Howard County courts

Filing fees, clerk information, and official court links.

Reviewed Jul 26, 2026 · Official sources
Civil filing fee
$165
New civil suit · Circuit Court
E-filing
Required
Through Odyssey File & Serve
Same-day deadline: 11:59 PM
Case records
Search online
Free public case search
Main courthouse: Circuit Court for Howard County, 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043Clerk counter: Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-4:30 PMSource
Filing typeFee
Civil lawsuit$165
Small claims$44
Divorce / family$165

Fees depend on case type and amount; confirm with the court before filing. At $165, the civil filing fee in Howard County is about the same as nearby counties (median $175 across 4 nearby counties).

Clerk & court records

Clerk of the Circuit Court for Howard County
Wayne A. Robey
Circuit Court for Howard County · Mon-Fri 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Call the clerk
Jury service
(410) 313-3804

Courthouses in Howard County

CivilCriminalTrafficSmall ClaimsEviction

District Court of Maryland for Howard County (Ellicott City)

Address
3451 Courthouse Drive, Ellicott City, 21043

Need papers served or filed in Howard County? Nationwide Legal, our partner company, handles process service and court filing here.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to file a civil case in Howard County?

    The civil filing fee in Howard County, Maryland is $165.00 (docketing a civil action; includes MLSC and Real Property Records surcharges)

  • What is the small claims filing fee in Howard County?

    $44.00 (small claims, heard in District Court of Maryland; limit $5,000)

  • How much does it cost to file for divorce or a family case in Howard County?

    $165.00 (divorce/family docketed as civil action; domestic violence petitions no fee)

  • Can I e-file court documents in Howard County?

    Yes. E-filing is available through Odyssey File & Serve. It is mandatory for attorneys.

  • Is there a free online case search for Howard County?

    Yes. You can look up cases online at casesearch.courts.state.md.us.

  • Where do I file court documents in Howard County?

    Filings go to the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Howard County, located at 9250 Judicial Way, Ellicott City, MD 21043. You can reach the clerk at (410) 313-2111.

Circuit Court for Howard County, MD: (410) 313-2111, Hours & $165 Filing Fee | 1Court