic violations, landlord-tenant disputes, and small claims.
If you want to search for court records in Maryland, start with the statewide Maryland Judiciary Case Search system, which gives you free online access to case information from both Circuit and District Courts across the state. The broader Maryland courts website at MarylandCourts.us offers court directories, form libraries, fee schedules, and access policy guidance. Within Baltimore County, you can also get records by visiting the appropriate clerk's office in person, submitting a written mail request, or using public-access terminals at the courthouse in Towson.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Baltimore County?
You have several ways to search for case records in Baltimore County. The right approach depends on the type of case and how much detail you need.
Online Search via Maryland Case Search
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search portal is the main free tool for finding court records statewide, including all Baltimore County Circuit Court and District Court cases. Here's how to use it:
- Go to the Case Search website.
- Enter the party's name (last name first) in the search fields. Adding a date of birth helps narrow down results.
- Click the search button to pull up a list of matching cases.
- Select a specific case to see its docket entries, hearing dates, charges (for criminal matters), and disposition information.
Keep in mind that Case Search shows summary-level data — docket entries, party names, attorneys, and case status — but it doesn't let you download copies of filed documents. If you need actual document copies, you'll have to contact the appropriate clerk's office directly.
In-Person Requests
You can visit the Clerk's office during business hours to search records at public terminals or to request copies of specific documents. Having a valid case number will speed things up considerably. The main courthouse location is:
Baltimore County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
Address: 401 Bosley Avenue, 2nd Floor, Towson, MD 21204
Phone: (410) 887-2601
Toll-Free (Maryland): (800) 938-5802
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Mail Requests
You can send written requests for court records to:
Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County
P.O. Box 6754
Towson, MD 21285-6754
Include the case number (if you have it), the full names of the parties involved, the specific documents you need, and payment for any applicable copy fees. Make checks and money orders payable to Clerk of the Court.
Additional Online Resources
Land records maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk can be searched for free through MDLandRec.net, the digital repository run by the Maryland State Archives. You'll need to create a free account to view deed images and indices. Historical and archived materials may also be available through the Maryland State Archives.
Are Court Records Public in Baltimore County?
Maryland law sets a strong presumption that judicial records are open to public inspection. Maryland Rules 16-901 through 16-914 govern access to court records and spell out both the right of public access and the categories of information that must be shielded or restricted. Under Rule 16-903(b), judicial records are presumed open unless a specific constitutional provision, statute, or court rule requires otherwise.
That said, several categories of information are either redacted or withheld entirely from public view:
- Personal identifiers: Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial account numbers, and certain contact details are routinely redacted before records are released to the public.
- Juvenile records: Cases involving minors in delinquency or child welfare proceedings are generally not accessible to the public.
- Sealed records: Any case or document a judge has ordered sealed — whether in criminal, civil, or family matters — remains off-limits without a court order.
- Domestic violence protective order records: Certain information within these filings is restricted to protect victim safety.
- Expunged records: Criminal records that have been expunged under Maryland law are removed from public databases.
The Maryland Judiciary publishes frequently asked questions about judicial record access that explain how to request restrictions, how to challenge denials of access, and how confidential information is handled across both Circuit and District Courts. For District Court records specifically, the Maryland Courts website has a dedicated page on access to judicial records covering the scope of public availability and the steps for obtaining copies.
Baltimore County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Baltimore County are split between the Circuit Court, which handles felonies and more serious offenses, and the District Court, which adjudicates misdemeanors, certain felonies, and traffic violations. The District Court does not hold jury trials; defendants charged with jury-triable offenses may have their cases transferred up to the Circuit Court.
Searching Criminal Cases
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search includes criminal case data from both courts. Search by defendant name and date of birth to retrieve case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and dispositions. The Circuit Court also publishes a daily docket listing scheduled criminal proceedings, assigned judges, and case numbers.
