The Maryland State Archives is set to launch a new version of the Maryland Land Records website, https://mdlandrec.net, in May 2025, where users will incur a charge of $0.20 per page to view and download modern records.
BizJournals reports that “News of the fee this week jolted several groups who routinely use the state public records system, including title companies, realtors, commercial and industrial brokers, auctioneers and journalists.” This decision marks the first instance of a state agency charging for access to land records. It comes as the Maryland State Archives aims for financial stability, with $20 million from its budget set to be transferred to the general fund to help address a $3 billion state budget shortfall currently under discussion.
The updated version of the website will feature what the Maryland State Archives refer to as several enhancements, including the accessibility of all search criteria on a single screen, the addition of new search fields, increased website stability, and improved security features.
Users will incur a charge of $0.20 per page to view and download modern records that are less than 100 years old online. However, all index files and records that are 100 years old or older will continue to be available for free viewing and downloading online.
Access to records at the Maryland State Archives Search Room in Annapolis and the local Circuit Courts will remain unchanged.