Last Updated: September 2025
Please consult the Maryland Courts Website for the most up-to-date information.
Table of Contents
- Helpful Links
- eFiling Deadline and Availability
- Signature and Formatting Requirements
- eFiling System Requirements
- eFiling for General and Civil Procedures
- If eFilings Are Returned or Deficient
Helpful Links
✔ Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) eFiling Page
✔ MDEC Policies & Procedures Manual
✔ Maryland Rules (Title 20) – Electronic Filing and Case Management
eFiling Deadline and Availability
System Access: 24/7, including weekends and holidays.
Filing Deadline: Any document submitted before 11:59 p.m. is filed on that date.
Clerk Review: Occurs during business hours. Accepted filings retain the timestamp date.
Scope of MDEC (as of May 6, 2024):
- Mandatory for attorneys in all courts statewide.
- Applies to civil, family, criminal, and traffic filings in District Courts.
- Covers appellate filings in both the Appellate Court of Maryland and the Supreme Court of Maryland.
- Unexpected events preventing eFiling (with affidavit).
- Temporary allowance by Administrative Judge for good cause.
- Oversized documents, items offered in open court, and physical evidence.
Signature and Formatting Requirements
Signatures: Electronic or scanned signatures are permitted (Rule 20-107).
Proposed Orders: Must be submitted in editable text format.
All Filings Must Include: MDEC signature and certificate of service.
eFiling System Requirements
- Platform: Odyssey File & Serve (MDEC) and Judiciary Record Search Portal.
- Registration: Mandatory for attorneys; optional for self-represented litigants.
- File Format: PDFs only. Exhibits must be separated but included in one filing envelope.
- Payment: Credit card payments accepted (standard transaction fee applies).
- Security: Compliant with state/federal regulations and PCI standards.
Quick Reference – General Procedures
|
Requirement |
Key Rule |
|
Authenticated Documents |
Required |
|
Consent to Electronic Service |
Mandatory |
|
Courtesy Copies |
Paper copies may be requested |
|
Document Margins |
Must follow Rule 20 formatting |
|
Filing Errors |
May be corrected; clerk may issue deficiency notice |
|
Privacy |
Redaction of sensitive information required |
|
Updating Attorney Contact Info |
Must be current in MDEC |
Quick Reference – Civil Procedures
|
Civil Filing Type |
Requirement |
|
Case Opening |
Must follow MDEC civil events list |
|
Amended Docs |
File as separate entry |
|
Appeals |
eFiled via MDEC |
|
Cross-claims / Counterclaims |
Filed under case events |
|
Discovery |
All discovery requests/responses eFiled |
|
Motions / Responses |
Must include certificate of service |
|
Sealed Documents |
Filed under seal with motion |
|
Proposed Orders |
Submitted in editable text |
|
Pro Hac Vice |
Motion filed electronically |
If eFilings Are Returned or Deficient
- Clerk Review: Conducted promptly per Rule 20-203(a)(2).
- Minor Errors: May be corrected without rejection.
- Material Errors: Deficiency notice issued; corrections required.
- Rejections: Confidential or non-case filings may be stricken.
Maryland Court Contact Information
- MDEC Help Desk (Tyler): (800) 297-5377 | Hours: 8 a.m.–8 p.m. EST
- Judiciary Support: (410) 260-1114 | mdcourts@service-now.com | Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. EST
eFiling Tools and Training
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