Criminal Court Locations
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit Court (felonies, jury trials) | 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD 21204 | (410) 887-2601 |
| District Court – Towson | 120 East Chesapeake Avenue, Towson, MD 21286 | (410) 512-2000 |
| District Court – Catonsville | 1 Rolling Cross Road, Catonsville, MD 21228 | (410) 512-2500 |
| District Court – Essex | 8914 Kelso Drive, Essex, MD 21221 | (410) 512-2300 |
All locations are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding legal holidays.
Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Baltimore County Police Department provides copies of crime and accident reports by mail. There is a $15 fee per report (free for crime victims). Your request should include the report number, incident date and location, names of individuals involved, and a check or money order payable to Baltimore County, Maryland. Send mail requests to:
Baltimore County Police Department
Information & Records Management Unit – Records Requests
700 East Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21286-5501
Reports involving juvenile suspects are not released under Maryland law, and reports are only available once the investigation is complete. For more details, call (410) 887-2390 or visit the Police Department's report request page.
Statewide Criminal Background Checks
The Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Central Repository, operated by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, handles fingerprint-based criminal background checks. Current fees include:
- State-only background check (mail-in): $18
- State-only with Gold Seal letter (mail-in): $19
- Full state and FBI background check — authorized agencies only (mail-in): $30
In-person fingerprinting adds a $20 CJIS service fee. Maryland residents can use any authorized fingerprinting location. If you're out of state, request a fingerprint card from CJIS at P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, MD 21282-2708, or call (410) 764-4501 (toll-free: (888) 795-0011). Third parties cannot obtain another individual's criminal history without proper authorization.
Baltimore County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Baltimore County is divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on how much money is at stake.
Jurisdictional Thresholds
The District Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over civil claims of $5,000 or less, and shares concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court for claims between $5,000 and $30,000. The Circuit Court handles everything over $30,000. Small claims — which follow simplified procedures — are capped at $5,000 and are heard exclusively in the District Court.
Filing Fees
The Circuit Court Fee Schedule and the District Court Cost Schedule (Form DCA-109) list current charges. Here are some representative fees:
| Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Circuit Court civil filing (individual without attorney) | $165 (includes $80 filing fee, $55 MLSC surcharge, $30 Records Improvement Fund) |
| District Court small claims complaint | $44 |
| District Court service by sheriff/constable | $60 per defendant |
| District Court service by clerk (mailing) | $20 per defendant |
Searching Civil Records
Civil case summaries are available through Case Search. For copies of pleadings, orders, or judgments, contact the Clerk's office at (410) 887-2601 or send a written request to the mailing address listed above. Copy fees are typically $0.50 per page, with an additional charge for certification.
Land Records
The Clerk of the Circuit Court also records deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. You can search these records online through MDLandRec.net or in person at the Land Records Division of the Clerk's office. For phone inquiries about land records, call (410) 887-2650. Property assessment and ownership data can be cross-referenced through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation's real property search.
Baltimore County Family Court Records
Baltimore County does not have a separate family court. Family law cases are heard within the Circuit Court, which handles divorce and annulment proceedings, child custody and visitation disputes, child support actions, adoption petitions, guardianship of minors, and domestic violence protective orders.
Accessing Family Case Records
Family law case information appears in Case Search alongside other Circuit Court filings. To get copies of specific documents — such as divorce decrees, custody orders, or support agreements — contact the Clerk's office at (410) 887-2601 or submit a written request by mail.
Divorce Records
To request a divorce decree or annulment by mail or email, include the case number (if available) or the full names of both parties, specify which document you need, and enclose payment. Copy fees are $0.50 per page, plus an additional $5 for a certified copy. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Clerk of the Court. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) and cash are accepted in person. Mail requests to:
Baltimore County Clerk's Office
P.O. Box 6754
Towson, MD 21285-6754
The Maryland Vital Statistics Administration can issue a divorce verification letter for $12 plus processing fees. This letter confirms the names of the parties, the type of action, the county, and the date of the decree — but it is not the official court document.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses are issued by the Circuit Court Clerk's License Division. The fee is $35 in Baltimore County, payable by cash, credit card, check, or money order. Here's what you need to know before you go:
- At least one applicant must appear in person at 401 Bosley Avenue, 2nd Floor, Towson, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Each applicant must provide proof of age (birth certificate, driver's license, or passport) and a Social Security number.
