Howard County Court Records Search
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Howard County is located in central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., with its county seat in Ellicott City. The county’s court system consists of a Circuit Court, a District Court, and an Orphans’ Court, each responsible for different categories of legal proceedings. Court records produced by these tribunals cover criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits, family law disputes, probate matters, and land transactions. Two primary custodial offices manage these documents: the Clerk of the Circuit Court and the Register of Wills. This guide explains where each type of record is maintained, what methods are available to search for and obtain them, and what fees, restrictions, and procedures apply.
Individuals looking for Howard County court records can search through several official channels. The Maryland Judiciary operates Case Search, a free online tool that provides public access to case information from both the Circuit Court and District Court. The Register of Wills Estate Search covers probate and estate records. In-person requests can be directed to the Clerk’s Office or the Register of Wills during business hours, and land records are searchable through the Maryland Land Records portal. MarylandStateCourts.us may also help users locate publicly available court case information across the state.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Howard County?
The most efficient way to find a Howard County court case is through the Maryland Judiciary’s Case Search platform. This free service covers cases filed in both the Circuit Court and District Court systems statewide, as well as appellate records.
Steps to search by party name:
- Visit the Case Search page and review the terms and conditions at the bottom of the page.
- Accept the terms to activate the search fields.
- Select “Party Search” and choose “Person” as the party type.
- Enter at least the last name (and first name, if known). For partial name searches, enter the first character of the last name followed by a % symbol.
- Use advanced filters to narrow results by court system (Circuit or District), case type (criminal, civil, family), county (Howard), or filing date range.
- Click on individual cases in the results list to view docket entries, hearing dates, party information, and document names.
In-person searches and copy requests:
Visitors to the Clerk’s Office must present a valid photo ID. Copies of circuit court records cost $0.50 per page, with certification costing an additional $5.00 plus $0.50 per page. The Clerk’s Office is located at:
Howard County Circuit Court — Clerk’s Office
Address: 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 313-2111
Toll-Free (in Maryland): (888) 313-0197
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
| Department | Phone |
|---|---|
| Civil Department | (410) 313-3844 |
| Criminal/Juvenile Department | (410) 313-3822 |
| Land Records/License Department | (410) 313-5850 |
| Accounting Department | (410) 313-3210 |
| Trust Department | (410) 313-2160 |
The Clerk’s Office does not have a night drop box. Staff cannot provide legal advice or perform title searches.
District Court records:
District Court records are also searchable through Case Search. For in-person requests, visit the District Court location. Copies of District Court records cost $0.50 per page for photocopies, and certification costs $5.00 per request plus the photocopy fee.
Howard County District Court
Address: 3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 480-7700
Toll-Free (in-state): (800) 944-8107
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Are Court Records Public in Howard County?
Court records in Howard County are generally accessible to the public under two governing frameworks. The Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) grants the right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies, including courts. In addition, Title 16, Chapter 900 of the Maryland Rules establishes specific procedures for public access to court records, including what may be viewed online through Case Search and what must be requested in person.
Under these rules, the following types of records are accessible to the public:
- Civil case docket sheets, complaints, motions, and orders
- Criminal case docket entries and dispositions (post-adjudication)
- Land records and property filings
- Probate filings, including estate inventories and accountings
- Marriage license records
However, certain categories remain restricted or confidential:
- Juvenile case records
- Adoption records and termination of parental rights filings
- Financial records filed in spousal or child support cases
- Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) proceedings
- Social Security numbers and federal tax identification numbers
- Names of victims of specific crimes
- Emergency mental health evaluations
- Physician reports evaluating medical conditions of alleged disabled adults
- Names of individuals who sought Peace Orders or Protective Orders
- Sealed or expunged records
- Specific details within marriage license applications (e.g., Social Security numbers, which are required by state law but not displayed on the license)
Records may be inspected at the Clerk’s Office free of charge. Copying fees apply when obtaining physical or certified copies.
Howard County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Howard County are divided between the Circuit Court and the District Court based on severity. The Circuit Court handles felonies, jury trials for criminal matters, and appeals from District Court. The District Court processes misdemeanors, certain felonies, and traffic violations without a jury.
Searching criminal case records:
Case Search allows users to filter results specifically for criminal cases by selecting “Criminal” under the case type in the advanced search options, then choosing Howard County or “All Courts” as the court system.
