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Nevada Public Records

Whether you are working on a school project to trace your family tree, need proof of divorce, or do background checks on applicants for your company, Nevada public records can help you get the information you need.

Those needing to access records have a right to submit a request through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Every state has different processes, so it’s essential to know the state’s law before requesting any documents.

• Criminal Records
• Court Records
• Inmate Records
• Vital Records

What does the Nevada public records law say?

The Nevada Public Records Act provides a way for residents and non-residents to access public records of any governmental entity, including books and records.

Nevada used Nevada Revised Statutes to update the state’s Public Records Act in 2000. It applies to government agencies and any subdivision of the state, including schools, university foundations, and other entities that serve a role in the government.

Although there are some exceptions to the Nevada Public Records Act, they are pretty standard limitations that you will find in other states under the Freedom of Information Act.

How can I access public records in Nevada?

In most cases, there is no need to explain why you want the records. Nevada provides a public template to help requestors obtain information on the Freedom of Information Act.

There are several ways to request a public record, including email, fax, phone, or postal mail.

Although it is also possible to request Nevada public records in person, you will need to contact the office you are submitting the request for forms, fees, and office hours.

Nevada Criminal Records

The Nevada Department of Public Safety Records, Communications, and Compliance Division maintains all Nevada criminal records.

The information is collected from agencies of criminal justice. It includes arrests, detention, indictments, and the status of an offender on parole or probation, among other things.

A criminal record is a “rap sheet” that contains criminal activity within Nevada’s jurisdiction. The detailed information is available to the person of record or through criminal background checks. Information concerning juveniles is not available.

What’s on a Nevada criminal record?

A criminal record provides a detailed summary of that person’s criminal activity within the state jurisdiction.

This information covers arrests, criminal offenses, indictments, convictions, and, in some cases, incarceration details.

Depending on the scope, a background check may reveal any/all of the following:

• Date of birth
• Photograph/mugshot
• Fingerprints
• Current and past addresses
• Former arrest records
• Current and past warrants
• Sex offender status

Where can I find Nevada criminal records?

You will visit Nevada’s VINELink to access the criminal record.

A simple search by name (or ID number) will provide you with basic information on an offender or defendant.

Although you don’t need to register to search, registering on the site will display the full date of birth and ID number of an offender.

While the site was designed to empower victims of crimes with information, it’s available for anyone to use.

Results show offenders who are currently in custody or who may have been recently released. It does not include federal inmates or those in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody.

The results of a VINE search will provide the following results:

• Supervision type and status
• Supervision status date
• Supervision start and end date
• Supervision event reason and date
• Supervising officer and his/her phone number
• Reporting agency

You can also sign up for notifications to be alerted when something changes with the offender’s status.

Nevada Inmate Records

The State of Nevada Department of Corrections (NDOC) maintains three facilities, including 11 conservation camps, nine correctional facilities, and two transitional housing centers.

Although searches for inmate records can be done through the NDOC inmate search portal, copies of public records can be requested.

There are some nominal fees associated with requesting a copy of the public book or record. However, the requestor will be notified in advance prior to the request being honored.

What’s on a Nevada inmate record?

Public records are available on most Nevada inmates who are currently incarcerated or released.

Search results of inmate records will provide the following information:

• Name and aliases
• Date of Birth
• Social security number
• Height and weight
• DOC ID
• Booking photo
• Assigned location
• Sentence summary

Where can I find Nevada inmate records?

You will visit the State of Nevada Department of Corrections inmate search to access the inmate record.

As a general rule, only offenders who have received a sentence of incarceration in a Nevada state prison will be in the state records.

Although the information on parolees is available, it may not be current. Those serving probation or who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or sentencing may not be included.

To find information on someone who has been arrested by not sentenced, contact the city or county where they were arrested.

To search the inmate database, use the offender’s first and last name or the person’s Offender ID number.

Nevada court records

With some relatively standard exceptions, most court records in Nevada are available to the public through a simple online search.

There are three trial courts in Nevada: municipal, justice, and district.

Municipal courts tend to handle the small stuff, such as ordinance violations, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. Justice courts deal with small claims, landlord/tenant disputes, misdemeanors in their jurisdictions, and some other civil, criminal, and domestic relations cases.

However, district courts usually preside over criminal cases that include felonies, gross misdemeanors, and other cases outside specific jurisdiction courts.

What’s on a court record?

Court records are typically large information files and can include documents from several courts, depending on the case. It can contain all court transcripts and information on all actions in a case.

