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Washington County, Maryland public records

In Washington County, deeds are recorded by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County - Land Records; property values come from the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation - Washington County assessment office; court files are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County.

Last checked against official sources on .

On this page
  1. Where to get each record
  2. Deeds and land records
  3. Property values, owners and tax bills
  4. Court records: which clerk keeps which case
  5. Marriage records
  6. Divorce records
  7. Birth certificates
  8. Death certificates
  9. Probate records and wills
  10. Business names (DBA)
  11. Voter records
  12. Historical records
  13. Good to know about Washington County records
  14. Office addresses, phones and hours
  15. Records that are not online: public records requests
  16. Questions people ask
  17. Official copies vs look-alike sites
  18. Sources

Where to get each record

RecordOfficeSearch onlineFee
Deeds and land recordsClerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County - Land Records4Search deeds2Free search$0.50 per page (plats $0.50 per 11x17 page, $1 per larger page)3
Property values and ownersMaryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation - Washington County assessment office5Property search6Free search—
Property tax billsWashington County Treasurer's Office7Tax bill search7Free search—
Court casesClerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County4Circuit Court for Washington County6
District Court of Maryland, Washington County6		Circuit Court: copies $0.50/page; certification $5 + $0.50/page. District Court: photocopies $0.50/page; certification $5 per request plus photocopy fee.8
Divorce recordsClerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County4——
Birth certificatesStatewide: Maryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Administration, Division of Vital Records (Baltimore)10—State fee: $10 per certified copy (MDH); online via VitalChek adds $13 processing; local health department fees vary9
Death certificatesStatewide: MDH Division of Vital Records for deaths in 2012 or later; earlier deaths at the Maryland State Archives11—State fee: $10 first certified copy, $12 each additional copy in the same transaction (MDH); VitalChek adds $13; local health departments set their own fees9
Probate and willsRegister of Wills for Washington County14Search probate cases12Free searchStatutory: photocopies $0.50/page; copies incl. plain certification and seal $2/page; certified copy with seal $1; exemplified copy $213
Business names (DBA)Trade names (DBAs) are filed statewide with SDAT, not with counties16Search business names15—

Deeds and land records

Deeds, mortgages and other land documents for property in Washington County are recorded by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County - Land Records.4

Online search
landrec.msa.maryland.gov2Free search
About this search
MDLANDREC, run by the Judiciary and the Maryland State Archives; free, but you must create an account. Plats: Plats.net.2
Years online
Colonial period to present (per Maryland State Archives)17
Holder
Department of Land Records in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of each of the 23 counties and Baltimore City (24 offices)2
Copy fee
$0.50 per page (plats $0.50 per 11x17 page, $1 per larger page)3
Certified copy fee
$5 per certification plus $0.50 per page; exemplification/triple seal $103
Recording fee
Statutory base: $10 release ≤9 pp; $20 other instrument ≤9 pp or any principal-residence instrument; $75 for any other instrument of 10 or more pages — plus a $40 surcharge (clerk chart shows totals $60 / $115 / $50 for instruments executed on or after 7/1/2011). Some fees and taxes are paid to the county or city finance office instead.3
How to order
Search MDLANDREC online (free account) or use public terminals at the courthouse; find the book (liber) and page reference on SDAT Real Property Search; a land records clerk can help locate a deed.2
Electronic recording
Instruments can be submitted by Simplifile, mail, or in person4
Local search
In person at the Clerk's office, or online via MDLandRec4

How deeds work in Maryland

Property values, owners and tax bills

The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) - Washington County assessment office sets property values5; the Washington County Treasurer's Office bills and collects the tax7.

Property search
SDAT Real Property Search (sdat.dat.maryland.gov/…) — free ownership, value and sales data for every parcel6
Tax search: cost
Free search by parcel ID or address (no login); online payment fees: eCheck $1.95 flat, card 3.3% (min $2.50)18
Appealing a value
Three levels: (1) Supervisor's level appeal to SDAT within 45 days of the assessment notice (or petition for review / new-owner appeal within 60 days of a Jan 1–Jun 30 transfer); (2) Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board (PTAAB) within 30 days of the final notice; (3) Maryland Tax Court within 30 days of the PTAAB order. No filing fees at levels 2 and 3.5
Due dates
Annual bills and first semi-annual installment due by September 30; second installment by December 3120
Delinquent
1% per month interest and penalty; tax lien sale generally in June of the following year20
Excess funds
Treasurer publishes an Excess/Surplus Funds List7

