Calvert County Background Check Records
Calvert County background check and criminal court records are kept at the Circuit Court Clerk's office in Prince Frederick. The court holds public case files for criminal, civil, and family law matters filed in Calvert County. You can search these records online through the Maryland Judiciary Case Search or visit the courthouse in person during regular business hours.
Calvert County Overview
Calvert County Circuit Court Clerk
The Circuit Court Clerk's office for Calvert County is at 175 Main Street in Prince Frederick. The main phone number is (410) 535-1600 with extension 2300. Always dial the extension when calling, as it connects you directly to the clerk's office rather than a general county line. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Calvert County Circuit Court Clerk's page on the Maryland courts website lists contact information, department details, and resources for accessing court records in Prince Frederick.
The court handles criminal cases, civil cases, family law matters, and land records. MDEC electronic filing is in place for attorneys. If you are searching for background check records in Calvert County, the clerk's office can help you find case files, but they cannot provide legal advice or run background checks through the state system on your behalf.
| Address | 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (410) 535-1600 ext. 2300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | mdcourts.gov/clerks/calvert |
How to Search Calvert County Criminal and Background Check Records
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search is the best starting point for background check record searches in Calvert County. This free online portal covers all Maryland courts, including the Calvert County Circuit Court and District Court. You can search by name or case number. Use the advanced options to filter by court type or case type. The system shows case summaries with party names, charges, hearing dates, and dispositions. It updates throughout the day as court clerks enter new data.
In-person searches at the Prince Frederick courthouse let you view the full case file rather than just the summary. Bring the name of the person you are searching or a case number if you have it. The clerk can search by name. Bring a valid photo ID and payment in case you want copies. The fee is $0.50 per page for standard copies, plus $5.00 if you need certification.
Mail requests are accepted. Send a written description of what you need, include payment, and add a self-addressed stamped envelope to avoid the $2.00 mail handling fee. Address mail requests to the Circuit Court for Calvert County, 175 Main Street, Prince Frederick, MD 20678.
Calvert County Records Fees
Standard copy fees in Calvert County are $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 extra plus the per-page rate. Exemplified copies, which are used for some legal proceedings, cost $10.00 extra plus the per-page fee. If your request is sent by mail, you will pay a $2.00 handling fee unless you include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.
Check with the clerk's office before submitting a large records request. For requests where the total page count is unknown, you can write "not to exceed" and a maximum amount so the clerk can process what is available within your budget. Call (410) 535-1600 ext. 2300 to ask about fees before you visit or mail anything.
Maryland Judiciary Case Search for Calvert County
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search at casesearch.courts.state.md.us covers Calvert County Circuit Court and District Court records. The system launched in 2006 and was redesigned in February 2024 for better usability. It is free to use and available around the clock. You do not need an account, but you must accept the terms before each search session.
Some records are not visible in Case Search. Juvenile cases, sealed cases, and certain dismissed or acquitted charges do not appear in search results. Cases where a nolle prosequi was entered, a stet was placed three or more years ago, or cannabis possession charges disposed before July 1, 2023 are also not shown. If you cannot find a record you believe exists, visit the courthouse in person, as some records are only available there.
For historical Calvert County court records that are not in Case Search, the Maryland State Archives may have them. A full case file costs $50.00 through the State Archives order form. A criminal disposition document costs $25.00 through a separate form. Contact the Archives at (410) 260-6400 for guidance on what they hold for Calvert County.
Official Background Checks for Calvert County Residents
The Calvert County Circuit Court does not run official background checks. For a fingerprint-based criminal history, Calvert County residents need to go through the CJIS Central Repository at 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 102, Baltimore. You can also mail your request to CJIS-CR, P.O. Box 32708, Pikesville, MD 21282-2708. Call the CJIS toll-free line at 1-888-795-0011 for help getting started.
The state-only background check costs $38.00 in person or $18.00 by mail, plus the fingerprint fee charged at your chosen site. A $20.00 fingerprint service fee applies on top of the background check fee. Processing takes 10 to 15 days after CJIS receives your submission. Check the status of your request by calling 410-764-4501 with your reference number or Social Security number.
The Maryland sex offender registry is free and publicly searchable at socem.info. This resource is separate from court records and the CJIS background check system.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Calvert County. Background check records filed in any of these counties are kept at that county's Circuit Court clerk. Search the correct county for the location where the case was heard.