Washoe County

Washoe County is located in northwestern Nevada, serving as the state's second-most populous county with approximately 490,000 residents as of 2024. Washoe County seat is Reno, Nevada's third-largest city, which sits at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains at an elevation of about 4,500 feet. Washoe County includes 6,342 square miles, stretching from the California border eastward across high desert terrain. Washoe County includes the cities of Reno and Sparks, as well as unincorporated communities such as Incline Village on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Sun Valley, Spanish Springs, and Verdi. Major landmarks include Lake Tahoe's crystal-clear waters (shared with California), the Truckee River flowing through downtown Reno, Pyramid Lake to the northeast (managed by the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe), and the Washoe Lake State Park. Established in 1861, Washoe County was one of Nevada's original nine counties, named after Washoe County people who inhabited Washoe County for thousands of years. Washoe County played a key role during the Comstock Lode silver rush era. Washoe County Recorder's office is located at 1001 East Ninth Street, Reno, NV 89512, handling property records and vital statistics. Washoe County Clerk is situated at 75 Court Street in Washoe County Courthouse, managing court documents and marriage licenses. Washoe County Assessor's office, at 1001 East Ninth Street, Building A, assesses all real and personal property for taxation purposes. What makes Washoe County unique is its position as Nevada's gaming and tourism hub outside Las Vegas, its proximity to world-class outdoor recreation in the Sierra Nevada, and its rapidly growing technology sector nicknamed the 'Biggest Little City' corridor.

Washoe County Nevada Court is located in Reno, Nevada. The address is 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501. The court is a district court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases. The court also has jurisdiction over family law, probate, juvenile, and small claims cases. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Police Departments

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• The University of Nevada, Reno Police Department provides law enforcement for the UNV campus.
• Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the online inmate search system at no charge for current detainees.
• Historical arrest records may require a formal public records request with processing fees.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Nevada state laws, allowing for cash bonds or bail bonds through licensed agencies.
• To locate someone recently arrested, the Sheriff's Office provides an online inmate search tool.

• Washoe County Courts offer free case search capabilities online, though certified copies require fees ranging from $1 per page for standard copies to $30 for certified documents.
• Remote access is available through Nevada's state electronic filing system for attorneys and registered users.
• Walk-in requests are accepted at the Clerk's office during business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

• Certified copies cost $6 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, available in person or by mail with proper identification.
• The Assessor's online Property Information Search provides free access to current and historical assessment data, property characteristics, sales history, and tax information.
• All requests follow Nevada public records law under NRS 239, with most land records available immediately online or within 1-3 business days for archive research.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• The Nevada Office of Vital Records in Carson City (775) 684-4242) is the state repository for all vital records and can process requests for Washoe County events, though processing times may be longer.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek.com, an approved vendor for Nevada vital records, with additional service fees and expedited shipping options.
• The fee is $85, cash only.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• Nevada Secretary of State's Business Portal (nvsos.gov) provides the primary database for searching business entity registrations, including corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations.