MDLANDREC.NET is maintained and operated by the Maryland State Archives, which operates independently from all Clerks of Court. Recent fee and process changes, as noted in the ALERT, were made at the discretion of the Archivist of the Maryland State Archives. For more information concerning Archives procedures please use this link: https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/main/html/landrecinfo.html
Procedures for Implementing HB 1093 | Affidavit of Intent to use Electronic Signature
Telephone Number: 410-228-0480
The Land Records Department acts as a custodian for the recording and maintenance of all public records connected to real estate in Dorchester County. Our research room is open to the public. Information is obtained by self-research and copies are readily available for a fee. Records date back to 1665 and many are available online. The Clerk's Office is prohibited by law from providing legal assistance or performing title searches.
Recording Process for Deeds:
You may need to contact the Dorchester County Finance Office, Cambridge City Hall or other Municipalities located within Dorchester County before recording the deed at the Clerk's Office.
- Dorchester County Finance
501 Court Lane
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-4343 - Brookview
5649 Indiantown Road
Rhodesdale, MD 21659
410-943-3155 - Cambridge
P.O. Box 255
410 Academy Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-4020 - Church Creek
P.O. Box 52
Church Creek, MD 21622
410-228-7030 - East New Market
P.O. Box 24
10 Academy Street
East New Market, MD 21631
410-943-8112 - Eldorado
P.O. Box 24
5808 Eldorado Road
Rhodesdale, MD 21659
410-943-4187 - Galestown
P.O. Box 190, Sharptown, MD 21861
5461 Galestown Newhart Mill Road
Seaford, DE 19973
410-883-3156 - Hurlock
P.O. Box 327
311 Charles Street
Hurlock, MD 21643
410-943-4181 - Secretary
122 Main Street
Secretary, MD 21664
410-943-3113 - Vienna
P.O. Box 86
214 Market Street
Vienna, MD 21869
410-376-3442 - Land Records Office
Dorchester County Circuit Court
206 High Street
Cambridge, MD 21613
410-228-0480
Fees & Taxes
Recording Fees:
- $10.00 for a release 9 pages or less
- $20.00 for any other instrument 9 pages or less
or for any instrument over 9 pages if it involves solely a principal residence - $20.00 for Termination of Financing Statements
- $75.00 for any other instrument 10 pages or more.
- $5.00 per set for subdivision plats and $5.00 per set for survey plats recorded in the plat records. (See MD Real Property 3-108)
- $15.00 for Notice of Sale and Notice of Judgment
Surcharge:
- $40.00 for all instruments recorded except Power of Attorney and Notice of Sale.
Recording Taxes:
- Recordation Tax is $5.00 per each $500. (Round up to the nearest $500, example: consideration amount: $101,850, calculations would be based on $102,000.) (Recordation tax applies to both instruments that transfer an interest in real property and instruments that create a security interest on real or personal property, e.g., mortgage, deed of trust, etc.)
- State Transfer Tax is .50% (.25% if a 1st Time MD Homebuyer Affidavit is submitted at the time of recording) of the consideration. (Note: State Transfer Tax applies only to instruments that transfer an interest in real property, e.g., deed, lease, easement, contract, etc.)
- County Transfer Tax is .75% of the consideration. (The first $30,000 of the consideration is exempt if the buyer is an owner occupant and the document is submitted with an affidavit of owner occupancy)
Miscellaneous Fees:
- Copy fees: $.25 per page (if copies are made by the Clerk's Office: $.50 per page)
- Certified Copy: $5.00 each plus copy fees
- Authentication of a Notary Public: $1.00
Please be advised that the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court is prohibited by law from rendering legal advice and from performing title searches.