Your Comprehensive Guide to Nevada Public Records
Nevada Public Records
Nevada public records are documents, data, and information created, received, or maintained by state and local government agencies. These are governed by the Nevada Public Records Act, which establishes a liberal presumption in favor of public access unless a specific law declares the record confidential.
Are Nevada Records Public?
Yes, most records created or maintained by Nevada government agencies are considered public under Nevada law. The Nevada Public Records Act (NRS Chapter 239) establishes the presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically declared confidential by law.
According to NRS 239.010, "all public books and public records of a governmental entity, the contents of which are not otherwise declared by law to be confidential, must be open at all times during office hours to inspection by any person."
This means that citizens have the legal right to access a wide range of government documents, including:
- Meeting minutes and agendas
- Government contracts and financial records
- Property records
- Court records
- Licensing information
- Election data
- Environmental reports
- Many other types of government documents
However, it's important to note that certain records may be exempt from disclosure due to privacy concerns, security issues, or other statutory exemptions.
What Information Is Included in Nevada Public Records?
Nevada public records encompass a vast array of information maintained by state and local government agencies. These records typically include:
Vital Records:
- Birth certificates
- Death certificates
- Marriage licenses
- Divorce decrees
Property Records:
- Deeds and titles
- Property tax assessments
- Mortgage information
- Zoning records
Court Records:
- Civil case files
- Criminal case files
- Probate records
- Bankruptcy filings (federal)
- Traffic violations
Business Records:
- Business licenses
- Corporate filings
- Professional licenses
- UCC filings
Government Operations:
- Budgets and financial reports
- Meeting minutes
- Public employee salaries
- Government contracts
Law Enforcement Records:
- Arrest records
- Incident reports
- Sex offender registry
- Inmate information
Motor Vehicle Records:
- Vehicle registrations
- Driver's license information (limited)
- Accident reports
Voter Records:
- Voter registration information
- Election results
Each type of record contains specific information relevant to its purpose, from personal identifying information in vital records to financial details in property records.
What Does the Nevada Public Records Law Do?
The Nevada Public Records Law, primarily codified in Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) Chapter 239, establishes the framework for public access to government records in the state. This law serves several important functions:
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Establishes a Presumption of Openness: The law creates a presumption that government records are open to public inspection unless specifically declared confidential by law.
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Defines Public Records: NRS 239.010 broadly defines public records as "all public books and public records of a governmental entity" that are not otherwise declared confidential.
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Sets Procedures for Access: The law outlines how citizens can request records, how agencies must respond, and timelines for compliance.
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Identifies Exemptions: While promoting transparency, the law also recognizes certain categories of records that may be exempt from disclosure to protect privacy, security, and other important interests.
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Provides for Appeals: The law establishes mechanisms for appealing denied requests, including seeking judicial review.
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Imposes Penalties: Government agencies that willfully violate the public records law may face penalties.
The Nevada Public Records Law works in conjunction with other statutes that may declare specific types of records confidential, such as certain health information, juvenile records, and records containing personally identifiable information.
How To Find Public Records in Nevada in 2025
Accessing public records in Nevada involves identifying the appropriate agency that maintains the desired records and following their specific request procedures. Here's a general guide for finding public records in Nevada in 2025:
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Identify the Appropriate Agency: Determine which government agency is likely to maintain the records you seek. Different types of records are held by different agencies.
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Check Online Resources: Many Nevada agencies now provide online access to certain public records through their websites. This is often the fastest way to access records.
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Submit a Written Request: If the records aren't available online, prepare a written request to the appropriate agency. While Nevada law doesn't require requests to be in writing, doing so creates a record of your request and helps ensure clarity.
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Be Specific: Clearly identify the records you're seeking with as much detail as possible, including relevant dates, names, and document types.
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Follow Up: If you don't receive a response within the statutory timeframe (typically 5 business days), follow up with the agency.
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Pay Any Required Fees: Be prepared to pay reasonable fees for copying or processing your request.
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Appeal If Necessary: If your request is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.
For specific types of records, you may need to contact the following agencies:
Nevada Secretary of State
101 North Carson Street, Suite 3
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-5708
Nevada Secretary of State
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records
4150 Technology Way, Suite 104
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 684-4242
Nevada Office of Vital Records
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711
(775) 684-4368
Nevada DMV
Does Nevada Have Free Public Records?
