Nebraska Public Records
Nebraska has a strong public records law on the books that gives the public access to many forms in many different state agencies.
Unlike some states that only allow residents to access public records, Nebraska enables any U.S. citizen access to records. It doesn’t matter if you live in Lincoln, Omaha, New York City, or Miami; anyone can request Nebraska public records.
While access isn’t restricted, finding and requesting records can be a bit challenging. Records are kept by different branches of government and by various state agencies, so it can be challenging to know where to start looking.
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.
Table of Contents
- 1 What does the Nebraska public records law say?
- 2 How can I access public records in Nebraska?
- 3 Nebraska Criminal Records
- 4 Nebraska Inmate Records
- 5 Nebraska Court Records
- 6 Nebraska Vital Records
- 6.1 What information do I need to request a Nebraska birth certificate?
- 6.2 Where can I find a Nebraska birth certificate?
- 6.3 What information do I need for a death certificate in Nebraska?
- 6.4 Where can I find a Nebraska death certificate?
- 6.5 What information do I need for a marriage certificate in Nebraska?
- 6.6 Where can I find a Nebraska marriage certificate?
- 6.7 What information do I need for a divorce certificate in Nebraska?
- 6.8 Where can I find a Nebraska divorce certificate?
- 7 Nebraska Property Records
- 8 FAQs
- 8.1 Can a request be submitted by non-residents of Nebraska?
- 8.2 Is there a records custodian in Nebraska?
- 8.3 What exemptions exist for public records requests in Nebraska?
- 8.4 How long does Nebraska have to respond to a public records request?
- 8.5 Is there an appeal process in place for public records requests in Nebraska?
- 8.6 What fees are associated with requesting public records in Nebraska?
What does the Nebraska public records law say?
The Nebraska Public Records Law was passed in 1975 and stated that “all citizens of this state, and all other persons interested in examining the public records” may have access to them.
Record requestors don’t need to state a purpose to obtain records either.
All states do exempt some public records from the public records law. In Nebraska, exempt documents include any records containing personal information, medical records, law enforcement records, trade secrets, security-related information, credit information, archaeological records, and employment records.
All branches of the state government, including the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, must adhere to the public records in the Nebraska constitution.
The state specifies a response time in the law, one of the fastest turnaround times in the United States: 4 business days.
Visit Nebraska.gov to learn about the state and its public records laws.
How can I access public records in Nebraska?
For public records access in Nebraska, a person must submit a public records request to the specific agency holding the record that you want to see. Most requests can be made by email, phone, or in person. Some departments do, however, require a written request.
Every department is different, so expect some variation to the rules if you’re accessing records from multiple places.
In general, a public records request should include:
- Your name
- Contact information
- The name of the document
- Details about the document
- A time frame that you would like to receive the materials by
- Document delivery method, mail or email
Nebraska Criminal Records
Criminal records provide a report of a person’s interactions with law enforcement. Employers tend to request criminal records to screen new employees.
Employers want to make sure that the person they plan to hire has a clean record, verified by accessing criminal records.
The Nebraska State Patrol maintains criminal records in the state.
What’s on a Nebraska criminal record?
A criminal record lists criminal activity, arrest history, indictment records, and incarceration information.
When a criminal history is pulled, you’ll likely find the following information:
More specifically, a criminal record or a background check will provide the following information:
- Date of birth
- Driver license number
- Photograph/mugshot
- Fingerprints
- Current and past addresses
- Former arrest records
- Current and past warrants
- Sex offender status
Where can I find Nebraska criminal records?
The state makes criminal records available through the Nebraska Records of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP). The search is limited.
These records only provide criminal acts that a person is fingerprinted for, so things like minor traffic violations will not be included in the reports.
The public records law gives anyone, including employers, access to these records by filling out a request form or using an online portal.
To request a record, you need to provide a person’s full name and date of birth. The search results are more accurate if a social security number is provided.
If you need further information, contact the Nebraska State Patrol.
Nebraska Inmate Records
As you might expect, Inmate records provide information about a person incarcerated in the state of Nebraska.
A person’s offenses and the category of the offense, be it a misdemeanor or a felony, will be listed on this type of record.
The Nebraska Department of Corrections maintains inmate records in the state.
What’s on a Nebraska inmate record?
An inmate record can provide personal information like race, date of birth, and nationality, but most people are looking for more specific details.
The information on a Nebraska inmate record is usually pulled from several different law enforcement agencies and provides information about the offenders:
- Name and aliases
- Date of Birth
- Height and weight
- DOC ID
- Booking photo
- Assigned location
- Sentence summary
Where can I find Nebraska inmate records?
You will search the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services website to access the inmate record.
To get the best results, you’ll need to enter a DCS Id Number.
A search can be conducted with an inmate’s first and last name as well.
Nebraska Court Records
To access Nebraska court records, it’s helpful to understand how the court system works.
The court of appeals oversees decisions made by lower courts, which in Nebraska are made up of 93 superior and trial courts spread across the state.
The Nebraska Supreme Court is the highest court authority, followed by the Court of Appeals.
What’s on a Nebraska court record?
