Find Maine Public Records

Is Maine a Public Records State?

Maine residents are entitled to access public records under the Maine Open Records Law. This law asserts that government records and information are generally considered public. The Maine State Records website facilitates the acquisition of this information for Maine citizens.

The primary aim of the Maine State Records website is to provide the public with easy and effective access to these records, as is their right. Personal information is not required to obtain these records unless a court order or specific law deems a record confidential.

Maine State Records encompass various subjects, including criminal records, court records, and vital records, with a repository of over 10 million transparent public records.

What is Public Information in Maine?

Under the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), individuals have extensive access to records maintained by state and local government agencies. By submitting a Public Records Act request, individuals can search for non-confidential Maine public records. Public records in Maine include any printed, written, or graphic matter used or maintained by a public official or government agency in connection with governmental business.

Examples of public records in Maine include:

Arrest records
Sex offender information
Inmate records
Birth records
Property records
Court records
Bankruptcy records
Marriage records

Vital records, such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce records, are accessible to the individuals named on those records or their immediate relatives.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Maine?

Finding a public record in Maine depends on the type of record required. Generally, most records can be obtained by contacting the custodial agency. In some cases, a nominal fee may be required. If the record serves the public interest, the fee might be reduced or waived. The following steps can guide residents in finding Maine public records:

Step 1: Determine the Type of Record Required

The type of information needed determines the record to request. Examples include:

Vital Records: These include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Vital records are maintained by local public bodies and are usually restricted to the record owner or immediate relatives. Requests can be made to the Division of Public Health Systems.
Criminal Records: These include information about offenses against the state, typically maintained by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, courts, and correctional departments. Examples of criminal offenses include rape, child abuse, arson, assault, and murder.

Step 2: Identify the Custodial Agency

To obtain a public record, identify the state agency that holds the record. For instance, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services maintains vital records, while the Maine Department of Corrections holds inmate and criminal records.

Step 3: Determine Accessibility

While all legal citizens have the right to access public records, some records may be exempt from public disclosure. For example, vital records are accessible only to individuals named on those records or their immediate relatives.

Step 4: Determine Availability

Many public records in Maine can be accessed online. However, records containing sensitive data may require in-person requests at the appropriate state department or agency.

Step 5: Contact the Record Holder

Although the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) does not mandate written requests, most public bodies prefer them for record-keeping purposes. The request should contain sufficient information to locate the records easily. Requests can be sent via email or made in person. Upon receipt and payment of any required fees, the public body is expected to provide copies within a reasonable time but must acknowledge the request within five business days.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Maine Public Records Obtaining

City Records

Public city records can also be accessed through third-party websites. These platforms offer expansive search tools, though users must provide sufficient information, such as:

The name of the subject (if over 18)
The requestor's address
Case or file number (if known)
Document or person location
Last known or current address of the registrant

Third-party sites are not government-sponsored, so record availability and accuracy may vary.

Public Records

Third-party websites aggregate public records and offer non-geographically limited searches. Users must provide enough information to assist with the search, such as:

The name of the subject (if not a juvenile)
Last known or current location of the record subject

These sites are not government-sponsored, so the availability and accuracy of results can vary.

How To Look Up Public Records in Maine for Free?

Access to free public records in Maine varies by agency. For instance, residents may inspect court records at the custodial courthouse. The Maine Department of Corrections provides a free online search for incarcerated individuals. The Maine State Police offers free information on registered sex offenders through the Maine sex offender registry.

In some cases, agencies may grant free access to public records if the request serves the public interest. Note that obtaining physical copies from government offices may incur a fee for printing or duplication.

Search Public Records in Maine

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