Quick answer: Maryland's probate fee is charged by the Register of Wills and scales with the estate's value — from $0 on estates of $50,000 or less up to a statutory maximum of several hundred dollars on the largest estates. Unlike some states, it is not a flat fee, but it is modest compared with the commission and any death taxes.
How the Maryland probate fee works
Maryland probate is filed with the Register of Wills in the county (or Baltimore City) where the person lived — Montgomery, Prince George's, Baltimore County and City, Anne Arundel, Howard, Frederick and the rest. The Register assesses a probate fee based on the value of the estate, generally at the time of the First Account. The fee schedule is set statewide, so the same value bracket costs the same in every county; the fees below apply to estates opened on or after October 1, 2022.
| Estate value | Register of Wills fee (approx.) |
|---|---|
| $0 – $50,000 (small estate) | $0 |
| $50,000 – $75,000 | ~$150 |
| $75,000 – $100,000 | ~$200 |
| $100,000 – $250,000 | ~$300 |
| $250,000 – $500,000 | ~$400 |
| $500,000 – $1,000,000 | ~$500–$750 |
| Over $1,000,000 | up to statutory maximum |
Approximate brackets for the value-based schedule; confirm the exact fee with your county's Register of Wills. No fee is due on small estates of $50,000 or less (or up to $100,000 with a spouse as sole heir) under Est. & Trusts § 5-601.
Other Register of Wills costs
- Notice to creditors — publication in a local newspaper; roughly $50–$120. Creditors then have 6 months from death (or 2 months from notice) to file claims.
- Certified Letters of Administration & copies — the first two copies are typically included; extra Letters or copies cost more.
- Inheritance tax collection — the Register of Wills also collects Maryland's 10% inheritance tax on non-close-relative heirs, if any.
- Bond — required unless the will waives it; premium ~0.5% of the estate per year.
Where the fee sits in the total
The Register of Wills fee is a small part of Maryland probate — the PR commission, attorney fee, and (for large or non-close-relative estates) the estate and inheritance taxes dominate. See the whole picture in the Maryland probate cost breakdown, learn about attorney fees, or estimate your total with the Maryland probate cost calculator.