Dundalk, Maryland Genealogy Records

Genealogy records for Dundalk, Maryland are held by Baltimore County, since Dundalk is an unincorporated community without its own government. Birth, death, marriage, land, and probate records for Dundalk residents are maintained at the Baltimore County Circuit Court in Towson and at the Maryland State Archives in Annapolis.

Baltimore County Handles Dundalk Records

All genealogy records for Dundalk residents go through Baltimore County. Dundalk is in the southeastern part of Baltimore County, southeast of Baltimore City, on the Patapsco River. It's important to remember that Baltimore City and Baltimore County are separate jurisdictions with separate court systems. Dundalk residents use Baltimore County records, not Baltimore City records.

Baltimore County records go back to 1659, making it one of Maryland's older counties. The county was actually established before Baltimore City was incorporated as a separate entity. Researchers working on Dundalk families from the 19th century and earlier will find a rich record base at the Maryland State Archives under Baltimore County holdings.

Baltimore County Circuit Court

The Baltimore County Circuit Court at 401 Bosley Avenue, Towson, MD 21204 maintains all civil records for Dundalk residents. Land records, marriage licenses, civil case files, and other recorded documents are here. Marriage licenses for Dundalk residents are issued in Towson. Both parties must bring government-issued birth certificates, a 48-hour waiting period applies, and the license is valid for six months in Baltimore County only. Call 410-887-2601 before visiting to confirm current requirements.

All Baltimore County land records are free online through MDLandRec.net at mdlandrec.net. Deeds, mortgages, and other recorded instruments from Dundalk properties are in this system. The Maryland Judiciary case search at casesearch.courts.state.md.us lets you look up Baltimore County civil records from home.

Birth and Death Records for Dundalk Residents

Vital records for Dundalk residents are part of the Baltimore County system. The Maryland State Archives holds birth records from 1898 to 1921 and death records from 1898 to 2011 for Baltimore County. The Maryland Department of Health handles records after those dates. The Maryland Death Index at the MSA covers statewide deaths from 1898 to 2010, searchable at msa.maryland.gov.

FamilySearch has Maryland Deaths and Burials from 1877 to 1992, which includes Baltimore County entries. For recent vital records, contact the Maryland Department of Health at 410-764-3038 or visit health.maryland.gov/vsa. Church records from the Baltimore County area can document births and deaths before civil registration began. The Dundalk-Patapsco Neck Historical Society maintains local historical records specific to Dundalk and the surrounding community, which can be especially useful for 20th-century research in this area.

Library and Research Resources

The Baltimore County Public Library system has a branch at 1010 Merritt Boulevard, Dundalk, with local history resources. The library system provides access to genealogy databases at all branch locations. The main branch in Towson at 320 York Road has a more extensive local history and genealogy collection for Baltimore County research.

The Baltimore County Public Library system provides genealogy databases and local history resources at branches throughout the county including Dundalk.

The Baltimore County Genealogical Society maintains resources for the entire county. The Maryland State Archives at 350 Rowe Boulevard, Annapolis, is the primary repository for older Baltimore County records. Call 410-260-6400 or search at msa.maryland.gov. The research guide at guide.msa.maryland.gov lists Baltimore County records by type. Under Maryland Code, General Provisions sections 4-101 and following, most public records are open to inspection.

Nearby Cities

Dundalk is in southeastern Baltimore County near Baltimore City. Researchers working on Dundalk area families may also need to check Baltimore City records if family members lived in the city.