FREDERICK PUBLIC RECORDS

What are Frederick Public Records?

Under the Maryland Public Information Act, Frederick public records mean any record made, used, or received by a government unit or state instrumentality. These records concern the performance or transaction of government public business. Records can be in any form, such as written or typed documents, forms, photocopies, maps, photographs, audio, video recordings, and computerized records. However, some public records may be exempt from the public record act and excluded from public access. The exempted records include but are not limited to the following:

• Any records that fall under attorney-client privilege
• Adoption and welfare records of an individual are protected from disclosure
• All letters of reference that concern a person’s fitness for public office or employment are exempted.
• Social security numbers and certain information submitted in applications for marriage licenses and recreational licenses.
• Trade secrets and any other valuable commercial information
• The personal and financial information of government employees excluding salaries.

Public city records may also be accessible from third-party websites. Record seekers may either opt to use these non-governmental platforms to search for a specific record or multiple city records. However, users will need to provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:

• The address of the requestor
• A case number or file number (if known)
• The location of the document or person involved
• The name of the subject involved in the record (not juvenile)
• The last known or current address of the registrant

Third-party sites are not sponsored by government agencies. Because of this, record availability and results may vary.

Frederick Crime Statistics

The Frederick City Police Department gathers and compiles the yearly statistics for crimes that occur in the city. This information is usually shared with the county sheriff’s office and the FBI using the Uniform Crime Reporting(UCR) system. According to Frederick City Crime Statistics published for 2020, cases of criminal homicide and vehicle theft rose by 100% and 32.1%. In contrast, rape, robbery, assault, burglary, larceny, and arson all decreased by 33.3%, 13%, 14.6%, 41.4%, 15.2%, 9.1% respectively. Overall, cases of crime in the city also fell by 16.9%.

Are Frederick’s Criminal Records Public?

Criminal records for Frederick city are considered public records unless the records are sealed. Members of the public may obtain criminal background checks from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office or the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. However, background checks on people other than the requester cannot be obtained without proper authorization. Fingerprint-based criminal background checks can be obtained from the sheriff's office by first booking a fingerprinting appointment and coming to:

Frederick County Law Enforcement Center Lobby
110 Airport Drive East
Frederick, MD

Requesters must provide a current government-issued picture identification like a passport or driver’s license. Frederick County Sheriff’s Office charges a $20 administrative fee in addition to the Criminal Justice Information Services fees for the background check. The total fee is payable in cash, credit/debit card, check, or money order made payable to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office. For more information, individuals may call the fingerprinting services information line at (301) 600-4058.

Criminal records or background checks can also be obtained from the Criminal Justice Information Services of the Maryland Department of Safety and Correctional Services. Instructions and information can be found in the background check section of the agency website.

How to Obtain Police Reports and Arrest Records

Police reports and other records from the Frederick Police Department can be obtained from the records department of the police department using the online request form. The form is available in the automated services section of the police department website. Requesters may choose to sign up or create an account that will automatically fill request forms with the information given during the registration process and save requests automatically so they can be accessed later. Fees for the records will differ depending on the type of medium the records are delivered in. Police reports will cost $5 per copy, compact discs will cost $3 per disc, and digital image sheets will cost $10. Payment must be received before an order will be mailed or picked up. The payment for any reports should be made in checks and money orders made payable to the City of Frederick. Cash is only accepted during in-person requests or pick-ups. Checks and money orders should be mailed to the police department at:

The Frederick Police Department
Attn: Records Section,
100 West Patrick Street,
Frederick, MD 21701.

Requesters with any questions may direct them to the records section at (301) 600-2136.

How to Find Sex Offender Information in Frederick

Sex offender information for Frederick City can be obtained from the Maryland Sex Offender Registry, which is operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The registry provides search tools that allow users to search for sex offenders in their area by providing an address or by name, city, or compliance. Users may also register on the website to receive alerts when an offender moves into their area. Any person with inquiries may call the sex offender registry’s main phone line at (410) 585-3600.

How to Find Frederick Inmate Records

Inmate records from Frederick can be obtained by contacting the Frederick Adult Detention Center. Inmate information can also be sourced by using the inmate locator found on the website for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. The inmate locator allows a user to search for information about inmates currently in custody at a correctional facility in Maryland, by name.

How Do I Visit an Inmate in Frederick City Jail?

The Frederick County Adult Detention center provides onsite and remote video visitation for the inmates using Paytel and Homewav applications. Video visits can take place using devices like a smartphone or computer with a camera and an internet connection or the detention center’s visitation booths. For both types of visits, the visitor must download the application or create an account with HomeWav on their website. If the account is approved, the visitor may add funds for the inmate to video call them anytime they are online on the application. Visitors may only schedule visits or pay for call time after creating an account on the website. On-site visitation is free using the visitation booths at the detention center, and visits are scheduled 24 hours in advance pending visitor approval. Inmates are entitled to one 30-minute onsite visit per week with a maximum of four visitors per visit.

Remote visits via the HomeWav application are charged at $0.30 for a maximum of 15-minutes. However, inmates are allowed an unlimited number of remote visits within a week. Using the application, visitors may choose the facility and the inmate and add funds that will be used for the video call. These funds can only be used by the inmate to video call that particular visitor.

Further information on in-person visitation, schedules, and rules can be obtained by contacting the visitation officer at (301) 600-3031 or reading the online visitation brochure.

What are Frederick Vital Records?

