Somerset County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Somerset County in 2026
SomersetCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Somerset County, Maryland. Members of the public seeking court documents, property filings, vital records, or other official documents may locate those materials through a combination of online portals, in-person visits to county offices, and written requests submitted to the appropriate custodian. The availability and completeness of any given record depends on the record type, the custodian agency, and applicable state law.
Records that may be accessible through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and land records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Property tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning records
Online Access:
Several official portals support remote access to Somerset County records. The Maryland State Archives maintains government records of Somerset County in electronic, microfilm, and original formats. The Maryland Judiciary's Case Search tool at mdcourts.gov allows members of the public to search civil and criminal case information statewide. The Maryland Register of Wills estate search provides online access to probate and estate records. No registration is required to conduct basic searches through these state-maintained platforms.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may inspect records in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, located at 30512 Prince William Street, Princess Anne, MD 21853. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding state holidays. Requestors should identify the record type and approximate date range when presenting a request at the public counter.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted to the Circuit Court Clerk's Office at the address above. Each request should include the full name of the subject, the type of record sought, the relevant date range, and the requestor's contact information. Under the Maryland Public Information Act, custodians are required to respond within 30 days of receiving a written request.
Phone/Email:
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (410) 845-4840. Requestors are encouraged to call in advance to confirm record availability and any applicable fees before submitting a formal request.
What Are Public Records in Somerset County?
Public records in Somerset County are defined under Maryland law as any documentary material, regardless of physical form, that is made or received by a governmental unit in connection with the transaction of public business. Under Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-101, a "public record" includes any document, book, photograph, film, sound recording, or electronic record created or received by a state or local government agency.
The following record types are maintained by specific offices within Somerset County:
| Record Type | Custodian Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Court Clerk's Office |
| Probate and estate records | Register of Wills |
| Property deeds and land records | Circuit Court Clerk's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death) | Maryland Department of Health |
| Marriage records | Circuit Court Clerk's Office |
| Business licenses | Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation |
| Property tax records | Somerset County Finance Office |
| Voting records | Somerset County Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Somerset County Commissioners |
| Zoning and land use records | Somerset County Planning and Zoning |
Historical government records of Somerset County are also preserved and accessible through the Maryland State Archives records collection, which holds materials in electronic, microfilm, and original formats dating back to the county's earliest administrative history.
Is Somerset County an Open Records County?
Somerset County operates in full compliance with Maryland's statewide open records framework. Under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), General Provisions § 4-101 et seq., all state and local government agencies — including those in Somerset County — are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request, subject to enumerated exemptions.
As stated by the Maryland Attorney General's Office, "In Maryland, laws exist to ensure that state government is open and that the public has access to appropriate records and information in its possession." This principle extends to county-level agencies, including the Circuit Court, the Register of Wills, and the Board of County Commissioners.
Somerset County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance; the MPIA governs all public records requests submitted to county agencies. Custodians are required to acknowledge requests promptly and may not deny access to non-exempt records without citing a specific statutory basis for the denial.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Somerset County?
The fee structure for public records in Somerset County is governed by the Maryland Public Information Act and the Maryland Rules of Court. Current fees vary by record type and the office maintaining the record.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Photocopies (per page) | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Certified copies of court records | $5.00 per document |
| Certified copies of land records | $5.00 per document |
| Electronic record reproduction | Varies by agency |
| Search fee (where permitted) | Varies by office |
Under the MPIA, custodians may charge reasonable fees for the actual cost of reproduction but may not charge for the time spent reviewing records to determine whether they are subject to disclosure. Fees for inspection of records at a public counter are not permitted under state law.
Accepted payment methods at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office include cash, money order, and credit card. Checks payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court are also accepted for mail-in requests.
Fee waivers may be granted at the discretion of the custodian when disclosure is determined to be in the public interest and the requester demonstrates an inability to pay. Requestors seeking a waiver should submit a written statement explaining the basis for the request.
Does Somerset County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at several Somerset County government offices. Under the MPIA, members of the public have the right to inspect non-exempt public records at no charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
The following resources provide free access to Somerset County records:
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search (mdcourts.gov): Free online access to civil and criminal case information maintained by the Somerset County Circuit Court.
- Maryland State Archives: Free online access to historical Somerset County government records in electronic format.
- Maryland Register of Wills: Free online estate and probate record searches through the statewide estate search portal.
- Circuit Court Clerk's Office Public Terminal: Members of the public may use the in-office public access terminal at no charge during regular business hours.
- Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation: Free online access to property assessment and ownership records statewide.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection at a public counter or through an online portal carries no fee, obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Somerset County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Somerset County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. The MPIA does not require requestors to be Maryland residents, to provide identification, or to explain the reason for their request as a condition of access to non-exempt records.
Specific provisions apply in the following circumstances:
- Identification: Requestors are not required to provide identification for access to general public records. However, certain record types — such as sealed court files or records containing personal identifying information — may require the requestor to demonstrate a legal right of access.
- Purpose: Custodians may not condition access to public records on the requestor's stated purpose, except where a specific statutory exemption applies.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Maryland hold the same rights as residents under the MPIA and may submit requests by mail, in person, or electronically.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals seeking records about themselves may be entitled to access materials that would otherwise be withheld from third parties, such as certain personnel or investigative records.
- Third-party records: Access to records containing personal information about other individuals may be subject to privacy-based exemptions under General Provisions § 4-311.
The Somerset County courts directory provides contact information for the Circuit Court, District Court, and Orphans' Court, each of which maintains distinct categories of records subject to separate access procedures.
What Records Are Confidential in Somerset County?
Certain categories of records maintained by Somerset County agencies are exempt from public disclosure under the MPIA and related Maryland statutes. Custodians are required to withhold these records in whole or in part, depending on the nature of the exemption.
Records that are currently exempt from public disclosure include:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the general public.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to individuals under the age of 18 in delinquency or CINS proceedings are confidential under Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled for active investigations are exempt to the extent that disclosure would interfere with the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from disclosed records.
- Medical and health records: Records protected under HIPAA and Maryland health privacy statutes are not subject to public disclosure.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by the Department of Social Services regarding child abuse or neglect investigations are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee records are exempt except to the extent that disclosure is required by law or the employee consents.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to government agencies in confidence is protected from disclosure.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Records that could compromise public safety or security infrastructure are withheld.
As stated in the Maryland Public Information Act, "a custodian shall deny inspection of a public record or any part of a public record if the inspection would be contrary to" a specific statutory provision. Requestors who believe a denial is improper may seek review through the Maryland Public Access Ombudsman or file a complaint in the appropriate circuit court.
Somerset County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of land records, court filings, and related documents in Somerset County. "The Clerk of the Court is a locally elected state official who occupies an integral position within the judicial branch of government," as described by the Maryland Judiciary.
Circuit Court for Somerset County — Clerk's Office
30512 Prince William Street
Princess Anne, MD 21853
(410) 845-4840
Circuit Court for Somerset County, MD — Clerk's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Somerset County Register of Wills
30512 Prince William Street
Princess Anne, MD 21853
(410) 845-4840
Maryland Register of Wills — Estate Search
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Maryland State Archives
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 260-6400
Maryland State Archives — Somerset County Records
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM (reference room only)
Somerset County Commissioners Office
11916 Somerset Avenue, Suite 201
Princess Anne, MD 21853
(410) 651-0320
Somerset County Government
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM