Garrett County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Garrett County?

Public records in Garrett County encompass a wide range of official documents maintained by county government offices for public access pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA). These records serve as the official documentation of government activities and transactions within the county. The following categories of public records are maintained and accessible through various Garrett County departments:

Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, property transfers, and tax assessment records
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
Court Records: Civil and criminal case files, court dockets, judgments, and probate records
Tax Records: Property tax information, tax liens, and payment histories
Land Records: Plat maps, surveys, easements, and zoning information
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and corporate filings
Election Records: Voter registration data and election results
Government Records: County commission minutes, resolutions, ordinances, and public meeting records
Environmental Records: Environmental impact studies, permits, and compliance records
Public Safety Records: Police reports, accident reports, and emergency service logs

These records are maintained by various county offices including the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, the Garrett County Financial Services department, and other administrative offices within the Garrett County Government.

Is Garrett County an Open Records County?

Garrett County operates as an open records county in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), codified in the General Provisions Article §§ 4-101 through 4-601 of the Maryland Code. This legislation establishes the legal framework ensuring public access to government records throughout Maryland, including Garrett County.

The Maryland PIA 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 fundamental principle is reflected in Garrett County's commitment to transparency and accessibility of public records.

According to the Maryland Office of the Attorney General, the PIA grants the public a broad right to access government records without unnecessary cost or delay. Garrett County adheres to these provisions by maintaining accessible systems for record requests and providing reasonable accommodation for public inspection of documents.

The county's dedication to open records is further demonstrated through the Garrett County Open Data Warehouse, which provides digital access to numerous county datasets and records. This initiative, part of the MyGarrettCounty program, represents the county's ongoing efforts to increase government transparency and facilitate public access to information.

How Do I Find Public Records in Garrett County in 2025

Members of the public seeking records in Garrett County in 2025 may utilize several established methods to locate and access public information. The county has implemented multiple pathways for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to submit requests and examine records. The primary locations include:

Garrett County Courthouse
203 S. 4th Street
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1900
Garrett County Government
Online Access: Many records are available through digital platforms:
- The Garrett County Mapping Dashboard provides GIS and property information
- The Garrett County Open Data Warehouse offers access to numerous public datasets
- The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system contains court records
Written Requests: Formal Public Information Act requests may be submitted in writing to the custodian of the specific records sought. These requests should:
- Identify the records with reasonable specificity
- Include contact information for the requestor
- Specify preferred format for receiving records
Specialized Databases: Certain records require access through dedicated systems:
- Federal court records via PACER
- Health records through the Maryland Department of Health
- Business registrations via the Maryland Secretary of State

For assistance with navigating the records request process, the Maryland Courts Self-Help Center provides guidance on accessing court-related documents and information.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Garrett County?

The cost structure for obtaining public records in Garrett County is established in accordance with the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) and county regulations. Fees are designed to recover reasonable costs associated with record production while maintaining public accessibility.

Standard fee schedules for common record types include:

Copying Fees: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
Certified Copies: $5.00 per document for certified copies of official records
Land Records: $10.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page
Marriage Licenses: $35.00 application fee
Birth/Death Certificates: $20.00 per certificate through the Health Department
Digital Media: $10.00 per CD/DVD for electronic records
Maps and Plats: Varies by size, typically $5.00-$25.00

Additional costs may apply for:

Staff Research Time: $25.00 per hour after the first two hours (which are provided at no charge)
Commercial Requests: May incur higher fees for extensive commercial use
Special Processing: Oversized documents, color copies, or specialized formats

Pursuant to GP § 4-206 of the Maryland Code, the custodian may waive fees if:

The requestor is indigent and files an affidavit of indigency
The waiver would be in the public interest
The requestor is a governmental entity

Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit cards at most county offices. All fees must be paid before records are released, unless alternative arrangements have been approved by the records custodian.

Does Garrett County Have Free Public Records?

Garrett County provides certain public records at no cost to requestors in accordance with Maryland state law and county policies. The following records are generally available without charge:

Online Resources: The Garrett County Open Data Warehouse offers free access to numerous datasets including budget information, GIS data, and county statistics
Public Meeting Records: Minutes and agendas from County Commissioner meetings and other public bodies
Election Results: Voting outcomes and election statistics
Property Information: Basic property ownership and assessment data through the Garrett County Mapping Dashboard
Court Dockets: Basic case information through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system

Additionally, pursuant to GP § 4-206(e) of the Maryland Public Information Act, the first two hours of staff time spent responding to a public records request are provided at no cost to the requestor. This provision ensures that simple, straightforward requests can often be fulfilled without charge.