The Criminal/Juvenile Department of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office can also assist with in-person lookups and copy requests. Contact them at (410) 313-3822.
Criminal filing fees (Circuit Court, effective October 1, 2025):
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Criminal case filing fee | $80.00 |
| Additional cost if convicted of jailable offense | $45.00 |
| Additional cost if convicted of non-jailable offense | $3.00 |
| Appeal from District Court (criminal) | $80.00 |
| Petition for expungement (guilty disposition) | $30.00 |
| Expungement (acquittal, dismissal, nolle prosequi, stet, not guilty) | No fee |
District Court criminal fees (effective March 2026):
Photocopies cost $0.50 per page. Transcripts require a $75.00 deposit plus $3.00 per page. Audio recordings cost $15.00 per case ($10.00 for electronic format). Petitions for expungement based on guilty dispositions carry a $30.00 fee; second-chance shielding petitions have no filing fee.
Statewide criminal history records:
The Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) — Maryland’s central repository — maintains criminal history records for the entire state. To obtain a personal criminal history report, Maryland residents must visit an approved fingerprinting service. Out-of-state applicants may request a fingerprint card by writing to:
CJIS Central Repository
P.O. Box 32708
Pikesville, MD 21282-2708
Phone: (410) 764-4501 / Toll-Free: (888) 795-0011
Fees are $18.00 for mail-in requests and $38.00 for in-person requests. Overnight mail can be sent to 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 217, Baltimore, MD 21215-2346. Processing typically takes 10–15 business days after receipt of the fingerprint card. Individuals requesting their FBI criminal history must apply directly to the FBI.
Howard County Civil Court Records
The Circuit Court exercises general jurisdiction over civil matters including contract disputes, tort actions, foreclosures, liens, equity proceedings, and appeals from the District Court. The District Court handles civil claims of $30,000 or less, landlord-tenant actions, replevin cases, and small claims.
Searching civil case records:
Civil docket information is available through Case Search by selecting “Civil” as the case type. The Civil Department of the Clerk’s Office at (410) 313-3844 handles in-person inquiries and copy requests during normal business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.).
Circuit Court civil filing fees (effective October 1, 2025):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| New civil case | $165.00 |
| Divorce (limited or absolute) | $165.00 |
| Foreclosure complaint | $165.00 |
| Residential property additional foreclosure fee | $450.00 |
| Mediation request | $50.00 |
| Foreign judgment | $110.00 |
| Voluntary dismissal | $15.00 |
| Motion to modify (alimony, custody, support, visitation) | $31.00 |
| Petition/motion for contempt | $31.00 |
| Writ of execution | $31.00 |
| Writ of garnishment | $31.00 |
| Habeas corpus petition | $165.00 |
| Copying — per page | $0.50 |
| Certification | $5.00 + $0.50/page |
| Exemplification (triple seal) | $10.00 |
District Court civil filing fees (effective March 2026):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Small claims (contract/tort) — new suit | $44.00 |
| Large claims (contract/tort) — new suit | $56.00 |
| Summary ejectment (failure to pay rent) | $50.00 |
| Breach of lease | $56.00 |
| Tenant holding over | $56.00 |
| Confessed judgment | $56.00 |
| Counterclaim (small claims) | $18.00 |
| Counterclaim (large claims) | $28.00 |
| Appeal to Circuit Court | $10.00 + $165.00 (payable to Circuit Court) |
Service fees vary: sheriff service costs $60.00 per defendant; service by clerk mail costs $20.00 per defendant. If the sheriff is unable to serve process, 50% of the service fee is refunded.
Land records:
Property filings including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats are maintained by the Land Records Department of the Clerk’s Office. Records can also be viewed online through mdlandrec.net (a free account with the Maryland State Archives is required) or through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation Real Property Data Search.
Land Records/License Department
Address: 9250 Judicial Way, Suite 1900, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 313-5850
Hours: 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Recording fees for instruments involving a principal residence or instruments of nine pages or fewer are $60.00 (for instruments executed on or after July 1, 2011). Instruments of ten or more pages cost $115.00. Releases of nine pages or fewer cost $50.00.