Vital records for Frederick City are the records maintained by the city’s agencies documenting all vital events that have occurred in the city. These include records of births, marriages, divorces, and deaths in the city. These records can be obtained from their custodians at the Frederick County Clerk of Courts and the Frederick County Health Department. On the state level, Frederick’s vital records can also be obtained from the Vital Records Division of the Maryland Department of Health.

Where and How to Obtain Frederick Divorce Records

Eligible parties can obtain Frederick divorce records from the circuit court clerk in the county where the divorce case was heard. For the City of Frederick, this is the Frederick County Circuit Court located at:

100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701

Requests for a divorce decree can be made in person or by mailing a written request to the above address. The request will be required to provide information which necessary to locate the record, such as:

• Full names of the parties named on the divorce decree
• Date of the divorce
• Location of the divorce
• Case number

Requesters with any inquiries may call the clerk of the circuit courts office at (301) 600-1976.

Divorce decrees can also be ordered from the Maryland State Archives. Requesters may use the online divorce decree order form or locate the record themselves using the search computers in the archives building. Uncertified copies of the record will cost $1 per page, while certified copies of the document cost $25 each.

Where and How to Get Marriage Records in Frederick

Copies of marriage records for Frederick City can be obtained from the Frederick County Clerk of Courts in person, by mail, or by phone. The record can be ordered by filling the Maryland Marriage Record Copy Request and submitting it by mail or in-person to:

Clerk of the Circuit Court for Frederick County
Attn: Records Department
100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, MD 21701

In-person requests must be made by calling ahead and booking an appointment. Marriage records can also be ordered over the telephone by calling (301) 600-1957. Certified copies of the marriage record will cost $5.50, and uncertified copies will cost $0.50 per copy. Payments can be made using a personal/cashier’s check or money order, payable to "Clerk of Circuit Court." Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover) are accepted during phone requests, and cash is only accepted during in-person requests. For more information about marriage licenses, requesters may call (301) 600-1965

Where and How to Find Frederick Birth Records

Birth certificates for Frederick City can be obtained from the Frederick County Department of Health and the Vital Records Division of the Maryland Department of Health. Recent birth records are generally issued to the following eligible persons:

• An individual requesting their own birth certificate
• The parents listed on the birth certificates
• The legal guardian of the person listed on the certificate with documentation
• Representation of any of the above with a letter stating that the representative is authorized to obtain the birth certificate, signed by any of them and certified by a notary public.
• Courts of law and government agencies for official business

During the request, the requester will need to show a valid government picture identification such as:

• A current drivers’ license
• A current U.S military identification card
• A current U.S passport

If any of these are unavailable, the requester may provide two of the following documents, and at least one must show the requester's current address.

• Paystubs
• Current car registration
• Bank statement
• Letter from a government agency requesting a vital record
• Lease/rental agreement
• Utility bill with current address
• Copy of income tax return/W-2 form
• Social Security Card

Where and How to Obtain Copies of Frederick Birth Certificates

Birth certificates can be obtained in person from Frederick County Health Department by coming in person to the office at:

350 Montevue Lane,
Frederick, MD 21703,
Entrance A (Blue Flag)

Birth certificates can be obtained during normal office hours Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The requester will be required to fill the birth certificate application available in English and Spanish and submit it with appropriate identification at the office. Requesters who do not show current picture identification will not receive same-day service. Instead, they will have the certificate mailed to them after they provide the two alternative forms of identification.

The certificates cost $20 per copy, and payment is accepted in cash, MasterCard, or Visa credit cards and checks. All checks should be made payable to the Frederick County Health Department. Birth certificates can be ordered by mail or by booking an appointment from the Vital Records Division of the Maryland health department. Requesters must download the birth certificate application form and mail it together with a copy of their identification and the appropriate fees to:

Division of Vital Records,
P.O. Box 68760,
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036

Birth records from the division of vital records cost $10 per copy. Requesters must also include a self-addressed and stamped envelope for returning the records by mail.

Where and How to Find Frederick Death Records

Death records for Frederick city can be obtained from either the Frederick County Health Department or the State Division Of Vital records. Death certificates can be obtained by authorized individuals such as:

• Surviving immediate family of the deceased (spouse, parents, children, siblings, grandparents)
• Persons authorized by the immediate family, such as funeral directors

To request a death certificate from the Frederick County Health Department, the requester will be required to come in person to the office at:

350 Montevue Lane
Frederick, MD 21702
Phone: (301) 600-1029

The requester will need to provide the information needed to locate the death certificate such as:

• Name of the deceased
• Date of death
• Location of death

During the request, the individual making the request will need to provide identification to show they are allowed to obtain the record. The death certificates cost $18 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy. Fees are payable in cash and Visa and MasterCard credit cards. For now, the Frederick County Department of Health can only provide death certificates for deaths that occurred from January 1st, 2015. For any deaths before that, requesters must contact the Division Of Vital Records of the Maryland Department of Health.

Death certificates can also be obtained from the division of vital records in person at the office by appointment or by mail. Prospective requesters may book an in-person appointment online or mail in a completed death certificate application form to:

Division of Vital Records,
P.O. Box 68760,
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036

Mailed requests for death records should include a copy of a government picture identification or any two of the accepted documents and any eligibility documents. The requestor should also add the correct fees and a self-addressed and stamped envelope for returning the records. Death records from the Division of Vital Records cost $10 for the first copy and $12 for any additional copies in the same order. Payment is acceptable in money orders, and checks are only made payable to the Vital Records Division.