About White Pine County
White Pine County is located in east-central Nevada, covering approximately 8,897 square miles, making it one of the state's largest counties by area. White Pine County Seat is Ely, a historic mining town situated at an elevation of 6,437 feet in the Ely Valley. As of recent estimates, White Pine County has a population of approximately 9,500 residents. White Pine County was established in 1869 and named after the white pine trees found in White Pine County.
White Pine County is home to Great Basin National Park, which features the 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, Nevada's second-highest mountain, and the ancient Lehman Caves. White Pine County's history is deeply rooted in copper mining, with the Ruth Pit and Robinson Mining District playing crucial roles in Nevada's industrial heritage. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely preserves this mining legacy with authentic equipment and historic train rides.
Public records in White Pine County are managed by several elected officials and departments. White Pine County Recorder, located at 801 Clark Street, Suite 4, in Ely, maintains property deeds, mortgages, and land records. White Pine County Clerk, also at 801 Clark Street, handles court filings, marriage licenses, and various administrative records.
White Pine County Assessor's Office, situated in the same courthouse complex, is responsible for property valuations and tax assessments. White Pine County's economy has diversified beyond mining to include tourism, government services, and recreation, with the scenic Highway 50 (the 'Loneliest Road in America') passing through White Pine County and attracting adventurous travelers.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
White Pine County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout White Pine County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office oversees White Pine County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It also provides patrol services and works to ensure public safety. The Sheriff's Office is involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public awareness, reflecting its commitment to serving the residents of White Pine County.
Police Departments
Law enforcement in White Pine County is primarily handled by White Pine County Sheriff's Office and the Ely Police Department. The Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas and collaborates with the Ely Police Department on major crimes and public safety initiatives. The Ely Police Department serves the city of Ely, focusing on urban law enforcement and community policing efforts. Both agencies work together to address crime and ensure the safety of residents throughout White Pine County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
White Pine County Sheriff's Office, located at 1785 Great Basin Boulevard in Ely, Nevada 89301, is the primary law enforcement agency for White Pine County's unincorporated areas and provides detention services. The Sheriff's Office can be reached for The agency operates White Pine County Jail, which houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates. Inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at the Sheriff's Office main number or by visiting in person during business hours.
- Within White Pine County, the Ely Police Department provides municipal law enforcement services for the city of Ely and can be contacted for The Ely Police Department is located at 501 Mill Street, Ely, NV 89301.
- Citizens may request arrest records, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written request to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
- Requesters should be prepared to provide specific information such as the subject's name and date of birth or arrest date.
- Processing times and any associated copying fees should be confirmed with each agency directly.
The Sheriff's Office handles booking photos and arrest records under Nevada public records law. Arrest records in White Pine County are public records under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 239, which governs public records access in Nevada. NRS 239.010 establishes the principle that public records are open to inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the arresting agency, though policies on digital access vary. Some records may be withheld if their release would interfere with an ongoing investigation or violate privacy rights under NRS 239.010(1).
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in White Pine County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as entries in the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by White Pine County Sheriff's Office and the local courts. Residents can conduct background checks through the Nevada Bureau of Investigation, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The system ensures that individuals and businesses can verify the criminal backgrounds of potential employees or associates, contributing to public safety and trust.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in White Pine County are maintained by White Pine County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and personal information of the individual. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, following procedures outlined by the Nevada Public Records Act. Arrest records provide a summary of the incident, including the date, location, and nature of the alleged offense.
Jail & Inmate Records
White Pine County Detention Center, located in Ely, is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, with scheduled times and security protocols in place.
- Bail and bond processes follow Nevada state guidelines, allowing for the release of individuals under certain conditions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in White Pine County are taken and retained by White Pine County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases. Nevada does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can request corrections or updates if inaccuracies are found. Mugshots are often used with arrest records to provide a complete profile of the individual involved in a criminal case.
Courts & Case Records
White Pine County is served by the Seventh Judicial District Court, which sits in Ely at White Pine County Courthouse, 801 Clark Street, Ely, NV 89301. White Pine County Court has general jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $15,000, felony criminal cases, divorces, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be reached for Case information and docket searches are available through the Nevada Supreme Court's online portal at nevadajudiciary.us, though not all historical records may be digitized.
- White Pine County Justice Court, located at 1501 Avenue E in Ely (phone: 775-289-4567), handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $10,000, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- In-person requests for court records can be made at the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Fees for copying court records are established by NRS 19.031 and typically include $1.00 per page for standard copies and higher fees for certified copies.
- Online access to some case information is available through the Nevada judiciary website, though full searches may require in-person or written requests.
Property & Public Records
White Pine County Recorder's Office, located at 801 Clark Street, Suite 4, Ely, NV 89301, maintains all land and property records including warranty deeds, grant deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, reconveyances, liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment), easements, right-of-way documents, and subdivision plat maps. The Recorder's Office can be reached for Documents are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description, with records dating back to White Pine County's formation in 1869.
- While some Nevada counties offer online document search and retrieval, White Pine County's records may require in-person or written requests for access.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.
- A geographic information system (GIS) parcel viewer may be available through White Pine County website at whitepinecounty.net, allowing users to search by address, parcel number, or owner name.
- Requests for copies should specify the property's assessor parcel number (APN) or complete legal description when possible.