- If either party was previously married, you'll need details on all prior divorce dates and locations.
- The license is not effective for 48 hours after application and remains valid for six months.
- Non-residents may use the Non-Resident Marriage License Application-Affidavit form.
Civil marriage ceremonies are performed at the courthouse for an additional $25, by appointment only. To schedule, call (410) 887-2607 or book online at picktime.com/ccbaltcoclerk.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are maintained by the Division of Vital Records of the Maryland Department of Health — not the courts. The state fee for a birth certificate is $10; a death certificate costs $10 for the first copy and $12 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Requests can be submitted by appointment, by mail, or through local health departments. Access is restricted: birth certificates are available to the individual, parents listed on the certificate, legal guardians, or authorized representatives; death certificates are limited to surviving relatives, authorized representatives, or funeral directors.
Baltimore County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Baltimore County are administered by the Orphans Court and the Register of Wills, both located in the County Courts Building in Towson. The Orphans Court is Maryland's dedicated probate court — it oversees the administration of decedents' estates, the appointment and supervision of personal representatives, and the approval of attorney fees and commissions from estate assets. The Register of Wills acts as the filing office and administrative arm for all probate proceedings.
Register of Wills – Baltimore County
Address: 401 Bosley Avenue, Suite 500, Towson, MD 21204
Phone: (410) 887-6680
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (no walk-in customers after 4:00 p.m.)
Orphans Court
Address: 401 Bosley Avenue, Suite 3507, Towson, MD 21204
Phone: (410) 887-6516
Fax: (410) 296-5480
Searching Probate Records
The Register of Wills maintains an online search system for estate records. You can request copies of probate documents by phone at (410) 887-6688 (Records Division) or order them through the online system. In-person requests are also accepted at the office — just be aware that visitors must pass through security scanners at the courthouse entrance.
Probate Filing Fees
Probate fees are based on the total gross value of the estate. The current fee schedule, effective for estates opened on or after October 1, 2022, is published on the Register of Wills fee page:
| Estate Value | Probate Fee |
|---|---|
| Under $50,000 | $0 |
| $50,000–$99,999 | $100 |
| $100,000–$499,999 | $200 |
| $500,000–$999,999 | $1,000 |
| $1,000,000–$2,499,999 | $2,000 |
| $2,500,000–$4,999,999 | $5,000 |
| $5,000,000–$7,499,999 | $7,500 |
| $7,500,000–$9,999,999 | $10,000 |
| $10,000,000 and above | $10,000 plus 0.02% of amount over $10,000,000 |
Small estates valued at $50,000 or less — or up to $100,000 when a surviving spouse is the sole heir — incur no probate fee.
Other Register of Wills Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Filing a will for safekeeping | $5 |
| Plain copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copies | $0.50 per page plus $2 |
| Exemplified copies (for out-of-state use) | $0.50 per page plus $6 |
| Letters of Administration | $1 |
| Claims fee | $3 |
| Caveat/contested matters | $20 |
| Copy of court hearing recording | $25 |
Opening an Estate
Before you visit, the Register strongly encourages you to call (410) 887-6680 to review the required documents checklist and confirm that all your paperwork is in order. Helpful publications include the Administration of Estates pamphlet, information on small estates (up to $50,000), and guidance on regular estates (over $50,000). You can also file a will for safekeeping by mailing the original document with a $5 fee via certified mail — include the last four digits of the testator's Social Security number so the office can index it correctly.
Guardianship
The Register of Wills office provides resources for anyone seeking guardianship of a minor, including a guardianship manual, a guardian checklist, and a training video. The Maryland Judiciary also offers a formal guardian of a minor training program.