How property tax works in Maryland

Court records: which clerk keeps which case

CourtCasesRecords kept byCase search
Circuit Court for Washington County (4th Judicial Circuit)Unified state Judiciary: Supreme Court of Maryland and Appellate Court of Maryland (Annapolis); Circuit Courts in each of the 23 counties and Baltimore City (8 judicial circuits; jury trials, serious criminal, major civil, divorce/family); District Court of Maryland (34 locations in 12 districts; landlord-tenant, traffic, misdemeanors, exclusive jurisdiction in civil claims of $5,000 or less; concurrent with the circuit courts above $5,000 but less than $30,000).21Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington Countycasesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch Maryland Judiciary Case Search - District and Circuit Court cases; summary of the case file only, not for background checks6
District Court of Maryland, Washington County (11th District)Unified state Judiciary: Supreme Court of Maryland and Appellate Court of Maryland (Annapolis); Circuit Courts in each of the 23 counties and Baltimore City (8 judicial circuits; jury trials, serious criminal, major civil, divorce/family); District Court of Maryland (34 locations in 12 districts; landlord-tenant, traffic, misdemeanors, exclusive jurisdiction in civil claims of $5,000 or less; concurrent with the circuit courts above $5,000 but less than $30,000).21Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County (civil, family)casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch Maryland Judiciary Case Search - District and Circuit Court cases; summary of the case file only, not for background checks6
Fees
Circuit Court: copies $0.50/page; certification $5 + $0.50/page. District Court: photocopies $0.50/page; certification $5 per request plus photocopy fee.8

Criminal records and background checks

Which court
Maryland Judiciary Case Search (casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch) - District and Circuit Court cases; summary of the case file only, not for background checks6
What is public
Court records are generally open; view paper files at the clerk's office of the courthouse where the case was heard. Case Search no longer shows criminal charges ending in nolle prosequi, dismissal or acquittal, stets after 3 years, and certain cannabis possession charges (still viewable at the courthouse).22

How Maryland courts keep their files

Marriage records

License issued by
Clerk of the Circuit Court of the county where the ceremony will be performed23
Marriage license fee
$10 statutory base plus county-set domestic-violence surcharge (up to $25 generally; caps vary by county, e.g., up to $75 Baltimore City, $65 Frederick, $60 Prince George's); exact total varies by county24
Certified copy
State: MDH Division of Vital Records issues certified copies for marriages on or after January 1, 2007 ($12; record search fee not refunded). Earlier marriages: Clerk of the Circuit Court of the county or Maryland State Archives (MSA holds 1952-2011 for most counties; 1952-2015 for Anne Arundel and Montgomery; $25 certified / $5 uncertified).25
Local office
Apply in person at the Clerk of the Circuit Court, 24 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740; civil ceremonies by appointment4

Divorce records

Kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County, whose cases include “jury trials, serious criminal, major civil, divorce/family)”.4

Decree held by
Clerk of the Circuit Court that granted the divorce (copies $0.50/page; certified +$5)26
State verification
MDH Division of Vital Records issues a Verification of Divorce (not the decree) for divorces/annulments on or after January 1, 1992; $1226

Birth certificates

Where Maryland keeps it: Maryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Administration, Division of Vital Records (Baltimore).10

Local office
Washington County Health Department, 1302 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown; walk-in; $20; cash, Visa or MasterCard27
State
Maryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Administration, Division of Vital Records (Baltimore); also some local health departments; records older than 100 years at Maryland State Archives28
State fee
$10 per certified copy (MDH); online via VitalChek adds $13 processing; local health department fees vary9
Who may order
The registrant; a parent named on the certificate; a court-appointed guardian (foster care appointment not acceptable); a surviving spouse; or a representative with a notarized letter from the individual, a parent named on the certificate, or the guardian28

Ordering a Maryland birth certificate

Death certificates

Where Maryland keeps it: MDH Division of Vital Records for deaths in 2012 or later; earlier deaths at the Maryland State Archives.11

Local office
Washington County Health Department, 1302 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown; walk-in; $2027
State
MDH Division of Vital Records for deaths in 2012 or later; earlier deaths at the Maryland State Archives29
State fee
$10 first certified copy, $12 each additional copy in the same transaction (MDH); VitalChek adds $13; local health departments set their own fees9

Ordering a Maryland death certificate

Probate records and wills

Kept by the Register of Wills for Washington County (clerk to the Orphans' Court).14

