St. Mary's County Public Records

What Are Public Records in St. Mary's County?

Public records in St. Mary's County are defined as information, regardless of physical form, created or received by a government agency in connection with public business, pursuant to Maryland Public Information Act § 4-101. These records document the activities, transactions, and functions of government agencies serving the residents of St. Mary's County.

St. Mary's County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court proceedings maintained by the Circuit Court for St. Mary's County
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property assessments
• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results maintained by the Board of Elections
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Documentation of County Commissioner meetings, board proceedings, and public hearings
• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
• Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with legally required redactions), and crime statistics
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Zoning maps, building permits, and land development plans

The Maryland State Archives serves as the central repository for many historical St. Mary's County government records, while current records are maintained by their respective departments. The Circuit Court Clerk's Office maintains land records, marriage licenses, and court documents, while the County Commissioners' Office maintains meeting minutes and county ordinances.

Is St. Mary's County an Open Records County?

St. Mary's County adheres to Maryland's open records laws, specifically operating under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), § 4-101 et seq. This statute establishes the fundamental principle that Maryland citizens have a broad right to access government records.

The MPIA explicitly states that "all persons are entitled to have access to information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees." This provision underscores the presumption of openness that guides records access in St. Mary's County.

St. Mary's County government has implemented specific procedures to comply with state transparency requirements. The County follows the state's guidelines regarding response timelines, which generally require agencies to grant or deny a request within 30 days of receipt, as specified in MPIA § 4-203.

Additionally, St. Mary's County complies with Maryland's Open Meetings Act, which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public with proper notice. This commitment to transparency extends to the publication of meeting agendas, minutes, and other public documents on the St. Mary's County government website.

The County has designated Public Information Act coordinators within various departments to facilitate record requests and ensure compliance with state law. These coordinators work under the guidance of the County Attorney's Office to maintain consistent application of open records principles across all county agencies.

How to Find Public Records in St. Mary's County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from St. Mary's County may follow these procedures to obtain the information they need:

1. Identify the appropriate agency: Determine which county department or office maintains the records you seek. For court records, contact the Circuit Court Clerk's Office; for property records, contact the Land Records Department; for vital records, contact the Health Department.

2. Submit a written request: While verbal requests are accepted for some records, written requests are recommended and may be required. Requests should include:

   • Requestor's name and contact information
   • Specific description of records sought
   • Preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic files, inspection)
   • Statement indicating whether the request is for commercial purposes (if applicable)

3. Use official request forms: Many departments offer standardized Public Information Act request forms. The St. Mary's County PIA Request Form can be submitted online, by mail, or in person.

4. Allow processing time: Agencies must respond to requests within 30 calendar days under Maryland law. Complex requests may require additional time, but the agency must notify the requestor of any delays.

5. Arrange for inspection or copying: Once records are located, the agency will notify the requestor about options for viewing or obtaining copies. In-person inspection is typically available during normal business hours at no charge.

6. Pay applicable fees: If copies are requested, prepare to pay the established fees (detailed in the next section).

7. Online access options: Many records are currently available through online portals:

   • Court records via Maryland Judiciary Case Search
   • Land records through mdlandrec.net (free registration required)
   • Tax and assessment records via Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation

For assistance with complex requests, the St. Mary's County Public Information Officer can provide guidance on navigating the records request process.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in St. Mary's County?

St. Mary's County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Maryland Public Information Act § 4-206, which permits agencies to charge "reasonable fees" for the search, preparation, and reproduction of public records. Current standard fees include:

• Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies (8.5" x 11")
• Certified Copies: $5.00 per document plus copy fees
• Large Format Documents: $5.00 per page for oversized documents (maps, plats, etc.)
• Electronic Records: $10.00 per CD/DVD or may be provided via email at no charge if file size permits
• Staff Time: For requests requiring more than two hours of staff time, agencies may charge an hourly rate based on the salary of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the work

The following payment methods are currently accepted:

• Cash (in-person only)
• Personal checks (made payable to "St. Mary's County")
• Money orders
• Credit cards (for certain departments and online services)

Fee waivers may be granted if the agency determines that waiving the fee is in the public interest. Requests for fee waivers should be included in the initial records request with an explanation of how disclosure serves the public interest.

Specific record types may have statutorily established fees that differ from standard rates:

• Marriage licenses: $35.00
• Certified copies of birth certificates: $20.00 for the first copy, $10.00 for each additional copy
• Land record copies: $1.00 per page

Agencies must provide cost estimates for requests exceeding $10.00 before proceeding with record production. Payment is typically required before records are released.

Does St. Mary's County Have Free Public Records?

