Search Anne Arundel County Court Records
Anne Arundel County court records are filed and maintained at the Circuit Court in Annapolis. The clerk's office processes more than 100,000 land records, 75,000 legal documents, 8,000 business licenses, and 5,000 marriage licenses each year. You can search Anne Arundel County court records for free through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search, or visit the courthouse to review files in person. This guide covers how to search, what records are available, how to get copies, and where to find legal help.
Anne Arundel County Court Records Overview
Anne Arundel Circuit Court Clerk Office
Scott A. Poyer serves as the Circuit Court Clerk for Anne Arundel County. The courthouse is at 8 Church Circle in Annapolis, MD 21401. The mailing address is P.O. Box 71, Annapolis, MD 21404. Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The main number is 410-222-1397, with a toll-free option at 1-888-246-0615.
Several departments handle different parts of the court record system. Criminal, juvenile, civil, and family matters all go through 410-222-1397. Land records use a separate line at 410-222-1425. Licensing is also at 410-222-1397. The office processes a large volume of filings each year, so it helps to have case numbers or party names ready before you call or visit. If you are an attorney, e-filing has been mandatory in Anne Arundel County since October 14, 2014, through the MDEC system. For tech support with electronic filing, the Tyler File and Serve Help Desk is available at 800-297-5377.
Anne Arundel County also operates a Drug Treatment Court as one of its problem-solving courts. The county is in Maryland's 5th Judicial Circuit, along with Carroll and Howard counties. The Anne Arundel County Clerk's page lists contact details and department information.
District Courts in Anne Arundel County
Two District Court locations serve Anne Arundel County residents. The main District Court is at 251 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis. There is also a Glen Burnie District Court at 7500 Ritchie Highway, Glen Burnie, MD 21061, which can be reached at 410-761-4994. District Court handles lower-level civil and criminal cases. Records from these courts are separate from Circuit Court records but are also searchable through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search.
How to Search Online
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search gives you free online access to Anne Arundel County court records. Criminal records in the system go back to 1989. Civil records go back to 1991. You search by full name, case number, or citation. Adding a percent sign after a name broadens results if you are unsure of the exact spelling. You can also filter by case type, county, date range, and current case status.
Results show case numbers, party names, filing dates, docket entries, hearing schedules, and dispositions. The system does not provide document images or transcripts. Cases that ended in dismissal, nolle prosequi, or acquittal were removed from the public view in 2024, as were stet cases three or more years old. These changes reflect statewide policy by the Maryland Judiciary and apply to all counties including Anne Arundel. The physical files still exist at the courthouse.
Note: The Maryland Judiciary Case Search shows case summaries only. Full documents and transcripts require an in-person visit to the clerk's office in Annapolis.
What Anne Arundel County Court Records Include
Court records from Anne Arundel County cover many different case types. Criminal files document charges, hearings, verdicts, and sentences. Civil records include lawsuits, contract disputes, property damage claims, and debt collection cases. Family law records cover divorces, custody orders, support agreements, name changes, and protective orders. Juvenile records are restricted and not available to the general public. Land records document deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat information. Business license records and marriage licenses are also kept by the clerk's office.
The sheer volume of filings in Anne Arundel County reflects its large population and proximity to Annapolis, the state capital. Because many state government cases are filed here, the office handles an unusually broad range of civil matters compared to smaller counties. Self-Help Resource Centers are available at the courthouse for people who need assistance navigating the filing process without an attorney.
Getting Copies of Anne Arundel Records
Copies of Anne Arundel County court records cost $0.50 per page for standard copies. Certified copies run $5.00 to $5.50 per document plus the per-page fee. Exemplified copies with a triple seal cost $10.00 plus $0.50 per page. If you need an audio recording of a court session, that costs $25 per CD or USB. Transcripts run $3.00 per page. Mailing adds $2.00 to the total if you do not include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Payment is accepted by cash, check or money order payable to the Clerk of Court, and by Visa, MasterCard, or Discover. American Express is not accepted at most locations. For mail requests, include the case number or full names of the parties, the record type you need, your contact information, and payment. Send requests to the P.O. Box address at P.O. Box 71, Annapolis, MD 21404.
Legal Help and Resources
Several legal resources serve Anne Arundel County residents. The Maryland Courts Self-Help Center is available at 410-260-1392, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, with live chat at mdcourts.gov. The center does not provide legal advice but can explain court rules and procedures.
Maryland Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to qualifying low-income residents. They handle family law, consumer debt, and other civil cases. The People's Law Library has free guides on divorce, custody, small claims, and other common legal topics in Maryland. The Thurgood Marshall State Law Library at 361 Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis is open to the public for legal research.
For county-specific court information, aacounty.org/services/courts-judicial links to courts and judicial services offered through Anne Arundel County government.
Anne Arundel County Courts Portal
The Anne Arundel County courts and judicial services page on the county website provides a portal linking to the Circuit Court, District Court, and related resources for residents seeking case information.
This portal connects you to Circuit Court clerk services, District Court locations, and self-help resources for navigating Anne Arundel County court records and filings.
Cities in Anne Arundel County
Two qualifying cities in Anne Arundel County have their own court records pages.
Nearby Counties
Anne Arundel County borders several other Maryland counties. Use the links below to find court records information for neighboring areas.