About this search
Register of Wills Estate Search : free; decedent, case number, personal representative, docket; 1998 to present for all jurisdictions (some older); copies can be ordered12
Copy fee
Statutory: photocopies $0.50/page; copies incl. plain certification and seal $2/page; certified copy with seal $1; exemplified copy $213
Probate fee
Based on probate estate value: $0 under $50,000; $100 ($50k-$100k); $200 ($100k-$500k); $1,000 ($500k-$1M); up to $10,000 + 0.02% over $10M13

Finding a will or probate case in Maryland

Business names (DBA)

Trade names (DBAs) are filed statewide with SDAT, not with counties16

About this search
Maryland Business Express Business Search — SDAT entities and trade names15

Voter records

Local board
Washington County Board of Elections, 17718 Virginia Avenue, Hagerstown; (240) 313-205030
List
$125 per statewide list; $75 per county, district or municipality list; delivered within 10 working days31
Access
A copy of the voter registration list is provided to a Maryland registered voter who files a written application and a statement, signed under oath, that the list is not intended for commercial solicitation or any other purpose not related to the electoral process32

Historical records

State archives
Maryland State Archives (Annapolis): births to 1925, deaths to 2014, marriages 1952-2011/2015, court and land records; in-person self-service scans $1/page (first 20 free); orders online17

Good to know about Washington County records

  • Washington County was established in 1776 and named for then-General George Washington.33
  • All real property is assessed by the state (SDAT) on a three-year cycle; the county Treasurer only bills and collects.34
  • Delinquent property taxes accrue 1% per month (12% a year) and the lien is sold at the annual tax lien sale held on or before June 30.34

Office addresses, phones and hours

Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County - Land Records

Address
24 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 217404
Phone
301-733-8660, option 4 (Land Records); other Clerk lines 301-790-7941, 301-790-4972, 301-790-74134
Hours
Office open 8:30 AM-4:30 PM; phones answered 8:00 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday except State holidays4

Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) - Washington County assessment office

Washington County Treasurer's Office

Address
Washington County Office Building, 35 West Washington Street, Suite 102, Hagerstown, MD 21740-48687
Mail
Tax payments by mail: BoCC of Washington County-Property Tax, Post Office Box 69743, Baltimore, MD 21264-974320
Phone
240-313-2110; fax 240-313-21117
Hours
Monday-Thursday 7:30am-4:00pm; Friday 7:30am-3:00pm7

Register of Wills for Washington County (clerk to the Orphans' Court)

Address
100 W. Washington Street, Suite 3400, Hagerstown, Maryland 2174014
Phone
301-739-3612 (main); 301-739-3619 (alternate); 888-739-0013 (toll free); fax 301-733-863614
Email
"Click Here" email link on the Register's page; filings are not accepted by email14
Hours
8:00am-4:30pm Monday-Friday; open to the public 8:30am-4:00pm14

Washington County Health Department (birth and death certificates)

Address
1302 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 2174227
Hours
8:00 am - 4:00 pm; walk-in27

Washington County Board of Elections

Address
17718 Virginia Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 2174030

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Phone
240-313-2275 (GIS Office Main)19

Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County

Address
24 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 217404
Phone
301-733-8660, option 3 (Criminal); other Clerk lines 301-790-7941, 301-790-4972, 301-790-74134
Hours
Office open 8:30 AM-4:30 PM; phones answered 8:00 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday except State holidays4

Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County (civil, family)

Address
24 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 217404
Phone
301-733-8660, option 2 (Civil); other Clerk lines 301-790-7941, 301-790-4972, 301-790-74134
Hours
Office open 8:30 AM-4:30 PM; phones answered 8:00 am-4:30 pm Monday-Friday except State holidays4

Records that are not online: public records requests

Where to send it
Public Records Contact: County Attorney's Office, 100 W. Washington Street, Suite 1101, Hagerstown, MD 21740; 240-313-2230; [email protected]35

How to write a public records request

Questions people ask

How do I get a copy of a deed in Washington County?

The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Washington County - Land Records keeps deed records. To order copies: Search MDLANDREC online (free account) or use public terminals at the courthouse; find the book (liber) and page reference on SDAT Real Property Search; a land records clerk can help locate a deed. Plain copies: $0.50 per page (plats $0.50 per 11x17 page, $1 per larger page). Certified copies: $5 per certification plus $0.50 per page; exemplification/triple seal $10.423

How much does a marriage license cost in Washington County?

$10 statutory base plus county-set domestic-violence surcharge (up to $25 generally; caps vary by county, e.g., up to $75 Baltimore City, $65 Frederick, $60 Prince George's); exact total varies by county.24

How do I look up who owns a property in Washington County?

