logo
GarrettRecords.org
Search Public Records

Garrett County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Garrett County?

Public records in Garrett County refer to documents and information created, maintained, or received by government agencies that are accessible to the public under Maryland's Public Information Act. These records include court documents, property records, vital statistics, business licenses, and various other official documents that document government activities and transactions.

In Garrett County, public records are maintained by various county offices including the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, the County Clerk's Office, and other specialized departments. These records serve as an important resource for transparency in government operations and provide citizens with access to information that may be relevant to their personal, business, or legal interests.

Is Garrett County an Open Records County?

Yes, Garrett County is an open records county, operating under Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA), which is similar to the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This law ensures that citizens have the right to access public records maintained by state and local government agencies, including those in Garrett County.

The Maryland Public Information Act is codified in the General Provisions Article, §§4-101 through 4-601 of the Maryland Code. Under this law, Garrett County government agencies must provide access to public records unless a specific exemption applies that allows or requires the records to be withheld.

Garrett County government offices have established procedures for requesting and obtaining public records, with most agencies providing detailed instructions on their websites or at their physical locations.

How Do I Find Public Records in Garrett County in 2025

Finding public records in Garrett County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

  1. Circuit Court Clerk's Office: For court records, marriage licenses, business licenses, and land records. Circuit Court for Garrett County, 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550

  2. Online Databases: Many records are available through online portals:

    • Maryland Judiciary Case Search for court records
    • SDAT Real Property Database for property records Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation, 301 W. Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

  3. County Offices: Various departments maintain specific records:

    • Health Department for vital records (birth and death certificates) Garrett County Health Department, 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland, MD 21550
    • Register of Wills for probate records Register of Wills for Garrett County, 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550
    • Tax Assessment Office for property tax records Garrett County Tax Assessment Office, 311 East Alder Street, Oakland, MD 21550

  4. Maryland State Archives: For historical records and documents Maryland State Archives, 350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, MD 21401

  5. In-Person Requests: Visit the appropriate county office with your request Garrett County Courthouse, 203 South Fourth Street, Oakland, MD 21550

  6. Written Requests: Submit a formal written request under the Maryland Public Information Act to the relevant agency

Most agencies now offer digital access options, though some records may still require in-person visits or formal written requests.

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

The cost to obtain public records in Garrett County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

  1. Copy Fees:

    • Standard paper copies typically cost $0.25 to $0.50 per page
    • Certified copies of court documents may cost $5-15 per document
    • Large format documents (maps, plats) may cost $5-25 per sheet

  2. Search and Preparation Fees:

    • Agencies may charge reasonable fees for staff time required to search for, prepare, and redact records
    • The first two hours of search time are often provided free of charge
    • Additional time may be billed at the hourly rate of the employee performing the search (typically $15-50 per hour)

  3. Electronic Records:

    • Digital copies may have reduced fees or only media costs (USB drive, CD)
    • Some online database searches have subscription fees or per-search costs

  4. Specialized Records:

    • Certified vital records (birth, death certificates): $20-30 per copy
    • Marriage licenses and certificates: $5-25
    • Land records: Fees vary based on document type and length

Agencies are required to provide fee schedules upon request. Fee waivers may be available for requests that are in the public interest or for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship.

Does Garrett County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Garrett County does offer some public records for free or at minimal cost:

  1. Online Access:

    • The Maryland Judiciary Case Search provides free access to basic court case information
    • The SDAT Real Property Database offers free property record searches
    • The Maryland Land Records website provides free viewing of land records (printing may incur fees)

  2. In-Person Inspection:

    • Most public records can be inspected in person at no cost during regular business hours
    • This includes records at the Circuit Court Clerk's Office, County offices, and other agencies Garrett County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 203 South Fourth Street, Room 109, Oakland, MD 21550

  3. Public Interest Waivers:

    • Fee waivers may be granted for requests deemed to be in the public interest
    • Journalists, researchers, and non-profit organizations may qualify for reduced or waived fees

  4. Limited Free Copies:

    • Some agencies provide a limited number of free copies before charging fees
    • Self-service options at some facilities may offer reduced costs

While inspection is generally free, obtaining copies or certified documents typically involves some cost to cover reproduction expenses and staff time.

Who Can Request Public Records In Garrett County?

In Garrett County, as throughout Maryland, public records are generally available to:

  1. Any Individual: Maryland's Public Information Act does not restrict who may request records based on:

    • Citizenship status
    • Residency
    • Age (though minors may face some practical limitations)
    • Purpose of the request

  2. Organizations: Including:

    • Businesses and corporations
    • Non-profit organizations
    • Media outlets
    • Research institutions
    • Government agencies

  3. Legal Representatives: Attorneys or agents acting on behalf of individuals or organizations

The Maryland Public Information Act specifically states that "all persons are entitled to access to information about the affairs of government and the official acts of public officials and employees." Requesters do not need to provide identification or state their purpose for requesting records, though certain specialized records may have additional requirements.

Some records may have restricted access based on the content rather than who is requesting them. For example, records containing confidential information may be redacted or withheld regardless of who makes the request.

What Records Are Confidential In Garrett County?

In Garrett County, certain records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure under Maryland law:

  1. Personal Information:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Financial account information
    • Medical records and health information protected under HIPAA
    • Personnel records containing private employee information

  2. Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active criminal investigations
    • Records that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
    • Confidential source information
    • Juvenile criminal records (in most cases)

  3. Court Records:

    • Sealed court records and expunged cases
    • Certain family court proceedings
    • Adoption records
    • Mental health proceedings

  4. Government Operations:

    • Attorney-client privileged communications
    • Executive privilege documents
    • Trade secrets or confidential commercial information
    • Critical infrastructure details that could pose security risks

  5. Specific Protected Records:

    • Child welfare records
    • Certain tax information
    • Voting records showing how an individual voted
    • Library user records

  6. Records Protected by Other Laws:

    • Educational records protected by FERPA
    • Records specifically protected by state or federal statutes

Maryland law requires agencies to redact confidential information from records when possible, rather than withholding entire documents. When records are denied, the agency must cite the specific legal exemption that applies and inform the requester of their right to challenge the denial.

Lookup Public Records in Garrett County

Below are resources for accessing public records in Garrett County:

Categories

Criminal RecordsCourt RecordsInmate RecordsArrest recordsWarrant SearchProperty RecordsDivorce Records