- Recording fees for new documents are established by Nevada statute and vary based on document type and page count.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in White Pine County, Nevada, are maintained both locally and at the state level. White Pine County Clerk's Office at 801 Clark Street, Suite 1, Ely, NV 89301 (phone: 775-289-8839) can provide information on vital records, though certified copies of birth and death certificates are primarily issued by the Nevada Office of Vital Records, located at 4150 Technology Way, Suite 104, Carson City, NV 89706. Birth certificates cost $25 for the first copy and $20 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy.
- Processing times typically range from 2-4 weeks for mail requests.
- Expedited service is available for an additional fee.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $60 (cash only), and there is no waiting period or blood test required in Nevada.
- Applicants requesting vital records must provide government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal authority.
Online ordering is available through the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services website at dpbh.nv.gov/Reg/VitalRecords for eligible applicants who can verify their identity and relationship to the record subject. Nevada law (NRS 440) restricts access to vital records to authorized individuals including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and those with court orders. Marriage licenses are issued by White Pine County Clerk's Office and require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification.
Divorce decrees are filed with the District Court Clerk and are part of the court record. Out-of-state requests should include notarized signatures and copies of identification.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in White Pine County operates at both White Pine County and state levels. White Pine County Clerk's Office at 801 Clark Street, Ely, NV 89301 (phone: 775-289-8839) handles Doing Business As (DBA) filings and fictitious business name registrations for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. County business licenses may be required depending on the type of business and location within White Pine County; specific requirements can be confirmed with the County Clerk.
- At the state level, all Nevada business entities including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and non-profits must register with the Nevada Secretary of State.
- The Secretary of State's Business Search portal at nvsos.gov allows free online searches of registered business entities by business name, registered agent, or business ID number.
- This database includes information on entity status, filing date, officers, registered agent, and business address.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use applications are processed by White Pine County Building Department and Planning Department, located at White Pine County offices in Ely.
- White Pine County Chamber of Commerce, which can be found online, provides resources for new and existing businesses including networking opportunities and local economic information.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in White Pine County are administered by White Pine County Clerk, who is the elected Clerk and Registrar of Voters. The Elections Office is located at 801 Clark Street, Suite 1, Ely, NV 89301, and can be reached for The office is responsible for voter registration, conducting elections, maintaining voter rolls, and certifying election results.
- Nevada law requires voters to register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election, though same-day registration is available during the early voting period and on Election Day.
- Registered voters can verify their registration status and find their polling place by visiting the Nevada Secretary of State's voter portal or by contacting White Pine County Clerk's office directly.
- The 2024 general election saw typical rural Nevada turnout in White Pine County, with participation rates generally ranging from 65-75% of registered voters in presidential election years.
- Absentee and mail-in ballots are available to all Nevada voters; requests can be made through the County Clerk's office online, by phone, by mail, or in person.
Voter registration in White Pine County can be completed online through the Nevada Secretary of State's website at nvsos.gov/sos/elections/voters/registering-to-vote, in person at the County Clerk's office, at the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or by mail using a voter registration form. White Pine County typically operates several polling locations on Election Day, with the primary voting center often located at White Pine County Courthouse or nearby community centers in Ely and other population centers. Early voting is available for approximately two weeks before Election Day at designated locations.
Election records that are public include voter registration lists (excluding confidential information), candidate filings, campaign finance reports filed with the Nevada Secretary of State, precinct-level election results, and ballot question information. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races, potential U.S.
Senate seats, Nevada constitutional offices including Governor, and state legislative seats. Nevada has implemented permanent mail ballot status for voters who wish to automatically receive mail ballots for all elections. Ballot transparency in White Pine County follows Nevada law (NRS Chapter 293), which requires open canvassing procedures, public testing of voting equipment, and availability of election results by precinct.
Citizens may request copies of election documents including poll books, tally sheets, and registration records under Nevada's public records law, subject to redaction of confidential voter information such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth.
Economy & Demographics
White Pine County's economy has historically been anchored by mining, particularly copper extraction from the Robinson Mining District near Ruth and Ely. While mining employment has fluctuated over the decades, mineral extraction remains a significant economic contributor. The Robinson copper mine and associated operations have employed hundreds of workers during peak periods. Beyond mining, government services represent a major employment sector, including county, state, and federal positions.
- White Pine County's median household income is estimated at approximately $51,000, somewhat below the Nevada state median.
- Highway 93 provides transportation corridors, though geographic isolation presents challenges for some industries.
Great Basin National Park, administered by the National Park Service, attracts approximately 90,000 visitors annually and supports tourism-related employment in lodging, food service, and retail. The Nevada Northern Railway Museum operates as both a tourist attraction and historical preservation site. Key economic sectors include mining and natural resources, government and public administration, healthcare and social services, retail trade, accommodation and food services, and education.
The William Bee Ririe Hospital in Ely is a significant healthcare employer. Agriculture, particularly ranching and livestock operations, continues in rural areas of White Pine County. Economic development efforts have focused on diversifying beyond boom-and-bust mining cycles.
White Pine County's location along U.S. Highway 50 and U.S. Renewable energy development, including solar projects, represents a potential growth area.
Unemployment rates in White Pine County have historically tracked somewhat above state averages, reflecting White Pine County's smaller and more specialized economy.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online Access | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Requests | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Yes: State Online Ordering | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: State Voter Portal | Overall Score: 6/10 — White Pine County provides basic public records access, though most services require direct contact with county offices rather than online portals.