Guide
About Nevada public records
State of Nevada free public records online and services that provide divorces, lawsuits, criminal records, background checks. Locate assets in the state of Nevada such as property records and recorded deeds. Search courts for family law related matters, bankruptcies, juvenile and federal cases, superior and district court filings. Business entity query for trademarks, trade names, service marks and reserved names with the business corporation search link. State of Nevada Health division's official page for death, birth and other records. Vital record requests and forms for a marriage occurring within the state. Browse a list of local and state agencies that offer the public and residents of Nevada resources to get government recordings.
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State background and court information
Nevada gained statehood in 1864 becoming the nation's 36th state. The name 'Nevada' is derived from the Spanish language meaning snow covered. The state's early economy was based on copper, silver and gold mining. In recent years, tourism and gaming has been the leading source of revenue for the state. Ranked 35th in population in the U.S. with over 2.7 million residents, Nevada is the 7th largest state with over 110,000 square miles. Nearly 70% of the state's residents live in the Las Vegas area.
Similar to the federal government, the state of Nevada is comprised of 3 branches. The governor heading the executive branch of Nevada along with lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer, controller and other elected or appointed officials. The Nevada legislature contains 21 senators and 42 assembly members that write, review and pass the state's bills and laws. The judicial branch is Nevada's court system which includes a supreme court, district, justice and municipal courts.
There are 16 counties in Nevada with one independent city, Carson City, which is the capital of the state. Counties provide residents of the state with services that include law enforcement, such as the sheriff, election, property assessment, courts and regulatory departments. Nevada localities such as cities and towns elect a mayor, city manager and council members to oversee local departments including police and fire, the city clerk and municipal courts.
Nevada's first open record laws were passed in 1906, however this law in its early stages required the records requestor to prove or show a specific interest. The legislature expanded the law to open records in 1911 with greater access without having to provide a reason to the agency. Transparency laws in Nevada gives its citizens access to government meetings and records alike. Reporters and concerned citizens strive to ensure there are no discrepancies in operations, budgets, planning, government employee salaries, elections and appointments by state and local departments.
Anyone can access public records from Nevada's agencies. Many individuals, reporters and oversight groups request information from their agencies, some requests are made for personal purposes. There are exceptions to open record laws in cases involving such matter as confidential or personal information of data that would be detrimental to an investigation. Agencies such as the Nevada Department of Public Safety are custodians of criminal records where a background check can be conducted with a simple form and request. County recorders issue certificates of marriage and divorces, while birth and death certificates can be obtained from the state's vital records office. Property assessors and recorders files open to the public can reveal information you can view online, and see details of real estate assets.
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Court records and filings
Nevada court records are maintained by the Nevada Judiciary. District Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction in each county. Justice Courts handle misdemeanors and civil matters under $15,000.
Court records can be searched through individual county court websites and the Nevada Supreme Court Law Library resources.
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Criminal records and background checks
Nevada criminal records are maintained by the Records, Communications and Compliance Division (RCCD) of the Department of Public Safety. The Nevada Criminal History Repository provides personal criminal history record information for the State of Nevada only ($27 fee). Court records in Clark County are accessible through the Justice Court public access system. The Nevada Sex Offender Registry provides public access to offender information. RCCD also operates the Civil Name Check program for authorized users.
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Vital records
Certified copies of Nevada birth and death certificates are issued by the Office of Vital Records of the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health. Marriage records are also kept by the local office that issued the license, and divorce records by the court that granted the divorce.
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Property and asset records
Deeds and mortgages in Nevada are recorded at the county level, and property taxes are handled by county or local offices. Business and UCC filings are kept by the state, bankruptcy cases are federal court records, and the state runs a free search for unclaimed property.
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Government records and agencies
Nevada's state agencies are listed on nv.gov, and the Nevada Revised Statutes are online from the Nevada Legislature.
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Driving and vehicle records
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles keeps driver and vehicle records and handles registration.
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Expungements and record clearing
Nevada courts may order criminal records sealed when certain conditions are met and the court is satisfied the person has been rehabilitated. Waiting periods vary by offense under NRS 179.245, records of dismissals and acquittals are sealed under NRS 179.255, and some arrests, such as sexual offenses, cannot be sealed.
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Genealogy and historical research
For family history, start with the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records.
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Missing children resources
The Nevada State Advocate for Missing and Exploited Children, in the Attorney General's office, gives information to parents and advocates of missing children.
- Nevada State Advocate for Missing and Exploited ChildrenNevada Attorney General
- NamUsU.S. Justice Department database of missing and unidentified people
Need a different Nevada record?
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