The Circuit Court for Garrett County provides public access terminals where individuals may view court records at no cost, though printing fees may apply. Similarly, public inspection of records in person at county offices is typically available without charge, with fees applying only to reproduction or certification.

For individuals facing financial hardship, fee waivers may be available upon submission of an affidavit of indigency or demonstration that the waiver would serve the public interest.

Who Can Request Public Records In Garrett County?

Under the Maryland Public Information Act (PIA), the right to request public records in Garrett County extends to all persons regardless of citizenship or residency status. The statute employs inclusive language, stating that "all persons" are entitled to information about government affairs. Specific categories of eligible requestors include:

Individual Citizens: Any person may submit requests for their own purposes
Media Representatives: Journalists and news organizations seeking information for public dissemination
Businesses and Corporations: Commercial entities researching market data or regulatory compliance
Non-Profit Organizations: Advocacy groups, research institutions, and charitable organizations
Legal Representatives: Attorneys requesting records on behalf of clients
Government Agencies: Other public entities seeking information for official purposes
Academic Researchers: Scholars conducting studies or historical research
Non-Citizens: Foreign nationals have the same rights of access as U.S. citizens

The Maryland Office of the Attorney General confirms that requestors are not required to provide identification or state their purpose when requesting records, though certain specialized records may have additional verification requirements to protect privacy or security interests.

While the right to request is broadly granted, custodians may consider the intended use of records when determining whether to waive fees. Commercial requests typically do not qualify for fee waivers, whereas requests serving educational, scientific, or public interest purposes may receive more favorable consideration.

What Records Are Confidential In Garrett County?

Certain categories of records maintained by Garrett County are classified as confidential and exempt from public disclosure pursuant to the Maryland Public Information Act and other applicable laws. These protected records include:

Personal Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and medical records
Juvenile Records: Court proceedings and law enforcement records involving minors, except under specific circumstances
Adoption Records: Documents related to adoption proceedings and birth records that have been sealed by court order
Mental Health Records: Psychological evaluations, treatment records, and related medical documentation
Personnel Records: Employee performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information of county employees
Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and correspondence between county officials and legal counsel
Ongoing Investigations: Law enforcement records that could compromise active investigations or prosecutions
Critical Infrastructure Information: Details about security systems, emergency response plans, or utility vulnerabilities
Proprietary Business Information: Trade secrets or confidential commercial information submitted to the county
Deliberative Process Materials: Pre-decisional documents reflecting the internal deliberations of government officials

These exemptions are established under GP § 4-301 through § 4-355 of the Maryland Code. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General provides detailed guidance on these exemptions and their application.

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, county officials are required to redact the confidential portions and release the remainder when possible. Denials of record requests must include the specific legal basis for withholding and information about the requestor's right to seek judicial review or mediation through the Public Information Act Compliance Board.

Garrett County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The recording of official documents in Garrett County is handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, which serves as the county's official recorder of deeds and legal instruments. This office maintains land records, marriage licenses, and other official documents.

Circuit Court for Garrett County - Clerk's Office
203 S. 4th Street, Room 109
P.O. Box 447
Oakland, MD 21550
301-334-1937
Circuit Court for Garrett County

Regular Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on State and Federal Holidays

The Clerk's Office provides the following recording services:

Land Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats
Marriage Licenses: Applications and certificate issuance
Business Recordings: Trade names, partnerships, and articles of incorporation
Court Records: Judgments, civil and criminal case files
Notary Public: Commissions and authentications
Military Discharge Records: DD-214 forms

Documents submitted for recording must meet specific formatting requirements as outlined in the Maryland Code. Original documents must be presented with appropriate filing fees. The current fee schedule is available at the Clerk's Office or on their official website.

For land records research, the office maintains public access terminals where individuals may search records dating back to the county's formation. Staff members are available to provide assistance with navigating the records system, though they cannot provide legal advice regarding document preparation or interpretation.