The Maryland Judiciary, in partnership with the Maryland and Howard County government, has introduced a new electronic recording system for land records in Howard County. This initiative aims to replace the existing paper-based process, offering greater convenience and efficiency.
Customers can now record land documents electronically, known as "e-recording," which promises improved accuracy, security, and reliability while saving time. The traditional method required transporting documents across various locations, taking weeks to complete. In contrast, e-recording allows for online processing within minutes.
Chief Judge of the Maryland Court of Appeals Mary Ellen Barbera remarked on the significance of this development: “Implementing e-recording for land records creates meaningful efficiencies for people who access Maryland’s courts.” She emphasized the Judiciary's commitment to creating forward-thinking solutions alongside state partners.
This e-recording system results from cooperation among several entities: the Judiciary’s Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Howard County, the Howard County Department of Budget and Finance, and the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. Following Baltimore County's pilot program success in 2015, Howard County becomes the second jurisdiction to adopt this system.
State Court Administrator Pamela Q. Harris stated that “E-recording is another essential step forward as Maryland’s courts strive to meet citizens’ needs for convenient, streamlined services.”
The initiative aligns with the Judiciary's 2015-2020 Strategic Plan focused on modernizing infrastructure and expanding court service access. Approximately 95% of land record documents qualify for e-recording based on Baltimore County's pilot experience.
Laura S. Kiessling, Administrative Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit (Anne Arundel, Carroll, and Howard counties), noted that this service would increase efficiency by saving staff time. Howard County Administrative Judge Lenore R. Gelfman praised a seamless transition facilitated by collaborative efforts behind implementing new technology.
Wayne A. Robey, Clerk of the Circuit Court for Howard County, highlighted cost reduction benefits: “We have a winning strategy... Costs are reduced for all involved.”
Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman expressed satisfaction with improved citizen services: “By working together... we can provide a convenient, secure... way to record these documents.”