Somerset County Deed Records

Somerset County deed records are kept by the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Princess Anne. You can search land records from this office in person, by mail, or online through the statewide MDLandRec system. Somerset County sits on Maryland's lower Eastern Shore, and its land records trace back to the colonial period. This page explains how to find deed documents, what fees apply, and where to go for help with property records in Somerset County.

Somerset County Clerk of Circuit Court

The Clerk of the Circuit Court in Princess Anne is the official keeper of all deed records for Somerset County. This office handles deed recordings, stores land documents, and provides copies to the public. Somerset County has a long record-keeping history tied to its colonial roots on the lower Eastern Shore. The clerk's staff can help you search for specific deeds, pull older record books, and process copy requests.

Walk-in visitors can use public access terminals in the clerk's office to search deed records in Somerset County. You can search by grantor or grantee name, look up book and page references, and print documents on site. Staff at the counter are available to answer questions about records. If you need a certified copy, request it at the counter and pay the fee when you pick it up. The office is open business days and closes at 4:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

Search Somerset County Deed Records Online

The main online portal for Somerset County deed records is MDLandRec.net, run by the Maryland State Archives. This statewide system has deed books from Somerset County going back to the colonial period. You need a free account to log in and view full documents. Search by name, date range, book and page, or instrument type. Most scanned deed books are available for free once you register.

The Plats.net system holds plat maps and subdivision records for Somerset County. Use the login plato/plato# for public access. Plats show lot boundaries, easements, and subdivision names. These are useful when you need to match a deed description to a physical parcel. Both systems are available at any time and do not require a visit to the courthouse.

The Maryland State Archives also holds historical land records for Somerset County. Colonial-era patents, early deed books, and other older documents may only be available through the Archives. Their online catalog lets you browse available collections before you plan a research visit.

Note: Free registration is required for MDLandRec.net. Images of older deed books may vary in quality depending on the age of the original record.

How to Get Somerset County Deed Records

You have three ways to get deed records in Somerset County. Each method works for different needs. Online access is best for viewing documents quickly. In-person visits give you access to staff help and let you get certified copies on the spot. Mail requests work if you already know the exact record you need.

To search in person at the Somerset County clerk's office, go to the courthouse in Princess Anne during business hours. Use the public terminals to search by party name or book and page. When you find the deed you need, staff can pull a copy. For certified copies, request them at the counter. Bring a form of payment for copy fees. Standard copies cost $0.50 per page. A certified copy adds $5.00 to the total. Bring your ID when visiting the office.

For mail requests, write to the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Princess Anne. Include the full names of both parties on the deed, the approximate date of the transaction, and any book and page numbers you have. Send a check for estimated copy costs. The clerk will contact you if more payment is needed. Processing times vary based on staff workload, so mail requests can take longer than in-person visits in Somerset County.

Historical deed research at GenealogyTrails Somerset includes transcribed early deeds that can help you find records before the online systems begin. This is a useful starting point for older property research.

Fees for Somerset County Deed Records

Copy fees for Somerset County deed records follow standard Maryland rates. A plain copy costs $0.50 per page. A certified copy adds $5.00 to the total. If you need a large plat copy, the fee depends on the sheet size. Plat copies that fit on 11x17 paper cost $0.50. Larger sheets cost $1.00 each. These fees apply at the clerk's office counter and for mail requests.

Recording fees for new deed filings use the statewide schedule set by Maryland law. The base recording fee is $20 for deeds with nine pages or fewer. Deeds with ten or more pages cost $75 to record. A $40 surcharge applies to all land records. Transfer taxes and the state recordation tax are separate from the recording fee. The recordation tax rate is set per $500 of consideration under Maryland Code, Real Property Article § 3-201.

Note: Always call the clerk's office to confirm current fees before sending payment, as rates can change with new legislation.

Somerset County Land Records Portals

The statewide MDLandRec.net portal is the primary online tool for searching deed records in Somerset County. You can view deed books from colonial times through present day after registering for a free account.

MDLandRec.net covers all Maryland counties and Baltimore City, making it the most complete source for deed records across the state.

The Plats.net system provides access to plat maps and subdivision records for Somerset County property research. Use public login credentials plato/plato# to browse available plat images.

Plat records show lot layouts, road dedications, and easement locations. Use them alongside deed records for a complete picture of any Somerset County property.

Cities in Somerset County

Somerset County includes several small communities and the county seat of Princess Anne. No cities in Somerset County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All deed records for properties in these communities are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in Princess Anne.

Communities in Somerset County include Princess Anne, Crisfield, Marion, and Westover. All land transactions in these areas go through the same county clerk's office for recording and public access.

Nearby Counties

Somerset County borders Wicomico County to the north and Worcester County to the east. If you are unsure which county holds a deed, check the property address. Land records are kept in the county where the property sits.