Baltimore County Recorder of Deeds: Official Search, Deed Copies & Clerk’s Office
Looking for the deed to a home in Towson, Catonsville, Pikesville, Dundalk or another part of Baltimore County? The office you need is the Land Records Department of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County.
Maryland does not have a separate Baltimore County office officially called the Recorder of Deeds. The Circuit Court Clerk records deeds, mortgages and other land instruments, while the Maryland State Archives provides the online Maryland Land Records search system.
Below, you can follow the correct search process, find a deed from a property address, understand Maryland’s book-and-page references, request a certified copy and locate the Clerk’s Office in Towson.
Who Is the Baltimore County Recorder of Deeds?
The Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County serves the recording function commonly called the Recorder of Deeds. Its Land Records Department receives and maintains documents affecting real property, including deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust and certain liens.
Find an Existing Deed
Use Maryland Land Records, the statewide system maintained through the Maryland Judiciary and Maryland State Archives. Select Baltimore County after logging in.
Search Maryland Land Records ↗Search by Property Address
Baltimore County address searches begin in Maryland SDAT Real Property Data Search. Find the deed reference in the property record, then use that reference in Maryland Land Records.
Follow address-search steps →Record a New Deed
Contact the Baltimore County Circuit Court Clerk’s Land Records Recording division. Deeds may require tax and other endorsements before recording.
Call 410-887-2651Maryland Land Records Changed: What to Know Before Searching
Maryland State Archives launched an updated version of its Land Records website in November 2025. This matters because some older tutorials show a different login screen or search menu.
New Accounts and Email Verification
The updated system requires a new account, including for people who used the earlier MDLandRec website. The Archives states that previous accounts cannot be transferred to the new system.
Users sign in with an email address and password and may need to enter a security code delivered to their email.
Different Search Controls
The current system supports search modifiers, including options such as Begins With, Ends With and Contains.
The Archives also updated the Indices navigation. Older instructions mentioning the previous “Active Indices” interface may not match the new layout.
How to Search Baltimore County Deeds Online
Start with the current Maryland State Archives portal. You can search using a person’s or company’s name, or jump to a specific deed when you have its book-and-page reference.
Open Maryland Land Records
Go to the official Maryland Land Records login. If you have not used the updated portal, choose the account-creation option.
Complete Account Verification
Enter your email and password. If a security code is requested, check the inbox associated with your account. If you do not see the message, check your spam or junk folder.
Maryland State Archives provides technical assistance at 410-260-6487.
Select Baltimore County
Find the county selection field and choose Baltimore County, not Baltimore City. The selection controls which county’s land-record indexes are searched.
Choose a Search Method
Search by individual name, corporation name or deed book-and-page citation, depending on what you know. Use the available search modifiers if the exact spelling is uncertain.
For a conveyance, the grantor is generally the person transferring an interest and the grantee is the recipient.
Review the Index Results
Compare the parties, document type, recording date, and book-and-page reference. Do not select a record based on a matching surname alone.
If you are tracing ownership, search both the previous owner and current owner and compare related records.
View the Recorded Instrument
Open the matching record and review the document image. Check its legal description, parties, deed date, recording information and signatures.
Depending on portal functionality and record type, the instrument may be available as a complete document or as individual page images.
Save the Liber and Folio
Write down the deed’s book and page numbers. Maryland records often use the words liber for book and folio for page.
These numbers are useful when ordering certified copies, researching older transfers or requesting help from the Clerk.
How to Find a Baltimore County Deed Using Only a Street Address
Maryland Land Records supports direct street-address searching for Baltimore City, but not Baltimore County. This is an important difference.
For a property in Baltimore County, start with Maryland’s State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) database to find the deed reference.
Open Maryland SDAT Real Property Search
Visit the official SDAT search instructions and follow its link to the Real Property Data Search application.
As of April 2026, SDAT may require a device-verification step before granting access. Its official guidance warns that certain external deep links no longer work reliably.
Choose Baltimore County and Street Address
Select Baltimore County in the jurisdiction menu. Choose the Street Address search method and enter the address as requested by SDAT.
Use SDAT’s Address Formatting Rules
SDAT specifically advises users to omit directional prefixes and street suffixes such as Road, Avenue or Street. Search with the street number and base street name using the fields provided.
This is a formatting example, not an actual parcel or verified street address.
Open the Matching Property Record
Compare the address, account identifier and owner details. Find the Owner Information section, where SDAT commonly displays the deed reference.
Copy the Deed Reference
You may see a reference written as 6535/240. Maryland Land Records explains that this format means book 6535, page 240.
The reference is an illustrative example from Maryland’s official guidance, not a deed identified for your property.
