About Highland — In Depth
Jail & Inmate Records
The Howard County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing anyone arrested within Howard County. During booking, detainees are fingerprinted, photographed, and have their personal information recorded into the system. Online inmate lookup services allow the public to find information about current inmates. The facility maintains specific visitation rules that require visitors to schedule appointments and follow strict guidelines.
Arrest Records
The Howard County Police Department and the Sheriff's Office maintain arrest records for the area. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications, typically requiring proof of identity and a valid reason for the inquiry. A county arrest record includes the individual's personal details, the nature of charges filed, and the arresting agency involved. The Maryland Public Information Act governs accessibility of these records, balancing transparency with protection of sensitive information.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Howard County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Howard County Police Department and the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Residents can request background checks through the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System, which provides criminal history information. The Maryland State Police also helps with supporting local law enforcement with investigative resources and data analysis.
Vital Records
Vital records for Highland, Maryland, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the Howard County Health Department (https://www.howardcountymd.gov/health-department). Residents can request copies of these records by submitting the appropriate forms and fees. The Maryland Department of Health (https://health.maryland.gov/) also provides statewide vital records services, which may be useful For people looking for records outside of the immediate Highland area.
Business & Licensing Records
The business community in Highland benefits from support provided by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (https://www.hceda.org/), which offers resources and assistance for local enterprises. The area is home to a variety of small businesses, ranging from retail shops and restaurants to professional services. Business licenses and other commercial records can be obtained through the Howard County Department of Licensing, Inspections, and Permits (https://www.howardcountymd.gov/licenses-permits).
Economy & Demographics
The economy of Highland, Maryland is primarily driven by its proximity to the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, which provides employment opportunities in a variety of industries. Many Highland residents commute to nearby cities for work, while Highland also supports a mix of small businesses, including retail, services, and agriculture. The Howard County Economic Development Authority (https://www.hceda.org/) tracks economic data and trends for the county, which may provide further insights into the economy of Highland.
Elections & Voter Records
Residents of Highland register and vote through the Howard County Board of Elections, located at 10221 Wincopin Circle, Suite 240, Columbia, MD 21044, phone (410) 313-2050, website https://www.howardcountymd.gov/elections. Maryland residents can register online through the Maryland State Board of Elections at https://elections.maryland.gov/voter_registration/index.html, with registration deadlines set at 21 days before any election. Acceptable identification includes a Maryland driver's license or MVA-issued ID number, or the last four digits of a Social Security number.
Because Highland is unincorporated with no municipal government, residents don't vote in town or city elections. Their electoral participation centers on Howard County, Maryland state, and federal races. County voters elect a County Executive, seven County Council members representing five districts, a Sheriff, and other county offices. Highland falls within one of these council districts based on resident address. Polling place assignments can be found using the Maryland State Board of Elections' Voter Lookup tool at https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/PollingPlaceSearch, which requires entering name and date of birth or address. Maryland does not have a U.S.Current federal, state, and local election schedules, ballot contests, candidate filings, and certified results for Highland voters are published by the Maryland State Board of Elections (https://elections.maryland.gov/). Absentee and mail-in voting in Maryland is available to any registered voter without requiring an excuse. Voters can request mail-in ballots online through https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/OnlineVoterRegistration/VoterType or by contacting the Howard County Board of Elections. Early voting operates at designated sites throughout Howard County for approximately one week before Election Day. Public election records in Maryland include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes with restrictions), campaign finance reports filed through the Maryland State Board of Elections' Campaign Finance Database at https://campaignfinance.maryland.gov/, candidate filings and qualification information, and precinct-level election results published after each election. Results for Howard County are posted at https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/results_index.html and through the county Board of Elections website.
Public Records Resources for Highland, Maryland
Official government websites for Highland, Maryland and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov,.us, or.mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or.com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Maryland Criminal Background RecordsRequest criminal history background check.
- Maryland Judiciary Criminal Case SearchPublic access to the criminal records of the Maryland Judiciary
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Baltimore OfficeRequest FBI records, find crime statistics, crime alerts, most wanted terrorists and more.
- Maryland Inmates and Offender SearchFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Maryland Dept. of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
- Maryland Sex OffendersSearch the MD Dept. of Public Safety and Correctional Services Sex Offender Registry for registered offenders by name or location.
- Maryland Most WantedCurrent posting of fugitives and absconders from Maryland State's Most Wanted.
- Maryland State Police DepartmentLaw enforcement, traffic, criminal investigations and more
- Maryland Department of Natural ResourcesLicenses, permits, information and more
- Maryland Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts
- Maryland Business Entity SearchFind active and inactive corporations by name or department identification.
- Maryland Lawyer LookupVerify an attorney's licensing status with the State Bar.
- Maryland Real Property RecordsSearch Maryland real estate property records by county, street address, map or property sales.
Nearby Cities in Howard County, Maryland
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register to vote in Highland, Maryland?
To register to vote in Highland, Maryland, residents can register online through the Maryland State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Howard County elections office. Maryland requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Maryland State Board of Elections voter lookup tool. For local county and state elections (Highland is an unincorporated community in Howard County and does not hold municipal elections), contact the Howard County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
How do I look up property records in Highland, Maryland?
Property records for Highland, Maryland are maintained by the Howard Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation's Office and the Howard County Clerk of the Circuit Court. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Howard County, including parcels in Highland. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Howard County Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Maryland counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Howard County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Highland, Maryland?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Highland, Maryland residents are available through both county and state offices. The Maryland Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, located in Baltimore, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Maryland. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Howard County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Howard County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.