Howard County Family Court Records
Howard County does not operate a separate family court. Instead, the Circuit Court handles all domestic relations matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, visitation, domestic violence protective orders, adoption, guardianship, and name changes. The Administrative Office of the Courts publishes forms and guidance for family law proceedings.
Divorce records:
Divorce complaints are filed with and maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk. The filing fee for a complaint for limited or absolute divorce is $165.00. A motion to restore a maiden name incurs no additional fee. To obtain copies of a divorce judgment, contact the Clerk’s Office with the case number. If the case number is unknown, staff can look it up using the parties’ names. A valid photo ID is required. Copies cost $0.50 per page; inspection is free.
Domestic violence:
Petitions for protective orders under domestic violence carry no filing fee for the petitioner. If a protective order is granted, the respondent may be assessed $165.00. Appeals from District Court in domestic violence cases are also filed at no cost to the petitioner. Petitions to shield domestic violence records carry no filing fee.
Child support and custody:
Motions to modify child support, custody, alimony, or visitation cost $31.00 per filing. Filing a certified foreign custody decree costs $110.00. Contempt petitions in family matters cost $31.00. Many family court records — particularly those involving financial disclosures in support cases, juvenile proceedings, and adoption files — are restricted from public access.
Marriage records:
The Marriage License Department of the Circuit Court issues marriage licenses and performs civil ceremonies. The license application fee is $50.00, payable by cash or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). Applicants must apply in the county where the ceremony will be held; only one party needs to appear, but valid identification for both parties is required. A 48-hour waiting period applies after the application before the license becomes effective, and the license must be used within six months.
Civil ceremonies are performed by appointment at 9250 Judicial Way, Suite 1900, Ellicott City, MD 21043. The ceremony fee is $25.00. Certified copies of marriage licenses cost $5.50 each and can be requested by mail using the Application for Certified Copy of Marriage License. Non-residents may use the Non-Resident Marriage License Application-Affidavit to apply by mail (money orders only).
For marriages performed before January 1, 2007, records are available from the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office or the Maryland State Archives. For marriages on or after that date, certified copies can also be obtained from the Division of Vital Records (DVR) of the Maryland Department of Health for $12.00 per certified copy ($13.00 for internet orders, $20.00 for expedited shipping). Mail requests should be sent to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
Birth and death records:
Birth records less than 100 years old and death records from 2012 or later are available from the Division of Vital Records. Birth certificates cost $10.00 per copy. The first death certificate copy costs $10.00; each additional copy costs $12.00. Older records are available from the Maryland State Archives. Applicants must provide a valid form of identification and may order online, by mail, or in person.
Howard County Probate Court Records
Maryland’s probate court is the Orphans’ Court. Following the passage of Question 5 in 2022, Howard County’s Orphans’ Court functions are performed by Circuit Court judges rather than separately elected Orphans’ Court judges. The court oversees estate administration, will disputes, guardianship, conservatorship, and related proceedings. The Register of Wills serves as clerk to the Orphans’ Court and is the primary custodian of all probate filings.
Register of Wills
Address: 9250 Judicial Way, Suite 1100, Ellicott City, MD 21043
Phone: (410) 313-2133
Fax: (410) 313-3409
Email: HowardCountyROW@registers.maryland.gov
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Types of probate records maintained:
The Register of Wills handles small estates, regular estates, foreign proceedings, motor vehicle title transfers for deceased owners, non-probate property matters, and unprobated wills. Record seekers can request access in person, by mail, or by email.
Searching probate records online:
The Maryland Register of Wills operates Estate Search, a free tool that provides internet access to estate case records statewide. Users can search by decedent’s name, estate number, date of death, date of filing, or county. Results display the estate number and status, personal representative name, attorney, decedent aliases, and docket history.
Probate-related fees:
Fiduciary annual account filing costs $10.00. Review of fiduciary accounts by the Trust Clerk is based on account value: $10.00 for accounts up to $10,000; $20.00 for accounts between $10,000 and $25,000; $30.00 for accounts exceeding $25,000. Copying fees follow the standard Circuit Court schedule of $0.50 per page, with certification at $5.00 plus $0.50 per page.
The Orphans’ Court page on the Maryland Judiciary website provides additional information about probate procedures, jurisdictional authority, and applicable statutes under the Estates and Trusts Article. Individuals considering opening an estate are encouraged to contact the Register of Wills office to discuss required documents and anticipated costs before filing.