St. Mary's County Property Records
What Is St. Mary's County Property Records
Property records in St. Mary's County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout St. Mary's County, Maryland. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish legal ownership through a clear chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 3-101, all instruments affecting title to real property in Maryland, including St. Mary's County, must be recorded to provide constructive notice to third parties. These records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in St. Mary's County, which serves as the official repository for land records.
Property records in St. Mary's County typically include:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens and judgments
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Plats and surveys
- Tax assessment information
The St. Mary's County land records system provides a comprehensive history of property ownership and encumbrances, allowing interested parties to research the legal status of real property within the county.
Are Property Records Public Information In St. Mary's County?
Property records in St. Mary's County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Maryland law. The Maryland Public Information Act, codified in Maryland Code, General Provisions Article § 4-101 et seq., establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records. Additionally, Maryland's recording statutes specifically require that land records be maintained as public documents.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide constructive notice
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Any member of the public may access property records in St. Mary's County without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy reflects the state's commitment to transparency in property ownership and transactions.
Circuit Court for St. Mary's County
41605 Courthouse Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-7844
Circuit Court for St. Mary's County
How To Search Property Records in St. Mary's County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in St. Mary's County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains comprehensive systems for property record searches that accommodate both in-person and remote inquiries.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays)
- Request assistance from the Land Records Department staff
- Use public access terminals available at the courthouse to search digitized records
- Provide property information such as address, owner name, or property identification number
For mail or phone requests:
- Submit a written request to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office specifying the property information needed
- Include contact information for response
- Enclose applicable fees for document copies (currently $1.00 per page for regular copies)
- Allow 5-10 business days for processing
The Maryland Judiciary's land records system provides the foundation for property record searches in St. Mary's County. Staff members are available to assist with navigating the records system and locating specific documents.
For tax and assessment records, the St. Mary's County Treasurer's Office and the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation maintain separate databases that can be searched by property address, owner name, or account number.
How To Find Property Records in St. Mary's County Online?
St. Mary's County property records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources allow for convenient remote access to property information.
The primary online resources for St. Mary's County property records include:
-
Maryland Land Records (MDLANDREC):
- Visit mdlandrec.net
- Create a free account with valid email address
- Search by grantor/grantee name, property address, or document type
- Access digital images of recorded documents dating back to the county's founding
-
Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) Real Property Database:
- Access the SDAT Real Property Data Search
- Search using property address, account number, or owner name
- View assessment information, property details, and tax information
- St. Mary's County is identified as district code 19 in the SDAT system
-
St. Mary's County Geographic Information System (GIS):
- Visit the county's GIS portal
- Search by address or parcel number
- View property boundaries, zoning information, and related spatial data
- Access links to related property records
-
St. Mary's County Tax Records:
- Access the St. Mary's County Treasurer's tax information
- Search by property address or account number
- View current and historical tax information
When searching online property records, users should have basic property information ready, such as the property address, owner name, or property account identification number. The Maryland property information search system provides guidance on locating this information.
How To Look Up St. Mary's County Property Records for Free?
St. Mary's County residents and interested parties can access property records at no cost through several channels provided by state and local government agencies. These free resources offer comprehensive property information without subscription fees.
Free access options include:
-
In-person visits to government offices:
- Circuit Court Clerk's Office - Land Records Department
- St. Mary's County Assessment Office
- St. Mary's County Treasurer's Office
- Public terminals at these locations provide free access to digital records
-
Online resources without subscription fees:
- SDAT Real Property Data Search - Provides assessment information, property details, and ownership information
- St. Mary's County GIS Portal - Offers property boundaries and basic property information
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search - Allows searches for property-related court cases
-
Maryland Land Records (MDLANDREC):
- While requiring registration, this service is provided free of charge
- Offers comprehensive access to recorded documents
- Available from any internet-connected device
When using free resources, users should note that:
- Some systems may have usage limitations or time restrictions
- Document printing may incur nominal fees (typically $1.00 per page)
- Complex title searches may be more efficiently conducted with professional assistance
- Historical records may have varying levels of digital availability
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
What's Included in a St. Mary's County Property Record?
Property records in St. Mary's County encompass a diverse range of documents and information pertaining to real property within the county's boundaries. Real property, which includes land and permanently attached structures, is distinguished from personal property in the recordkeeping system.
Multiple county offices maintain different aspects of property records:
- Circuit Court Clerk's Office - deeds, mortgages, liens, plats
- Department of Land Use and Growth Management - zoning, permits, land use
- Treasurer's Office - tax records, payment history
- State Department of Assessments and Taxation - property assessments, exemptions
A comprehensive St. Mary's County property record typically contains:
-
Ownership Information:
- Current and previous property owners
- Dates of ownership transfers
- Purchase prices and consideration amounts
- Deed references and recording information
-
Property Description:
- Legal description of the property boundaries
- Lot and block numbers or metes and bounds description
- Plat references and survey information
- Property address and location identifiers
-
Financial Information:
- Current assessed value
- Purchase price history
- Mortgage and financing information
- Tax assessment and payment history
-
Encumbrances and Restrictions:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Covenants and deed restrictions
-
Structural Information:
- Building descriptions and characteristics
- Square footage and dimensions
- Construction dates and major improvements
- Permit history for significant modifications
According to Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 3-104, all instruments recorded in the land records must meet specific requirements for format, content, and execution to be legally valid and provide constructive notice.
