Originally part of Massachusetts, Maine became the 23rd state to join the Union on March 15, 1820. With a population of approximately 1.3 million, it ranks 41st in population among U.S. states and 39th in land area, covering 35,380 square miles. Maine is divided into 16 counties and nearly 500 municipalities, all functioning as local government entities.
County governments are Maine’s oldest form of government, predating both statehood and the Declaration of Independence. County commissioners—elected to four-year terms—are responsible for regional policies and financial oversight. Other county offices include law enforcement, the registry of deeds, treasurer, district attorney, and local courts, all of which serve Maine’s residents directly.
Maine’s Freedom of Access Act (FOAA) ensures open access to public records and government proceedings across state and local agencies. This law grants citizens the right to request government records for any reason, fostering transparency and accountability. All public officials are required to complete FOAA training, and violations can result in penalties of up to $500 per incident. While FOAA promotes access, certain confidential and non-public information is protected under statutory exemptions.
Background checks are frequently conducted in Maine for both employment and personal reasons. Whether you're an employer screening new hires or an individual researching personal history, criminal records play a critical role.
The Maine State Police – State Bureau of Identification provides an online criminal history request service, offering:
Conviction history
Pending charges less than one year old
Juvenile adjudication information (when applicable)
Criminal background reports can be requested using just the subject’s name and date of birth, making the process fast and accessible to the general public.
Locating assets in Maine requires knowing the right agencies to contact. Helpful resources include:
County Registries of Deeds, which offer full access to property records and document images dating back to 1976.
The Maine Secretary of State, where you can search for corporate filings, verify business ownership, check entity status, and request certificates of existence or authentication.
Bankruptcy records are accessible through Maine’s public court system and can provide insight into a person’s or company’s financial liabilities and declared assets.
Whether you're conducting a comprehensive background check or simply need one document, Maine’s state and local agencies are key sources of vital public records. Available resources include:
Birth, death, and marriage certificates (from 1923 to present) via the Department of Health and Human Services
Court transcripts, including divorce records and civil lawsuits
Professional license verification through individual licensing boards
Online tools to search for most wanted lists, offender registries, and inmate records
PublicRecordCenter simplifies the public records process by providing:
A centralized directory of Maine’s most relevant and useful agencies
Direct links to official sites
Step-by-step instructions
Free downloadable forms
Clear descriptions to guide your search
Whether you need a single document or are conducting an in-depth investigation, PublicRecordCenter helps you navigate Maine’s public records system efficiently and effectively.
