Nebraska became the 37th state to join the Union on March 1, 1867. With a population of over 1.8 million, it ranks as the 38th most populous state, while covering more than 77,000 square miles, making it the 16th largest in land area. The state is divided into 93 counties, each functioning as a local government with elected officials, courts, and public agencies that provide essential services to residents.
Nebraska’s Public Records Statutes ensure government transparency and public accountability. These laws grant all members of the public—regardless of residency—the right to request access to:
Government records
Official meetings
Agency policies
Public contracts and data
Requests apply to all state and local government agencies, and in some cases, quasi-governmental organizations with contractual ties to the state. While certain records may be exempt from disclosure, denials must follow clearly defined legal guidelines—not the discretion of individual officials.
Requests are commonly made by journalists, advocacy groups, and private citizens seeking insight into government operations. However, Nebraska public records are also routinely requested for personal, legal, and business purposes.
A thorough background check in Nebraska often includes multiple types of public records. Key components include:
Criminal Records
The Nebraska State Patrol provides a Record of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) Sheet, which includes felonies, misdemeanors, infractions, and violations reported by law enforcement across the state.
Driving Records
Employers and individuals can obtain driving histories, license status, and traffic violation records directly from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
Professional License Verification
Instantly verify credentials and licensing status of Nebraska professionals, including medical personnel, attorneys, contractors, and more, through online tools maintained by professional licensing boards.
Nebraska public records are also valuable for identifying assets, such as:
Real Estate and Liens
County Register of Deeds offices maintain public access to property records, UCC filings, deeds, and various lien documents.
Business Ownership
Use the Nebraska Secretary of State’s online corporate and business entity database to search for information about company ownership, filings, and legal status.
Additional Asset Sources
The PublicRecordCenter directory offers links to specialized websites that help uncover property holdings, corporate affiliations, and other asset-related data.
Many residents request public records for personal documentation needs, such as:
Vital Records
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services maintains certified copies of birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees.
Court Records
Access civil and criminal case files, judgments, and case outcomes through Nebraska’s county and circuit courts. These records can be essential for legal research, background checks, or personal inquiries.
Whether you're looking for a single document or conducting a broad investigation, navigating Nebraska’s public records can be challenging without knowing where to start. Fortunately, centralized resources and online directories can streamline the process.
Use official Nebraska websites for up-to-date forms, request instructions, and “how-to” guides
Find comprehensive listings of city, county, and state departments that maintain the records you need
Save time by accessing verified links instead of browsing low-quality or outdated websites
Discover information that may not be widely known to be publicly accessible
From background checks and professional verifications to real estate searches and vital records, Nebraska's public record system offers an array of tools for those seeking accurate, official information.