Search That Reference in MDLandRec
Return to Maryland Land Records, select Baltimore County, and use its book-and-page lookup. Enter the reference and open the matching deed image.
How to Read a Maryland Deed Reference and Land-Record Index
A land-record result is not the same as a property tax account. These fields help you identify the actual recorded instrument before ordering copies or making decisions about ownership.
| Field | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Grantor | Person or entity transferring or granting an interest. | Useful when researching a previous owner or seller. |
| Grantee | Person or entity receiving the interest. | Helps identify the recipient of a deed or other instrument. |
| Liber / Book | Volume reference used to identify the recorded document. | Required for a direct book-and-page lookup. |
| Folio / Page | Page location within the referenced book. | Use together with the book number. |
| Instrument Type | Deed, mortgage, deed of trust, release or another recorded document. | Prevents confusing an ownership transfer with a security instrument. |
| Recording Date | Date the document entered the land records. | May differ from the date the instrument was signed. |
| Legal Description | Written identification of the real property affected. | Important for checking that the document relates to the intended parcel. |
What Documents Can You Find in Baltimore County Land Records?
Deeds and Property Transfers
Recorded deeds may document a transfer of a legal interest in a parcel. Examine the grantor, grantee, legal description and date before concluding that the instrument concerns the intended property.
Mortgages and Deeds of Trust
These instruments can secure a loan against real property. Search related assignments, modifications and releases when researching whether a recorded security interest has changed or been discharged.
Recorded Liens and Releases
Certain liens and releases can appear among land records. However, not every relevant judgment or tax obligation will appear as an ordinary deed-index entry.
Easements and Other Property Instruments
Records can include easements, powers of attorney and other documents affecting property interests. Subdivision plats are handled through Maryland’s separate plat-record resources.
How to Record a Deed in Baltimore County, Maryland
Recording a new deed is different from viewing an existing one. Maryland deed transfers may require endorsements, tax review, signatures and payment before the Clerk accepts the instrument for recording.
Prepare the Correct Legal Instrument
Use a properly prepared deed with an accurate legal description and required execution details. If you are conveying property, adding or removing an owner, or changing how title is held, consider consulting a Maryland real-estate attorney or title professional.
Check Local Tax and Endorsement Requirements
Maryland Courts explains that deeds may need county finance or other official endorsements before they can be recorded. Depending on the transaction, recordation tax, state transfer tax, county transfer tax or other taxes may apply.
For Baltimore County, verify the applicable review and endorsement process before visiting the Clerk.
Confirm the Recording Charges
Recording costs can include statutory recording fees, surcharges and taxes. A conveyance may have substantially different charges from a simple release.
Call 410-887-2651 for Baltimore County Land Records Recording instructions, or consult the official Maryland Courts fee guidance.
Submit the Document Through an Accepted Method
The County Clerk is located at 401 Bosley Avenue, second floor, Towson. Verify the approved submission method, payment requirements and any needed endorsements before submitting an original instrument.
The Clerk’s general information page states that documents cannot be filed directly by ordinary electronic transmission under Maryland Rule 1-322. Do not interpret that restriction as a complete description of any separately authorized electronic recording procedure.
Keep the Recorded Reference
Once the document is accepted and recorded, retain the official book-and-page or other recording reference. Confirm the indexed names and document information after processing.
Baltimore County Deed Recording Fees vs. Transfer Taxes
There is no single price that covers every Baltimore County deed. Some charges are court recording fees, while others are state or local taxes calculated from the transaction or its taxable consideration.
| Charge | What It Covers | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Fee | Statutory charge for entering an eligible instrument into land records. | Check Maryland Circuit Court recording-fee guidance and confirm with Baltimore County Land Records. |
| Recording Surcharge | Additional statutory charge on certain recorded instruments. | Check the current statewide fee schedule and any applicable exceptions. |
| Maryland Recordation Tax | Tax arising from recording certain instruments, subject to applicable rates and exemptions. | Verify the current Baltimore County rate and taxable basis with the responsible tax office. |
| State Transfer Tax | Potential tax on qualifying transfers of real property. | Check Maryland’s current transfer-tax law and applicable exemptions. |
| County Transfer Tax | Potential local charge on qualifying conveyances. | Verify current county requirements before closing or recording. |
| Copy and Certification Fees | Charges for official document copies and certification. | Confirm the fee with the Clerk or Maryland State Archives ordering service. |
How to Obtain a Certified Copy of a Baltimore County Deed
A document image viewed online can help with ordinary research. A lender, court, estate administrator or government agency may instead require an officially certified copy.
Option 1: Maryland State Archives
The Maryland State Archives provides land-record access and points users needing certified copies to its official ordering service.