Nevada law allows government agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing copies of public records, but inspection of records is generally free. According to NRS 239.055, agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of providing the copy.
Some records may be available for free online through agency websites, particularly:
- Court case indexes
- Property ownership information
- Business entity searches
- Voter registration verification
- Sex offender registry information
However, most detailed records or certified copies will involve fees. Some agencies may waive fees if the request is determined to be in the public interest or for research purposes.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records in Nevada?
The cost of obtaining public records in Nevada varies depending on the type of record, the agency maintaining it, and the format requested. Under NRS 239.055, government agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of providing copies.
Typical fees include:
- Paper Copies: Usually $0.10 to $0.50 per page
- Certified Copies: Additional fee of $2-$10 per document
- Vital Records: $20-$40 per certificate
- Court Records: Varies by court and document type, typically $0.25-$1 per page
- Research Fees: Some agencies charge for staff time required to locate and compile records, particularly for complex requests (typically $20-$40 per hour)
Agencies must provide a fee estimate if the total is expected to exceed $25. Some examples of specific fees include:
- Birth Certificate (certified): $25
- Marriage License (certified): $15
- Property Deed (certified): $10-$30 depending on county
- Criminal History Check: $23.50
How Long Does It Take to Obtain Public Records in Nevada?
Under Nevada law (NRS 239.0107), government agencies must respond to public records requests within five business days. This initial response must:
- Allow the person to inspect or copy the public record;
- Notify the person in writing that the agency does not possess the record and, if known, the governmental entity that maintains the record;
- Notify the person that the agency needs additional time to respond; or
- Deny the request in writing, providing the legal basis for the denial.
If an agency needs additional time, it must provide the records "as soon as reasonably practicable." The actual timeframe depends on:
- The volume of records requested
- Whether records need to be reviewed for confidential information
- Staff availability and workload
- Whether records are stored offsite
Simple requests may be fulfilled within days, while complex requests might take several weeks. Agencies processing vital records like birth certificates typically have standard processing times of 1-2 weeks, though expedited services may be available for additional fees.
What Records Are Confidential In Nevada?
While Nevada law presumes that government records are public, numerous statutory exemptions protect certain types of information from disclosure. According to NRS 239.010, records declared confidential by law are exempt from public disclosure. Some key categories of confidential records include:
Personal Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Personal financial information
- Medical records (protected under HIPAA)
- Personal email addresses and phone numbers of government employees
Law Enforcement Records:
- Active criminal investigation records
- Confidential informant information
- Juvenile criminal records
- Victim information in certain cases
Government Operations:
- Records that would jeopardize homeland security
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Certain deliberative process documents
- Trade secrets or proprietary information submitted to government agencies
Other Protected Records:
- Child welfare records
- Adoption records
- Certain educational records (protected under FERPA)
- Gaming control information
- Records related to certain infrastructure vulnerabilities
Nevada has over 400 specific statutory exemptions to the Public Records Act scattered throughout the Nevada Revised Statutes.
Who Has the Right To Request Public Records in Nevada
Under Nevada law, any person has the right to request public records. NRS 239.010 states that public records must be open to inspection "by any person," regardless of:
- Citizenship status
- Residency
- Age (though some agencies may have policies regarding minors)
- Purpose of the request
Requesters do not need to:
- Explain why they want the records
- Identify themselves
- State their intended use of the records
However, certain records with restricted access may require the requester to demonstrate a legitimate interest or legal right to access the information. For example, accessing someone else's vital records typically requires demonstrating a familial relationship or legal interest.
Government agencies cannot deny a request based on:
- The requester's identity
- The purpose of the request
- How the information might be used
Business entities, media organizations, and advocacy groups also have the same right to request public records as individuals.
What Can Be Done With Public Records in Nevada
Public records obtained in Nevada can be used for various legitimate purposes, including:
Personal Use:
- Researching family history
- Verifying property ownership
- Obtaining vital records for personal documentation
- Checking court records for legal matters
Business Purposes:
- Conducting background checks on potential employees
- Researching property for real estate transactions
- Verifying business licenses and registrations
- Investigating potential business partners
Legal Matters:
- Gathering evidence for litigation
- Researching case precedents
- Investigating claims and disputes
- Locating assets
Research and Journalism:
- Investigating government operations
- Analyzing public spending
- Reporting on matters of public interest
- Academic research
Civic Engagement:
- Monitoring government activities
- Advocating for policy changes
- Participating in public discourse
- Holding officials accountable
While public records are generally available for any use, it's important to note that certain uses may be restricted by other laws. For example, using personal information from public records for commercial solicitation may be restricted in some cases, and using public records for identity theft or fraud is illegal.
