Legal Costs in Baltimore, MD (2026)
Filing fees for LLCs, divorce, small claims, and notary services in Baltimore — all sourced from official Maryland state records.
Baltimore is a city in Baltimore City, Maryland. Whether you're starting a business, filing a small claims case, or going through a divorce, the fees you pay are set at the Maryland state level — not the city or county level — with limited exceptions for county-specific court fees. Forming an LLC costs $100 in state filing fees. Small claims cases can be filed for disputes up to $5,000 in the District Court. Divorce filing fees in Maryland start at $165. All figures on this page are verified from official Maryland government sources and updated for 2026.
Form an LLC in Baltimore, MD
To form an LLC with a Baltimore address, you file with the Maryland Secretary of State — not the city or county. The state filing fee is $100. Standard processing takes 7 business days. There is also an annual report fee of $300.
0| State filing fee | $100 |
| Annual report fee | $300 |
| Standard processing | 7 business days |
| Expedited processing | 1 |
| Publication cost | Not required |
Form Your Baltimore LLC Today
Skip the paperwork. A trusted formation service files your Maryland LLC — starting from $100 + service fee.
Small Claims Court in Baltimore
Small claims cases in Baltimore are heard at the District Court in Baltimore City. The maximum you can sue for is $5,000. Filing fees range from $34–$58 depending on the claim amount.
| Court name | District Court |
| Filing location | Baltimore City |
| Maximum claim limit | $5,000 |
| Filing fee | $34–$58 |
| Written contract SOL | 3 years |
| Oral contract SOL | 3 years |
Where to File in Baltimore
Always call ahead to verify hours and accepted payment methods before visiting. Hours may vary on holidays.
Sue Someone in Baltimore? Prepare Your Documents First
LegalZoom helps you draft a demand letter and small claims filing forms for Maryland — reviewed by attorneys. Most disputes settle after a proper written demand.
Filing for Divorce in Baltimore
Divorce petitions in Baltimore are filed at the Baltimore City courthouse. The Baltimore City court divorce filing fee is $165. Sheriff service costs $55.
We have verified divorce filing fees specifically for Baltimore City. See full Baltimore City divorce fee details →
| Filing location | Baltimore City Courthouse |
| Filing fee | $165 (Baltimore City) |
| Sheriff service fee | $55 |
| Children surcharge | None |
| Parenting class | Not required |
| Certified copy fee | $10 |
File Your Maryland Divorce Online
LegalZoom prepares every form for an uncontested Maryland divorce — reviewed by attorneys. Starting from $499.
Find a Notary in Baltimore, MD
Maryland caps notary fees at $8 per notarial act ($30 for remote online notarization). Common places to find a notary in Baltimore: your bank (often free for account holders), UPS Store, FedEx Office, public libraries, and law offices.
Maryland also allows Remote Online Notarization (RON) — get documents notarized via video call from anywhere, capped at $30. Useful if you can't travel to a Baltimore notary in person.
| Acknowledgment fee cap | $8 |
| Jurat fee cap | $8 |
| RON (remote online) | $30 |
| State fee law | Yes — fee cap enforced |
Get a Document Notarized Online in Baltimore
Proof lets you notarize documents remotely via video call — no travel required. Fast, legal, and accepted in all 50 states.