Wicomico County Property Records
What Is Wicomico County Property Records
Property records in Wicomico County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and transactions throughout the county. Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-101, all instruments affecting title to property must be recorded to provide constructive notice to the public.
The primary purposes of Wicomico County property records include:
- Establishing legal ownership and chain of title
- Providing public notice of property interests
- Protecting property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitating real estate transactions
- Supporting property tax assessment and collection
Property records in Wicomico County are maintained by multiple government offices, with the primary repositories being the Circuit Court Clerk's Office and the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT). These records document the history of ownership and encumbrances for each parcel of land within the county boundaries.
The Maryland Land Records system serves as the official repository for recorded documents affecting real property in Wicomico County, as mandated by Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-301, which establishes requirements for the recording and indexing of instruments.
Are Property Records Public Information In Wicomico County?
Property records in Wicomico County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Maryland law. The Maryland Public Information Act (Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-101) establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records. Additionally, Maryland's recording statutes specifically require public accessibility to land records.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public access facilitates real estate transactions and property research
Any member of the public may access Wicomico County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for the request. This open access policy supports transparency in government and facilitates informed decision-making in real estate matters.
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office in Wicomico County maintains public access terminals for searching property records during regular business hours:
Wicomico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
101 North Division Street, Room 104
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Wicomico County Circuit Court
How To Search Property Records in Wicomico County in 2026
Searching property records in Wicomico County involves several methods depending on the specific information needed and preferred access method. The county offers both in-person and online options for accessing property records.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Wicomico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Request assistance from a clerk or use the public access terminals
- Provide the property address, owner name, or property tax identification number
- Review the available records and request copies of relevant documents
- Pay applicable fees for copies ($1.00 per page for regular copies, $5.00 for certified copies)
For mail requests:
- Prepare a written request including the specific property information (address, owner name, or tax ID)
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees
- Mail the request to:
Wicomico County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
101 North Division Street, Room 104
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-543-6551
Wicomico County Circuit Court
For property tax and assessment information:
- Contact the Wicomico County Assessment Office or access the SDAT online database
- Provide the property address or account number
- Request the specific assessment or tax information needed
Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation - Wicomico County Office
212 W. Main Street, Room 102
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-713-3560
Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation
How To Find Property Records in Wicomico County Online?
Wicomico County property records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Real Property Data Search provided by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation offers comprehensive property information.
To search property records online:
- Visit the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation Real Property Data Search website
- Select "Wicomico County" from the dropdown menu
- Search by one of the following methods:
- Property Account Number
- Property Address
- Owner Name
- Map/Parcel information
- Review the property information displayed, including:
- Owner information
- Property description
- Assessment values
- Transfer information
- Legal description
For land records and deeds:
- Access the Maryland Land Records website
- Register for a free account (required for access)
- Select Wicomico County from the jurisdiction list
- Search by:
- Name (grantor/grantee)
- Document type
- Book and page number
- Property address (if available)
- View and download document images as needed
The Maryland Judiciary Case Search system also provides access to court records that may contain property-related information, including foreclosures, property disputes, and tax liens.
How To Look Up Wicomico County Property Records for Free?
Wicomico County residents and interested parties can access property records free of charge through several official channels. The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation provides free online access to property information through their Real Property Data Search tool.
Free access methods include:
-
Using the SDAT Real Property Data Search website:
- No registration or fees required
- Provides assessment information, ownership details, and sales history
- Available 24/7 from any internet-connected device
-
Visiting the Circuit Court Clerk's Office in person:
- Public access terminals available during business hours
- Staff assistance available for basic searches
- No fee for searching (only for copies)
-
Using the Maryland Land Records online system:
- Free registration required
- Complete access to recorded documents
- Available to all Maryland residents
-
Accessing the Wicomico County GIS (Geographic Information System):
- Provides property maps, zoning information, and basic property details
- Available through the county website
- No fees or registration required
Wicomico County Planning and Zoning
125 N. Division Street, Room 203
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-548-4860
Wicomico County Government
While searching is free, fees may apply for obtaining certified copies or large volumes of records. Standard copy fees are $1.00 per page for regular copies and $5.00 for certified copies.
What's Included in a Wicomico County Property Record?
Wicomico County property records encompass a wide range of documents and information related to real property within the county. Real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, while personal property (which is recorded separately) includes movable assets.