- Find the correct deed in MDLandRec.
- Write down the county, book and page.
- Visit the Archives’ deed-and-mortgage information page.
- Use the official certified-copy ordering option.
- Confirm the charge and delivery instructions before payment.
Option 2: Circuit Court Clerk
You may also contact the Baltimore County Land Records Department for information about obtaining a certified copy through the court.
- Prepare the deed reference and party names.
- Call the Clerk’s main office at 410-887-2601.
- Ask about land-record copy and certification procedures.
- Confirm the fee, acceptable payment and pickup or mailing options.
Baltimore County Recorder of Deeds Office Address, Phone and Hours
Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County
Street address:
County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue, 2nd Floor
Towson, MD 21204
Main phone:
410-887-2601
Land Records Recording:
410-887-2651
Land Records Indexing:
410-887-3088
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Closed on applicable court holidays.
Mailing Address and Visit Planning
Official mailing address:
Clerk’s Office
P.O. Box 6754
Towson, MD 21285-6754
Call before mailing an original deed. Ask about the current recording package, required tax endorsements, acceptable payment method and return arrangements.
If you plan to visit in person, allow time for parking and building entry. The office is in the County Courts Building, not a separate “Recorder of Deeds” storefront.
For the current court directory, operating hours and accessibility contact information, use the official Maryland Courts page.
View Court Directory ↗Map shows the County Courts Building in Towson. Confirm parking and visitor access before traveling.
Baltimore County Land Records vs. SDAT vs. County Finance
Using the wrong office can cost you time. Maryland divides deed recording, property assessments, property taxes and title-related services among different organizations.
| Your Question | Correct Starting Point | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Where is my recorded deed? | MDLandRec / Circuit Court Clerk | Searches recorded land instruments. |
| What is the deed book and page? | SDAT or MDLandRec | SDAT may list the latest deed reference; MDLandRec lets you search recorded instruments. |
| What is my property’s assessed value? | Maryland SDAT | Maintains real-property assessment information. |
| Where do I pay property taxes? | Baltimore County Finance | Handles local property-tax billing and collection functions. |
| Where are subdivision plats? | Maryland State Archives plat system | Provides access to recorded plat images. |
| Does this property have clear title? | Maryland attorney or title professional | Requires legal review beyond a basic public-record search. |
| Is there a foreclosure lawsuit? | Maryland Judiciary Case Search / court records | Foreclosure proceedings are court cases, not simply deed records. |
Why Your Baltimore County Deed Search May Show No Results
Wrong Jurisdiction
Baltimore City and Baltimore County are separate. Confirm the property’s jurisdiction using SDAT before selecting the county in MDLandRec.
Party Name Does Not Match
Try the former owner, alternate spelling or an available partial-match search. A property may also be recorded under a company or trust name.
Address Search Unavailable
Baltimore County does not have the same direct address-search function available for Baltimore City in Maryland Land Records. Use SDAT to obtain the deed reference.
Login or Email Code Problem
Check spam and junk folders, verify the correct email address and consult the Archives’ account help. Older MDLandRec credentials may not work on the updated portal.
Older Record Not Found
Explore historical indexes and archived records. Maryland State Archives maintains resources extending beyond modern electronically indexed land instruments.
Wrong Document Type
A deed, mortgage, release or court judgment may be indexed differently. Broaden the search rather than assuming every instrument affecting the property is included under a deed search.
When Baltimore County Land Records Are Not Enough
Court Judgments
Some judgment liens may require a search of court case information. Maryland Courts recommends checking Judiciary Case Search for judgments involving the property owner.
Open Maryland Case Search ↗Accept the access terms, search the relevant party, and review matching case information carefully.
Subdivision Plats
For recorded subdivision plats, use the Maryland State Archives plat system rather than assuming the deed image includes a usable survey.
Open Maryland Plats ↗Choose the relevant jurisdiction and use the available plat reference or search instructions.
Outstanding Property Taxes
A deed may not tell you whether the property’s current tax bill has been paid. Confirm tax balances through Baltimore County’s official finance services.
Open County Finance ↗Find the property-tax service and use the account details requested by the county.
Official Baltimore County Deed Search and Office Links
These government resources serve different parts of the process. Follow the short instructions below each link rather than relying on an unofficial property-record directory.
1. Maryland Land Records — Official Document Search
Modern and historical land-record access provided by Maryland State Archives.
- Create or sign in to your current Archives account.
- Complete email verification if prompted.
- Select Baltimore County.
- Search by party name or book/page reference.
- Open the record and save its citation.
2. SDAT — Property Address and Deed Reference
Useful when you know a street address but not the recorded deed’s book and page.
- Follow the official link to Real Property Data Search.