St. Mary's County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:

Free in-person inspection of non-exempt public records is available during regular business hours at the respective government offices. This right to inspect records without charge is guaranteed by the Maryland Public Information Act § 4-201, which states that "a custodian shall allow a person to inspect any public record at any reasonable time."

The following records are currently available online at no cost:

• County Commissioner Meeting Minutes and Agendas - Searchable archive of county government proceedings
• County Budget Documents - Annual budgets and financial reports
• County Code and Ordinances - Searchable database of local laws and regulations
• Election Results - Historical and current election outcomes
• GIS Mapping Data - Geographic information system with property boundaries and zoning information

The Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides free access to basic court case information, though detailed documents may require fees.

The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation offers free online access to property assessment records, ownership information, and tax data.

For historical records, the Maryland State Archives provides free online access to digitized historical documents, including land records, vital statistics, and government proceedings from St. Mary's County.

Researchers and journalists may request fee waivers for records when disclosure primarily benefits the general public rather than the requestor.

Who Can Request Public Records in St. Mary's County?

Under the Maryland Public Information Act § 4-103, "all persons are entitled to have access to information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees." This broad eligibility extends to:

• Maryland residents
• Non-residents of Maryland
• Business entities
• Media organizations
• Non-profit organizations
• Government agencies

Requestors are not required to:

• Provide identification for most record types (though ID may be required for certain sensitive records)
• State the purpose of their request
• Demonstrate a "need to know"
• Have a direct interest in the records

However, certain restrictions apply to specific record types:

• Vital Records: Birth and death certificates are restricted to the person named in the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order. Identification is required.
• Criminal History Records: Complete criminal histories are restricted to law enforcement and authorized agencies, though court records of criminal proceedings are generally public.
• Medical Records: Protected by HIPAA and available only to the patient or their authorized representative.
• Juvenile Records: Generally confidential under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27, with limited exceptions.

When requesting records about oneself, identification is typically required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information. When requesting records about others, access may be limited based on privacy protections established in state law.

Government agencies may ask requestors if they intend to use records for commercial purposes, as this may affect fee structures, but commercial use does not generally disqualify a requestor from obtaining public records.

What Records Are Confidential in St. Mary's County?

While St. Mary's County operates under Maryland's presumption of openness for government records, certain categories of information are protected from disclosure under Maryland Public Information Act § 4-301 through § 4-355. These confidential records include:

• Personnel Records: Employee files, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions are generally exempt from disclosure, though limited information such as name, position, and salary is public.

• Medical Records: Health information protected under HIPAA and MPIA § 4-305, including medical examinations, diagnoses, and treatment records.

• Juvenile Records: Court proceedings involving minors are confidential pursuant to Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-8A-27.

• Adoption Records: Sealed by court order and accessible only through court petition.

• Social Services Records: Child welfare investigations, protective services cases, and assistance program participation.

• Active Criminal Investigations: Records that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings, deprive a person of a fair trial, constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, or reveal confidential sources.

• Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and work product prepared in anticipation of litigation.

• Procurement Information: Sealed bids and proposals prior to contract award.

• Security Information: Emergency response plans, building security systems, and infrastructure vulnerability assessments.

• Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and other data that could facilitate identity theft.

• Library User Records: Information about materials borrowed or accessed by specific library patrons.

• Trade Secrets and Confidential Commercial Information: Proprietary business information submitted to government agencies.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, agencies must redact the confidential portions and release the remainder. Agencies denying access to records must cite the specific statutory exemption justifying withholding.

The MPIA provides for a "public interest test" for certain discretionary exemptions, requiring agencies to balance privacy interests against the public interest in disclosure. Requestors denied access may seek judicial review of an agency's decision to withhold records.

St. Mary's County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Circuit Court for St. Mary's County - Clerk's Office
41605 Courthouse Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-7844
Circuit Court for St. Mary's County

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed on state holidays

The Clerk's Office serves as the official recorder for St. Mary's County, maintaining and providing access to:

• Land Records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
• Marriage Licenses
• Business Licenses
• Civil and Criminal Court Records
• Probate Records
• Notary Public Commissions

St. Mary's County Land Records Department
41605 Courthouse Drive, Room 214
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-4923
Land Records Department

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed on state holidays

St. Mary's County Health Department - Vital Records
21580 Peabody Street
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-4330
St. Mary's County Health Department

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on state holidays

St. Mary's County Department of Land Use and Growth Management
23150 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-4200 ext. 1500
Land Use and Growth Management

Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on state holidays

Lookup Public Records in St. Mary's County

St. Mary's County Government Records

Circuit Court Records

St. Mary's County Court Directory

Circuit Court Clerk's Office Information