Use the property search of the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) - Washington County assessment office: sdat.dat.maryland.gov/…6

Official copies vs look-alike sites

A certified copy comes only from the office that holds the record; reports and "research copies" sold by commercial sites are not issued by any Washington County office. How to tell an official record source from a paid look-alike.

Other counties and independent cities in Maryland with a full guide: Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Calvert County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Charles County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, St. Mary's County, Wicomico County. Every county and independent city in the state: Maryland county and independent city list. Looking for another Washington County? Washington County, Arkansas; Washington County, Minnesota; Washington County, Ohio; Washington County, Oregon; Washington County, Pennsylvania; Washington County, Rhode Island; Washington County, Tennessee; Washington County, Utah; Washington County, Wisconsin.

Sources

Every fact above links to the official page it comes from. Fees and rules change, so check the office's own page before you pay or travel.

  1. Government Units List 2026US Census Bureauchecked November 4, 2026
  2. Land Records (Court Help)Maryland Judiciarychecked November 6, 2026
  3. Summary of Charges, Costs, and Fees of the Clerks of the Circuit CourtMaryland Judiciarychecked November 6, 2026
  4. Circuit Court for Washington County, MD - Clerk's OfficeMaryland Judiciarychecked November 6, 2026
  5. Assessment Appeal ProcessMaryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT)checked November 6, 2026
  6. Court Records (Case Search)Maryland Judiciarychecked November 6, 2026
  7. Treasurer's OfficeWashington County, Marylandchecked November 6, 2026
  8. District Court of Maryland Cost Schedule (DCA-109)Maryland Judiciarychecked November 6, 2026
  9. Md. Code, Health-General § 4-217 (copies of vital records; fees)Maryland General Assembly (Department of Legislative Services)checked November 6, 2026
  10. Birth CertificatesMaryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Administrationchecked November 4, 2026
  11. Request Death and Fetal Death CertificatesMaryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Administrationchecked November 4, 2026
  12. Estate Search FAQMaryland Registers of Willschecked November 6, 2026
  13. Md. Code, Estates and Trusts § 2-206 (Register of Wills fees)Maryland General Assembly (Department of Legislative Services)checked November 6, 2026
  14. Register of Wills for Washington CountyMaryland Registers of Willschecked November 6, 2026
  15. Maryland Business Express - Fee ScheduleMaryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) via Maryland Business Express (egov.maryland.gov)checked November 6, 2026
  16. Md. Code, Corporations and Associations § 1-406 (trade names)Maryland General Assembly (Department of Legislative Services)checked November 6, 2026
  17. Frequently Asked QuestionsMaryland State Archiveschecked November 6, 2026
  18. Real Estate Property Tax search (Tyler Munis Self Service, linked by the Treasurer)Washington County, MD (vendor portal)checked November 6, 2026
  19. Geographic Information Systems (GIS)Washington County, Marylandchecked November 6, 2026
  20. Property Tax Payment InfoWashington County, Marylandchecked November 6, 2026
  21. Directory of CourtsMaryland Judiciarychecked November 6, 2026
  22. Access to Court Records (Court Help)Maryland Judiciarychecked November 6, 2026
  23. Md. Code, Family Law § 2-401 (marriage license required)Maryland General Assembly (Department of Legislative Services)checked November 6, 2026
  24. Md. Code, Family Law § 2-404 (marriage license fees)Maryland General Assembly (Department of Legislative Services)checked November 6, 2026
  25. Marriage CertificatesMaryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Administrationchecked November 6, 2026
  26. Divorce VerificationMaryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Administrationchecked November 6, 2026
  27. Local health departments issuing certificatesMaryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Administrationchecked November 6, 2026
  28. Birth CertificatesMaryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Administrationchecked November 6, 2026
  29. Request Death and Fetal Death CertificatesMaryland Department of Health, Vital Statistics Administrationchecked November 6, 2026
  30. Contact UsWashington County, Marylandchecked November 6, 2026
  31. Voter Registration Data / list requestsMaryland State Board of Electionschecked November 6, 2026
  32. Md. Code, Election Law § 3-506 (copies of voter registration lists)Maryland General Assembly (Department of Legislative Services)checked November 6, 2026
  33. About Washington County, MDWashington County, Marylandchecked November 6, 2026
  34. Treasurer's Office F.A.Q.Washington County, Marylandchecked November 6, 2026
  35. Maryland Public Information Act (County Attorney's Office)Washington County, Marylandchecked November 6, 2026
  36. County population totals: Vintage 2025 (July 1, 2025)US Census Bureauchecked November 4, 2026