- Select Baltimore County and Street Address.
- Enter the street name without direction or suffix.
- Open the correct property account.
- Find the deed reference under Owner Information.
3. Baltimore County Circuit Court Clerk
Office address, hours, telephone numbers and Land Records divisions.
- Open the Clerk’s general information page.
- Find Land Records Recording or Land Records Indexing.
- Call the appropriate department.
- Confirm recording or certified-copy requirements before traveling.
4. Maryland Courts — Land Records Help
Official explanation of records, liens, deed copies, recording and property-transfer costs.
- Read the section matching your task.
- For a new deed, review recording requirements and taxes.
- For a lien, check the court’s explanation of other relevant records.
- Contact a qualified attorney or title company if the transaction requires legal interpretation.
5. Maryland State Archives — Updated Portal Guide
Current guidance about logins, search modifiers, historical indexes and ordering records.
- Review the updated MDLandRec guidance.
- Check account and search instructions if an old tutorial no longer matches.
- Use the certified-copy order service if you need an authenticated record.
What to Do After Finding Your Baltimore County Deed
You Found the Correct Deed
Keep the book-and-page reference, recording information and document image. If you need an official copy, contact the Clerk or use Maryland State Archives’ certified-copy ordering service.
The Deed Has an Apparent Error
Check whether the problem is only an indexing error or an issue within the deed itself. Contact Land Records Indexing for the former and a qualified legal professional for a potentially defective conveyance.
You Found a Mortgage or Lien
Look for related assignments, releases and other instruments. A recorded release may clarify the status of a particular security interest, but a full title review may still be necessary.
Your Property Is Missing
Recheck Baltimore County versus Baltimore City, search a previous owner, verify the deed reference in SDAT and consult historical indexes. Contact the Clerk if you still cannot locate the record.
Baltimore County Recorder of Deeds FAQs
Does Baltimore County have a Recorder of Deeds office?
Baltimore County’s deed-recording function is handled by the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County through its Land Records Department. There is no separate local office formally titled Recorder of Deeds.
Where can I search Baltimore County deeds online?
Use Maryland Land Records at landrec.msa.maryland.gov. Create or sign in to your Maryland State Archives account, select Baltimore County and search by name or book-and-page reference.
Can I search Baltimore County deeds by street address?
Not directly through the same address-search feature available for Baltimore City in Maryland Land Records. For Baltimore County, search the address using Maryland SDAT Real Property Data Search, obtain the deed book-and-page reference and look it up in MDLandRec.
What is a liber and folio in Maryland land records?
Liber means the deed book or volume, while folio means the page. Together they form a reference used to find a recorded land instrument.
Where is the Baltimore County Land Records office?
The Clerk’s Office is in the County Courts Building at 401 Bosley Avenue, second floor, Towson, Maryland 21204. The main telephone number is 410-887-2601.
What phone number handles Baltimore County deed recording?
The Baltimore County Clerk lists Land Records Recording at 410-887-2651 and Land Records Indexing at 410-887-3088.
Can I get a certified copy of my Baltimore County deed?
Yes. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk or follow Maryland State Archives’ official certified-copy ordering instructions. Have the county and deed book-and-page reference ready and confirm current copy and certification charges.
Are Baltimore County and Baltimore City land records the same?
No. They are separate recording jurisdictions. Baltimore County records are handled through the Circuit Court Clerk in Towson, while Baltimore City has its own Circuit Court land-record operation. Select the property’s actual jurisdiction when searching.
Why does my old MDLandRec login no longer work?
Maryland State Archives introduced an updated Land Records system in November 2025 and says users of the previous system must create a new account. The updated portal also uses email-based verification.
Can land records prove that a Baltimore County property has clear title?
No. Recorded deeds and related instruments are important evidence, but a search alone does not establish clear title or rule out every lien, judgment, easement or other interest. Consult a Maryland title professional or attorney when a title determination is necessary.
Source Verification and Independent Editorial Notice
Last reviewed: October 25, 2026.
This page explains Baltimore County’s land-record procedures using official Maryland Judiciary, Maryland State Archives, Baltimore County Circuit Court Clerk and Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation resources.
It distinguishes Baltimore County from Baltimore City, explains the current MDLandRec account system, shows how to obtain a deed reference from SDAT and identifies separate recording and indexing phone numbers.
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational website. It is not operated by the Baltimore County Circuit Court, Maryland Judiciary, Maryland State Archives or Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation.
The website does not issue certified deeds, record conveyances, conduct title examinations or provide legal representation. Confirm fees, recording requirements and the availability of government services with the responsible agency.
Public land records should not be treated as consumer reports or used as a substitute for legally compliant employment, tenant, credit or insurance screening.