A court record includes the following:

• Court minutes
• Case files
• Dockets
• Orders of the court
• Judgment documentation
• Witness documentation

Where can I find Nevada court records?

To conduct a records search for court records, you will need to go through the court where the case was heard.

Although there is a Nevada Supreme Court and Appellate Courts, you will most likely be searching individual Nevada District Courts to find court records.

Some courts do provide searchable online databases, but others will require you to submit a request in writing or in person.

If you must request a record in person, speak with the county clerk and be prepared to provide case information along with your contact information so records can be delivered to you.

Nevada Vital Records

The Department of Health and Human Services Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) maintains vital records in Nevada.

Nevada’s vital records include:

• Birth Certificates
• Death Certificates
• Marriage Licenses
• Divorce Decrees

Public record requests for vital records will vary depending on the document you are requesting

Department of Health and Human Services Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH)
Office of Vital Records
4150 Technology Way, Suite 104
Carson City, NV 89706

Phone number: 775-684-4242

What information do I need to request a Nevada birth certificate?

The Application for Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate will ask for specific information when ordering a birth record.

• Full name on the birth record
• Date of birth
• County of birth
• Parents’ full name before marriage

Where can I find a Nevada birth certificate?

You can order a Nevada birth certificate online by using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Nevada birth record by completing the Application for Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified birth certificate in Nevada is $25 per copy.

What information do I need for a death certificate in Nevada?

The Application for a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate will ask for specific details when ordering a death record.

• Full name on the death record
• Date of death
• County of death
• Last 4 of the social security number of the deceased
• Parents’ full name before marriage
• Funeral home

Where can I find a Nevada death record?

You can order a Nevada death certificate online by using VitalCheck.

Or, you can request a certified copy of a Nevada death record by completing the Application for a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person.

The cost of a certified death certificate in Nevada is $25 for the following counties:

• Carson
• Clark
• Douglas
• Lyon
• Mineral
• Washoe

The cost of a certified death record is $22 in every other county in Nevada.

What information do I need to request a marriage certificate in Nevada?

The County Recorder maintains marriage records in Nevada.

The basic information you will need to include with your marriage certificate request is:

• Both spouses’ names
• City and county are listed on the marriage license
• The date of the marriage

Where can I find an existing Nevada marriage record?

You will need to contact the County Recorder’s office where the marriage license was issued to inquire about forms, fees, and office hours.

What information do I need to request a divorce certificate in Nevada?

The County Clerk maintains divorce records in Nevada.

The basic information you will need to include with your divorce decree request includes:

• Both spouses’ names
• City and county are listed on the marriage license
• The date of the marriage

Where can I find a Nevada divorce record?

You will need to contact the County Clerk’s office where the marriage license was issued to inquire about forms, fees, and office hours.

Nevada Property Records

The Assessor’s Office maintains property records in Nevada.

The property records you can access include:

• Liens
• Land records
• Titles
• Property deeds
• Mortgages
• Property tax assessment records
• Zoning information
• Probate
• Business licenses

For data, parcel, and tax maps, you will need to contact the Geographic Information System(GIS) to ask about public access.

What information do I need to request property records in Nevada?

Public property record requests are different depending on the information you are requesting.

You will need to contact your local Assessor’s Office for forms, fees, and office hours.

Where can I find a Nevada property record?

You will need to contact the Assessor’s Office to access a public property record in Nevada.

Example – Clark County Assessor
Clark County Assessor Property Records Forms
500 S Grand Central Pkwy
Suite 2091
Las Vegas, NV

Phone number: 702-455-3882

FAQs

Can a request be submitted by non-residents of Nevada?

Nevada law does not require residency for members of the public to submit public records requests.

Is there a records custodian in Nevada?

Although the law requires the appointment of an employee at each agency to serve as the records office for the entity, they do not have the legal authority to designate a records custodian formally.

What exemptions exist for public records requests in Nevada?

You can find a complete list of exemptions for requested records.

How long does Nevada have to respond to a public records request?

Although state agencies have five business days to respond, they can also provide the requester with written notification of why the record is not yet available by the deadline and when it will be.

You can report any time violations to the Nevada Secretary of State.

Is there an appeals process for public information requests in Nevada?

Although there is no administrative appeal option, you can take court action at the county district court where the request was made.

What fees are associated with requesting public records in Nevada?

Nevada law allows agencies to charge fees, but they cannot exceed the actual costs to provide the record, and fees top out at $.50 per page.