Court record details vary, but in Nebraska, most people find these pieces the most helpful:
- Court minutes
- Case files
- Descriptions and details of open meetings
- Dockets
- Orders of the court
- Judgment documentation
- Jury records and files
- Witness documentation
Where can I find Nebraska court records?
In many states, accessing court records can be one of the most tedious and time-consuming. However, Nebraska has a searchable database that can provide a lot of information without sending special requests or talking with state officials on the phone.
To view court cases, visit the Nebraska Judicial Branch website. On this site, requesters can access criminal, civil, traffic, juvenile, and probate cases filed in all of the state’s county and district courts. You will be able to determine case detail, parties involved, court cost information, and registrar of actions. If you want copies, you need to request them from the clerk of the court at the courthouse where the case was heard.
To conduct a search, there is a fee of $15 per search.
Nebraska Vital Records
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services maintains vital records in the state.
Nebraska vital records include:
- Birth Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Marriage Licenses
- Divorce Decrees
Public record requests for vital records in Nebraska will vary depending on the document you are requesting.
Nebraska Vital Records
Nebraska Vital Records
P.O. Box 95065
Lincoln, NE 68509-5065
Phone number: 402-471-2871
What information do I need to request a Nebraska birth certificate?
The Application for Certified Copy of Birth Certificate will ask for specific information when ordering a birth record.
- Full name on the birth record.
- Date of birth.
- Place of birth.
- Parents’ full name.
Where can I find a Nebraska birth certificate?
You will use the Division of Public Health Vital Records website to order a birth record online.
Or, you can request a certified copy of a Nebraska birth record by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Birth Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person to the Department of Health and Human Services Office.
The cost of a certified birth certificate in Nebraska is $17.
What information do I need for a death certificate in Nebraska?
The Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate will ask for specific information when ordering a death record.
- Full name of the deceased
- Birthdate
- Birthplace
- Spouse’s full name
- Place of death
- Funeral home
- Parents’ full name before marriage
Where can I find a Nebraska death certificate?
You will use the Division of Public Health Vital Records website to order a death record online.
Or, you can request a certified copy of a Nebraska death record by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person to the Department of Health and Human Services Office.
The cost of a certified death certificate in Nebraska is $16.
What information do I need for a marriage certificate in Nebraska?
The Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate will ask for specific information when ordering a marriage record.
- Full names of both spouses before marriage
- County the marriage took place
- Date of marriage
Where can I find a Nebraska marriage certificate?
You will use the Division of Public Health Vital Records website to order a marriage record online.
You can request a certified copy of a Nebraska marriage record by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person to the Department of Human Services or the County Court that granted the marriage.
The cost of a certified marriage certificate in Nebraska is $16.
What information do I need for a divorce certificate in Nebraska?
The Application for Certified Copy of Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) Certificate will ask for specific information when ordering a divorce record.
- Full names of both spouses before marriage
- Place where the divorce was granted
- Date of the marriage
- Date of the divorce
Where can I find a Nebraska divorce certificate?
You can request a certified copy of a Nebraska divorce record by completing the Application for Certified Copy of Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) Certificate and submitting it by mail or in person to the Department of Human Services or the County Court that granted the divorce.
The cost of a certified divorce decree in Nebraska is $16.
Nebraska Property Records
The Register of Deeds Department maintains all property transaction maintains property records in the state.
The property records you can access include:
- Liens
- Land records
- Titles
- Property deeds
- Real estate information
- Mortgages
- Property tax assessment records
- Zoning information
- Probate
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 Nebraska?
You will need basic information to access a public property record in Nebraska.
Forms, fees, and office hours will vary depending on the County Clerk’s Office.
Where can I find a Nebraska property record?
You will need to contact the Nebraska County Registers of Deeds Office where the property record is maintained.
Example – Douglas County Assessor/Register of Deeds
Douglas County Copy, Certified Copy, or Fax Copy Request Form
819 Farnam St.
Rm. H09
Omaha, NE 68183
Phone number: 402-444-6781
FAQs
Can a request be submitted by non-residents of Nebraska?
Nebraska public record laws do not state that being a resident of the state is required to gain access to public records.
Is there a records custodian in Nebraska?
Nebraska Public Records laws say that all requests should go to the record-keeping agency. This is part of the challenge with accessing public records.
Before a document can be accessed, a person must know which agency has the records, to begin with. Sometimes tracking that information down is more time-consuming than making the record request.
What exemptions exist for public records requests in Nebraska?
No government agency is exempt, and that includes the Nebraska legislature.
However, exemptions are made for records containing personal information, medical records, law enforcement records, trade secrets, security-related information, credit information, archaeological records, and employment records..
How long does Nebraska have to respond to a public records request?
Nebraska has four business days to respond to a request and must make reasonable good faith efforts to fulfill all requests.
Is there an appeal process in place for public records requests in Nebraska?
There is no administrative appeal option provided for public records requests in Nebraska. Court action may be taken at the district court in the jurisdiction of the request.
If a request is ignored, you can inform the head of the agency or petition the attorney general as a means of action.
What fees are associated with requesting public records in Nebraska?
You can take your scanner into a department in some cases and make your copies.
However, if this is not permitted, there could be a cost for the records. However, the law says the first four hours of staff time is free. After that, a special service charge can be levied.