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How to Find Public Records in Queen Annes County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents may access publicly available information related to public records through QueenAnnesRecords.us, a directory resource that aggregates publicly available data pertaining to Queen Anne's County, Maryland. Records accessible through official channels may include court filings, property documents, vital records, and other government-maintained files, subject to applicable state and local disclosure requirements.
The following categories of records are among those that members of the public may seek through official government sources:
- 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
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Access:
- The Maryland State Archives provides access to Queen Anne's County government records in electronic, microfilm, and original formats
- The Maryland Judiciary's Case Search portal allows online lookup of court case information statewide
- Property assessment data is available through the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation online database
- No registration is required to search most publicly available online databases
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County or the County Clerk's office to inspect records in person. The Circuit Court clerk's office is located at 100 Court House Square, Centreville, MD 21617. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should present a written or verbal description of the records sought and may be required to complete a request form at the counter.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests should be directed to the relevant custodial office and must include the requestor's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for response. Under Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-203, custodians are required to respond within 30 days of receiving a written request.
Phone/Email:
- Circuit Court Clerk's Office: (410) 758-1773
- Queen Anne's County Government main line: (410) 758-4098
What Are Public Records in Queen Annes County?
Public records in Queen Anne's 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, paper, photograph, recording, or electronic record created or received by a state or local government unit.
The following record types are maintained by specific offices within Queen Anne's County:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County |
| Property deeds, mortgages, plats, liens | Circuit Court Clerk's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Maryland Department of Health / Circuit Court |
| Business licenses and permits | Queen Anne's County Government |
| Property tax and assessment records | Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation |
| Voting and election records | Queen Anne's County Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Queen Anne's County Government |
| Budget and financial documents | Queen Anne's County Finance Department |
| Law enforcement records | Queen Anne's County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Queen Anne's County Planning and Zoning |
As noted by the Maryland Courts system, "The Clerk's office records land deeds, mortgages, plats, conveyances and other precious documents," making the Circuit Court Clerk a primary point of contact for property-related public records. Historical government records of Queen Anne's County are also available through the Maryland State Archives county records index in electronic, microfilm, and original formats.
Is Queen Annes County an Open Records County?
Queen Anne's County operates in full compliance with Maryland's statewide open records framework, which mandates public access to government documents. Under the Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA), codified at Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-101 et seq., all state and local government agencies — including those in Queen Anne's County — are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request, subject to enumerated exemptions.
The Maryland Attorney General's Office has stated that the MPIA reflects "a strong public policy in favor of disclosure," and that custodians bear the burden of demonstrating that a record falls within a recognized exemption before withholding it. Queen Anne's County government agencies are bound by this standard and do not maintain separate county-level open records ordinances that supersede state law.
The county's public information functions are coordinated through the Queen Anne's County Government, which maintains a Public Information Department accessible through the county's official web portal. Maryland's open meetings law (the Open Meetings Act) further requires that county commission and board proceedings be conducted publicly, with agendas and minutes made available to the public.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Queen Annes County?
Current fees for public records in Queen Anne's County are governed by the MPIA and applicable court fee schedules. The standard fee structure is as follows:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Copies (paper, per page) | $0.25 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies (court documents) | $5.00 per document (Circuit Court) |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Search fees | Reasonable fee if search exceeds 2 hours |
| Inspection (in-person review) | No charge |
Under the MPIA, custodians may charge a reasonable fee for the actual cost of copying records but may not charge for the time spent locating records unless the search requires more than two hours of staff time. Fee waivers are available for indigent requestors or when disclosure is determined to be in the public interest. Accepted payment methods at the Circuit Court Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Fees for driving record requests submitted to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration are governed separately and are detailed through the MVA's public information and driving record request process.
Does Queen Annes County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Queen Anne's County, as Maryland law does not permit agencies to charge for in-person review of non-exempt records. Members of the public may inspect records at no cost during regular business hours at the relevant custodial office.
The following free access options are currently available:
- In-person inspection at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 100 Court House Square, Centreville, MD 21617 — no fee for viewing records on-site
- Maryland Judiciary Case Search — free online access to court case information at the state level
- Maryland State Archives online database — free access to historical Queen Anne's County records in electronic format through the county records collection
- Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation — free online property assessment lookups
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records carries no charge, obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Queen Annes County?
Any person may request public records in Queen Anne's County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. The MPIA does not restrict access to Maryland residents, and requestors are not required to explain why they are seeking a record. Under current law, a custodian may not deny a request solely because the requestor declines to provide identification or state a reason for the request.
Specific provisions apply in the following circumstances:
- Identification: Not required for most public records requests, though some offices may ask for identification as a matter of administrative practice
- Residency: Non-residents retain full rights to request public records under the MPIA
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state a purpose for standard public records requests
- Restricted record types: Certain records — such as juvenile court files, sealed cases, and personnel records — require the requestor to demonstrate a legal right or interest before access is granted
- Personal records: Individuals requesting their own records (e.g., driving history through the Maryland MVA's PIA request process) may be required to provide proof of identity
Attorneys, journalists, researchers, and members of the general public are all entitled to submit requests under the same statutory framework.
What Records Are Confidential in Queen Annes County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Maryland law. The MPIA enumerates specific exemptions at Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-305 through § 4-344, which identify records that custodians are either required or permitted to withhold.
The following record types are currently treated as confidential or restricted:
- Sealed court records — records sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the public
- Juvenile records — records pertaining to individuals under 18 involved in delinquency proceedings
- Ongoing criminal investigation records — law enforcement records that could compromise active investigations
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted from disclosed records
- Medical and health records — protected under both the MPIA and federal HIPAA regulations
- Adoption records — sealed by statute and accessible only under specific court order
- Child welfare and protective services records — maintained as confidential by the Department of Social Services
- Personnel records — employee records are exempt except for name, position, salary, and dates of employment
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information — submitted to government agencies under confidentiality protections
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details — withheld to protect public safety
When a custodian withholds a record, the agency is required to notify the requestor in writing, identify the applicable exemption, and advise the requestor of the right to seek judicial review of the denial.
Queen Annes County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County — Clerk's Office
100 Court House Square
Centreville, MD 21617
(410) 758-1773
Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
District Court of Maryland — Queen Anne's County
100 Court House Square
Centreville, MD 21617
(410) 819-4100
Queen Anne's County District Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Queen Anne's County Government — Public Information Department
107 N. Liberty Street
Centreville, MD 21617
(410) 758-4098
Queen Anne's County Government
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Maryland State Archives — Queen Anne's County Records
350 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 260-6400
Maryland State Archives County Records
Office Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Closed Sunday, Monday, and state holidays