Genealogical Records in the Nevada State Archives:

The Nevada State Archives has some records for marriages and divorces for Carson County, Utah, and Nevada territories, dating from 1856-1862.

The Nevada State Library has marriage records for Douglas, Lyon, Ormsby, Storey, and Washoe Counties for 1862-1900. The latter are available on microfilm and are provided for research purposes only. Certified copies should be obtained from the office of record.

Other types of records available in the State Archives include:

• 1870 Nevada census - Includes Chinese Census Cards
• 1875 Nevada Census
• State Children’s Home Records
• Nevada Department of Corrections – Inmate Case files
• Historical State Land Patents – Digital Collection
• Nevada Territory Census Reports – Digital Collection
• Nevada Territory Census Reports 1861,1862,1864 - Digital Collection
• Indian census 1909-1939 - Microfilm available via the Nevada State Library
• Military Records – Muster rolls, DD Form 214s, Selective Service Cards

Genealogical Records not in the State Archives:

Naturalization, district court cases, and local government records are maintained in the district courts and the county offices. Vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce are maintained at the county level and with the Office of Vital Records. The Nevada State Office of Vital Statistics has birth and death records from 1911 to the present for all counties.

Birth and death records from 1887 to the present are recorded in each county, either in the office of the County Recorder or County Health Officer. There were no birth or death records kept in Nevada until 1887 when the first vital statistics law was passed by the Nevada State Legislature. Access to birth certificates is limited during the most recent 100 years. Only those who are named on the certificate, their immediate family members, or persons with a legal interest may acquire these records.

The Vital Records Division transferred a small number of Death Records volumes to the archives since they are no longer confidential. The volumes date from the 1920s-1954. 

Prior to that date, the only possible sources available for proof of birth are newspapers or baptismal records. The Nevada State Library has microfilm of Nevada newspapers, the Nevada census from 1870 – 1930, and the Indian census from 1909-1939.

Marriage certificates are filed with the County Recorder in the county where the marriage license was issued, not where the marriage took place. Divorces are civil court actions and are kept in the office of the County Clerk for each county. Civil court cases are filed by case number and indexed by plaintiff and defendant. For up-to-date listings of County Officials, check out the Nevada Association of Counties website.

Additional Resources:

There are also several historical societies around the state of Nevada such as:

• Las Vegas Historical Society
• Clark County Nevada Genealogical Society - CCNGS has guides, links, and classes for genealogy research specifically in Nevada.
• Nevada Historical Society Research Library - the largest and most complete repository of library materials, photographs, and manuscript collections relating to the history of Nevada.
• Library of Congress Research Guide, Nevada Local History & Genealogy - Directs researchers to the location of many types of records, organizations, and publications when conducting research in Nevada.
• BYU Idaho, Western States Marriage Records Index - Index of Marriage records in Nevada from approximately 1862-1959 (depending on the county) - We recommend searching by name.

The Nevada State Archives has a small genealogical display in the Research Room which can be viewed from July to October during our open hours: Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.