ATTENTION: PROPERTY TRANSFER CUSTOMERS

RE: THE PROPERTY TRANSFER OFFICE WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON MONDAYS AND WEDNESDAYS EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

We are happy to announce that we will be extending walk through services to two days a week, effective Monday, 9/8/2025.

The Property Transfer Office is open to the public on Wednesdays, however, effective 9/8/2025 we will be open both Monday and Wednesday. The office will resume pre-pandemic policies, meaning that customers will be called in the order that they arrive.

Customers will sign in and wait to be called. They will be able to submit up to three (3) single property deeds or other documents for review.

The customer will wait for the documents to be processed and once completed and returned, if needed, the customer can then sign in to be served again. The list will be monitored closely in the latter part of the day, and may need to be pulled, to ensure that everyone that is signed in will be served by closing time. All documents that are not able to be walked through can be dropped off. 

Please be sure that all liens are paid in full prior to submission. 

E-Recording

We offer Simplifile, an e-recording system for the convenient transfer of real property.

By using this system, you can electronically record your land record documents, ensuring greater convenience, accuracy, security, and reliability. This method saves time and resources compared to the traditional paper-based process, which can often take several weeks.

Transfer Tax and how is it computed

The City of Baltimore taxes the transfer of real property. The City transfer tax is 1.5% multiplied by the amount of consideration and the State transfer tax is 0.5% multiplied by the amount of the consideration. Together the total transfer tax on the property is 2% of the consideration paid for the property.

Lien Certificate requirements 

Generally, the City requires a lien sheet if you want to delete the name of an owner of the real property from the Deed.

Obtaining a Lien Certificate 

You can request a Lien Certificate online or visit our office at:

Abel Wolman Municipal Building, Room 1
200 Holliday Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

See additional information at Lien Certificate FAQ | Baltimore City Department of Finance

Documents required to complete a deed transfer

Checklist:

• The Original Deed,
• Lien Certificate,
• Intake Sheet,
• A copy of the Settlement Sheet,
• The Contract of Sale (or a Report of Sale), and
• A check(s) for the Baltimore City transfer tax made payable to the Director of Finance. 

Can you mail in documents for processing?

Yes.

Are all transfers of real property subject to the Transfer Tax? 

Generally, the City taxes all transfers of real property. The City Code and the Maryland State Annotated Code list some exceptions. Seek professional advice for specific cases.

Is there a checklist for Deed Processing Instructions?

Yes, download the Deed Processing checklist by clicking here.

How do I contact the Baltimore City Transfer Tax Unit?

By telephone: 410-396-5122

In-person:

Abel Wolman Municipal Building, Room 1
200 Holliday Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

What are the Transfer Tax Unit's hours of operation?

Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.

What do I do if my parents are deceased and willed their house to me?

Contact the State Register of Wills Department at 410-396-5034 or visit them at 111 N. Calvert Street, Room 311, Baltimore, MD 21202. 

Do I have to record a new deed if I get married and change my last name?

No, you do not have to record a new deed. However, if you want the property location records to reflect your married name, take a copy of your marriage certificate to the Property Location Unit, Room # 204, Abel Wolman Building, 200 N. Holliday Street, Baltimore MD 21202.