Request Public Records

Maryland’s Public Information Act (PIA) gives you the right to access and review available government records that are disclosable and obtain copies of those records. PIA does not require an agency to answer informational questions or to create a record to satisfy your request.

The PIA applies to all three branches of Maryland state government as well as local government entities. The PIA is found in the General Provisions Title 4. Public Information Act Subtitle 2 Inspection of Public Records. The general provisions of the PIA can be found on the following links.

• 4-201. Inspection of public records - PDF
• 4-202. Application to inspect public record required - PDF 
• 4-203. Timeliness of decision on application​ - PDF 
• 4-205. Copies; printouts; photographs; electronic format (a) - PDF  
• 4-206. Fees - PDF 
• COMAR, Fee Schedule Title 29 .01.02.13 - PDF 

The general provisions of the PIA for required denials for specific records can be found in the following links:

• 4-325. Firearm and handgun records - PDF 
• 4-301. In general - PDF 
• 4-333. Licensing records - PDF 
• 4-339. Alarm or security system​​ - PDF 

The Maryland PIA is similar to the Freedom of Information Act which applies to federal executive branch agencies and independent federal regulatory agencies.

The PIA grants you the right to review the available records that are dis-closable and to obtain copies of those records. It does not require an agency to answer informational questions or to create a record to satisfy your request.

A public record is any original or copy of a document, in any format, that an agency creates or receives while doing its work. This includes things like written papers, books, photos, copies, films, microfilms, tapes, computer files, maps, drawings, and other similar materials.

Maryland's PIA grants individuals the right to access numerous government records. Almost any document held by the MSP is eligible unless protected by law. You can access licensing files, background checks, policy manuals, and investigation records, 

However, certain information is safeguarded to uphold privacy and confidentiality, such as

• Medical records
• Criminal history
• Firearm and personnel records
• Private information in motor vehicle files
• Trade secrets and confidential business information
• Legal reasons

Other records may be withheld at the discretion of the agency, such as 

• Ongoing investigations
• Test and exam materials
• Drafts or documents used to make decisions

In certain situations, the PIA provides a "person in interest" with the right to access records that would otherwise be inaccessible to the general public under the PIA. Generally, the individual who is the subject of the record is considered the "person in interest."

A notice must be provided in writing or by email within ten working days of receipt of the request. The notice must tell the applicant how much time it will take to produce the record, the reason for the delay, and an “estimate of the range of fees” that might be involved in producing the record.

If an agency denies all or part of your request, it must provide you with a written explanation that includes the reason for the denial, the legal authority justifying the denial, and your appeal rights.

Yes, the PIA allows an agency to charge a “reasonable fee” for copies of public records. An agency may also charge a reasonable fee for searching for a public record. The first two hours of search time are free, but an extensive search may prove time-consuming and therefore expensive. It’s important to ensure your PIA request clearly and accurately describes the records sought. Actual fee schedules may be found in agency regulations. Agencies may choose to waive fees in particular cases. A fee Schedule can be located under COMAR 29.01.02.13 - PDF.