How Long Does St. Mary's County Keep Property Records?
St. Mary's County maintains property records in perpetuity for most land ownership documents, reflecting the permanent nature of real property interests. The retention of these records is governed by the Maryland State Archives' retention schedules and the Maryland Code.
Property record retention periods vary by document type:
- Deeds, mortgages, and permanent property interests: Permanent retention
- Tax records: Minimum 7 years after payment or settlement
- Building permits: Life of the structure plus 3 years
- Zoning decisions and variances: Permanent retention
- Property assessment records: Permanent retention for final assessments
The Maryland State Archives serves as the ultimate repository for historical land records, with some St. Mary's County records dating back to the 17th century. Pursuant to Maryland Code, State Government Article § 9-1010, the Archives is responsible for the permanent preservation of these historical records.
The digitization of land records has significantly improved the accessibility of historical property documents. The Maryland Judiciary's Electronic Land Records Online Imagery system now contains digital images of St. Mary's County land records dating back to the county's establishment, making historical research more accessible.
For research purposes, users should note that:
- Records prior to 1940 may use different indexing systems
- Historical records may contain archaic legal language and property descriptions
- Some very old records may be available only on microfilm or in original form
- Specialized assistance may be required for interpreting historical property records
How To Find Liens on Property In St. Mary's County?
Liens on property in St. Mary's County are recorded as public documents and can be researched through several official channels. A lien search is an essential component of property due diligence, as liens represent claims against property that may affect ownership rights and transfer.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search in St. Mary's County:
-
Search Circuit Court Records:
- Visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person
- Search the Land Records department for recorded liens
- Check both the grantor/grantee index and the property address
- Review judgment records for potential judgment liens
-
Check Tax Records:
- Contact the St. Mary's County Treasurer's Office
- Search for outstanding property tax liens
- Verify current tax status and any delinquencies
- Tax liens take priority over most other liens
-
Search State Tax Liens:
- Check with the Maryland Comptroller's Office
- Review for state tax liens filed against property owners
- These may attach to real property owned by the debtor
-
Federal Tax Lien Search:
- Federal tax liens are recorded in the land records
- Search under the property owner's name
- IRS liens may attach to all property owned by the taxpayer
-
Online Resources:
- Use Maryland Judiciary Case Search for judgment liens
- Access MDLANDREC for recorded liens
- Search St. Mary's County tax records for tax liens
Common types of liens found in St. Mary's County include:
- Mortgage liens
- Tax liens (federal, state, and local)
- Judgment liens from court cases
- Mechanic's liens for unpaid construction work
- Homeowners association liens
- Child support liens
Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 3-201, liens must be properly recorded to provide constructive notice and establish priority against subsequent purchasers and creditors.
What Is Property Owner Rule In St. Mary's County?
The Property Owner Rule in St. Mary's County refers to the legal framework governing property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions within the county. This framework is established through a combination of state laws, county ordinances, and judicial precedents.
Key elements of the Property Owner Rule include:
-
Recording Requirements:
- All property transfers must be recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk
- Unrecorded deeds are valid between parties but may not provide notice to third parties
- Recording establishes priority of interests in property
-
Ownership Forms:
- Fee simple ownership (complete ownership)
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship
- Tenancy in common
- Life estates
- Condominium and cooperative ownership
-
Property Tax Obligations:
- Annual property tax assessments
- Payment deadlines and penalties
- Tax sale procedures for delinquent properties
-
Land Use Regulations:
- Zoning restrictions on property use
- Building code compliance requirements
- Environmental protection regulations
- Historic preservation requirements in designated areas
-
Riparian Rights:
- Special rules for waterfront properties
- Access and use rights for tidal waters
- Chesapeake Bay Critical Area regulations
The Maryland Real Property Article establishes the fundamental legal framework for property ownership in St. Mary's County. Specifically, Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 2-101 defines the types of estates and interests in land recognized under state law.
St. Mary's County's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance further regulates property use and development, establishing specific requirements for different zoning districts throughout the county. Property owners must comply with these regulations when developing or modifying their properties.
St. Mary's County Department of Planning and Zoning
23150 Leonard Hall Drive
Leonardtown, MD 20650
301-475-4200 ext. 1500
Planning and Zoning
Lookup Property Records in St. Mary's County
Maryland Real Property Database
St. Mary's County Tax Information