Property records maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's Office include:
- Deeds and conveyances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Assignments and releases
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Plats and surveys
- Liens and judgments
- Foreclosure documents
- Tax sale certificates
The Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation maintains property assessment records that include:
- Property account identification number
- Owner name and mailing address
- Property address and legal description
- Land area and dimensions
- Building characteristics and improvements
- Assessment values (land and improvements)
- Tax exemptions and credits
- Transfer information (date, price, deed reference)
- Sales history
Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-104, recorded instruments must include specific information to be valid, including:
- Names of all parties
- Property description sufficient for identification
- Signatures of grantors or parties conveying interest
- Acknowledgment by authorized official
- Recording information (date, time, book, and page)
Additional property-related records may be found in chancery records maintained by the Circuit Court, which contain information about court cases pertaining to property ownership and disputes.
How Long Does Wicomico County Keep Property Records?
Wicomico County maintains property records permanently, in accordance with Maryland's records retention requirements. Land records, including deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real property, are preserved indefinitely to maintain an unbroken chain of title for all properties within the county.
The retention schedule for property records includes:
- Deeds and conveyances: Permanent retention
- Mortgages and deeds of trust: Permanent retention
- Plats and surveys: Permanent retention
- Liens and judgments: Retained until satisfied or expired, then archived
- Tax assessment records: Permanent retention of current and historical values
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy: Minimum 20-year retention
The Maryland State Archives serves as the ultimate repository for historical land records, pursuant to Maryland Code, State Government § 9-1010, which mandates the preservation of permanent records.
While original paper documents from earlier periods may have been transferred to the State Archives, digital copies of these records remain accessible through the Maryland Land Records online system. The digitization of land records has significantly improved access while ensuring long-term preservation.
Property records dating back to the formation of Wicomico County in 1867 are available, with some records from the parent counties (Somerset and Worcester) predating the county's establishment.
How To Find Liens on Property In Wicomico County?
Liens on property in Wicomico County can be discovered through several official record sources. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold, and various types of liens may be recorded against Wicomico County properties.
To search for liens:
-
Check the Circuit Court land records:
- Access the Maryland Land Records online system
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review documents categorized as liens, judgments, or financing statements
-
Search for tax liens:
- Contact the Wicomico County Treasurer's Office for property tax liens
- Check with the Maryland Comptroller's Office for state tax liens
- Search federal tax liens through the Circuit Court records
Wicomico County Treasurer's Office
125 N. Division Street, Room 102
Salisbury, MD 21801
410-548-4840
Wicomico County Government
-
Check for mechanic's liens:
- Search Circuit Court records for mechanic's liens filed by contractors
- These liens are typically filed within 180 days of work completion
-
Review judgment liens:
- Search the Maryland Judiciary Case Search for civil judgments
- Check Circuit Court records for judgment liens that have been recorded
-
Investigate municipal liens:
- Contact the City of Salisbury or other municipalities for utility liens
- Check for special assessment liens with the appropriate municipal office
For the most comprehensive lien search, property owners or interested parties may wish to obtain a professional title search or lien report from a title company operating in Wicomico County. These reports typically include all recorded liens affecting the property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Wicomico County?
The property owner rules in Wicomico County are governed by Maryland state law and local ordinances that establish the rights and responsibilities of property owners. These regulations define ownership rights, transfer requirements, and restrictions on property use.
Key property ownership regulations include:
-
Recording Requirements:
- All instruments affecting property title must be recorded with the Circuit Court Clerk
- Pursuant to Maryland Code, Real Property § 3-101, unrecorded deeds are valid between parties but ineffective against subsequent purchasers without notice
- Documents must meet specific formatting requirements for recording
-
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax bills are issued on July 1 and due by September 30 each year
- Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax sale proceedings
-
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
- Property use is subject to Wicomico County zoning ordinances
- Building permits required for new construction and significant renovations
- Special regulations apply in critical areas, floodplains, and historic districts
-
Property Transfer Requirements:
- Property disclosure or disclaimer statement required for residential property sales
- Transfer taxes and recordation fees must be paid upon conveyance
- Deed preparation must comply with state requirements for validity
-
Adverse Possession Rules:
- Under Maryland law, a person may claim ownership through adverse possession after 20 years of open, notorious, exclusive, and continuous possession
- The possession must be hostile to the owner's rights and without permission
Property owners should consult with legal professionals regarding specific property rights questions, as property law can be complex and situation-dependent.