Montgomery County property owners have a new, free way to stay informed about activity involving their property records.
The Maryland Judiciary launched its Real Property Notification System, or RPNS, pilot on November 9, 2026. Owners can register properties and choose email alerts, text alerts, or both when documents are recorded. Participation is voluntary. The Judiciary plans to expand the service statewide over the next five months. Read the official announcement.
What the notifications mean
An alert can help you learn about a recording that deserves your attention. However, the Judiciary specifically states that RPNS is not a fraud alert system. Receiving a notification does not establish that a document is fraudulent. Maryland Judiciary announcement.
The portal also explains that notifications depend on recorded document index data matching the criteria you register. Alerts cover documents recorded and index data received after you create your notification request. They do not provide a review of earlier recordings, and the courts do not guarantee that notifications are comprehensive, accurate, complete, or current. Official RPNS portal.
For consumers, that means the service can be a useful additional source of information, but it should not be treated as a complete check of a property’s title or recording history.
How to get started
As of November 10, the official portal lists Montgomery County as the only participating county. Property owners elsewhere in Maryland should check the portal for updates as additional counties become available. Check current availability.
To participate:
Visit the official RPNS website.
Follow the registration instructions.
Register the property or properties you want to monitor.
Select email notifications, text notifications, or both.
The Judiciary says registration uses an email address and phone number, with verification through a one-time email code rather than a password. Registration details.
What to do if you receive an unexpected alert
Start by reviewing the notification carefully. The Judiciary directs owners to obtain additional document details through the Maryland Land Records website and determine whether to contact or visit the circuit court clerk’s office where the information was recorded. The RPNS website also provides a Contact Us option. Official guidance.
If a recording raises questions about your ownership or legal rights, consider consulting a Maryland real estate attorney. An alert alone cannot resolve those questions.
A practical step for property owners
Keeping track of property records is part of informed ownership. This new service offers another way to notice recording activity and investigate unfamiliar documents.
The Bird Team with Red Cedar Real Estate helps Maryland buyers and sellers make informed decisions using property-specific information, documented facts, and their individual goals.