Key Agencies and Departments for Public Records in Nevada
Nevada Department of Administration
515 E. Musser Street, Suite 300
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-0299
Nevada Department of Administration
Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711
(775) 684-4368
Nevada DMV
Nevada Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Vital Records
4150 Technology Way, Suite 104
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 684-4242
Nevada Office of Vital Records
Nevada Department of Public Safety
555 Wright Way
Carson City, NV 89711
(775) 684-4808
Nevada Department of Public Safety
Nevada Supreme Court
201 South Carson Street, Suite 250
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-1600
Nevada Supreme Court
Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records
100 North Stewart Street
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-3313
Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records
Nevada Secretary of State - Business Portal
101 North Carson Street, Suite 3
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-5708
Nevada Secretary of State Business Portal
Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation
500 East Third Street
Carson City, NV 89713
(775) 684-3849
Nevada DETR
Nevada Department of Education
700 E. Fifth Street
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 687-9200
Nevada Department of Education
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
901 South Stewart Street, Suite 4001
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 687-4670
Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Nevada Division of State Lands
901 S. Stewart Street, Suite 5003
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-2720
Nevada Division of State Lands
Clark County Recorder's Office
500 S. Grand Central Parkway
Las Vegas, NV 89155
(702) 455-4336
Clark County Recorder
Nevada Department of Taxation
1550 College Parkway, Suite 115
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 684-2000
Nevada Department of Taxation
Nevada Legislature
401 S. Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-6800
Nevada Legislature
Nevada Department of Transportation
1263 S. Stewart Street
Carson City, NV 89712
(775) 888-7000
Nevada DOT
Nevada Attorney General's Office
100 North Carson Street
Carson City, NV 89701
(775) 684-1100
Nevada Attorney General
Nevada Housing Division
1830 College Parkway, Suite 200
Carson City, NV 89706
(775) 687-2240
Nevada Housing Division
City of Las Vegas Clerk's Office
495 S. Main Street
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 229-6011
Las Vegas City Clerk
How to Appeal a Denied Public Records Request in Nevada
If your request for public records in Nevada is denied, you have several options for appeal:
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Informal Resolution: First, contact the agency that denied your request to clarify the reasons for denial and determine if there's a way to modify your request to address their concerns.
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Administrative Appeal: Some agencies have formal administrative appeal processes. Check the denial letter or the agency's website for information about their specific appeal procedures.
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Contact the Agency Head: Write to the head of the agency explaining why you believe the denial was improper under Nevada law.
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Seek Assistance from the Attorney General: The Nevada Attorney General's Office can sometimes provide guidance on public records issues, though they typically represent state agencies.
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File a Petition for Judicial Review: Under NRS 239.011, you can file a petition in district court to challenge the denial. The court can:
- Order the government entity to provide the record
- Assess damages against the entity if the denial was willful
- Award attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing party
Important considerations for judicial review:
- The petition must be filed in the district court in the county where the records are located
- The court will determine if the records are public and not subject to any exemption
- If the court finds the denial was in bad faith, damages of $1,000 may be awarded
- The burden is on the government agency to prove that the record is confidential
The timeframe for filing a petition is not specifically defined in the public records law, but it's advisable to act promptly after receiving a denial.
Difference Between Federal and Nevada Public Records
- Jurisdiction: FOIA applies only to federal agencies; Nevada law (NPRA, NRS Chapter 239) applies only to state and local entities.
- Exemptions: Federal FOIA lists nine specific exemptions (e.g., national security, law enforcement). Nevada’s law requires explicit statutory confidentiality, with a strong presumption in favor of disclosure.
- Who Can Request: Both allow any person, regardless of residency.
- Timelines: FOIA typically allows 20 business days; Nevada requires five business days to respond with status.
- Appeals: FOIA appeals go through the agency, then federal court; in Nevada, enforcement proceeds directly to district court via writ of mandamus.
U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Information Policy (FOIA) 441 G St NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20530 Phone: (202) 514-3642 U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Information Policy (FOIA)