A Nevada State Record is... NRS 239.005(6) “Official state record” includes, without limitation: Papers, unpublished books, maps and photographs; Information stored on magnetic tape or computer, laser or optical disc; Materials that are capable of being read by a machine, including, without limitation, microforms and audio and visual materials; and Materials that are made or received by a state agency and preserved by that agency or its successor as evidence of the organization, operation, policy or any other activity of that agency or because of the information contained in the material.
Public Records are... any of the records mentioned above available for public inspection, unless otherwise declared confidential by law.
To request access to public records, please contact the specific State agency who created the records. The Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records division does not retain the records of other State agencies for the purpose of Public Records Requests, with one exception, the State Archives.
The State Archives may have the records you are looking for. However, keep in mind the Archives will only have those records of historical or enduring value once they no long serve a business purpose for their agency. For information about records within the Archives and how to access them, please contact the Archives at 775-684-3310.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Records Answers to the most frequent public records questions.
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Frequently Requested Public Records A listing of the most frequently requested public records and where to find them.
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Resources to better understand the Nevada Public Records Act and its history. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Records
Are all Records Public Record?
The answer is more nuanced than a "Yes" or "No" answer. According to Nevada's Public Records Act "The presumption is, all agency records are open to public inspection and copying, unless they are specifically declared by law to be confidential." This can include any personal identification information or PII, information which can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, such as their name, social security number, biometric records, etc.
Reference: Nevada Public Records Act: A Manual for State Agencies
What are the various types of public records?
There are many different types of public records. In the case of individual public records, they typically revolve around major life milestones and include:
Birth and death certificates.
Marriage certificates and divorce decrees.
Deeds, mortgages, and other related property records.
Various licenses, including professional and business licenses.
Driving records.
Criminal records, including wants and warrants.
Sex offender records.
Court records.
Unclaimed property.
Missing persons.
Voter registration and election records.
Corporate or government public records often make note of disciplinary measures or are broken down into quarterly or annual reports. Some examples include:
Real estate appraisals. Census records.
Government spending reports.
Legislation minutes.
Consumer protection information.
Liens, judgments, or bankruptcy filings.
Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings.
Reference: Types of Public Records
How do I access public records?
Each public agency must adopt a policy which conforms to NRS Chapter 239 and The Nevada Public Records Act Manual. Agency policies should include basic procedural requirements, such as identifying the public records official, outlining the agency’s response process, and the agency’s fee structure. The following information shall be posted on each agencies website, if they maintain a website:
When an agency receives a public records request, it shall be the policy of the agency to comply with all such requests for copies of information by members of the public, media, or state and federal government officials. Per NRS Chapter 239, all such requests shall be handled as expeditiously as possible.
Frequently Requested Public Records
Secretary of State - Nevada Business Search: Find information on any corporation or business entity in Nevada
http://nvsos.gov/sosentitysearch/ Nevada
Employers: Injured Worker Services - Compensation Claims & Benefits
https://www.employers.com/about_us/contact_us.aspx or call 1-888-682-6671
Office of Vital Statistics, Department of Health and Human Services: Marriage and Divorce records are held at the respective county. For certified copies of marriage certificates, write to the County Recorder where the license was purchased. For copies of divorce records write to the County Clerk where the divorce was granted.
Birth and Death Certificates
http://dpbh.nv.gov/Programs/BirthDeath/Birth_and_Death_Vital_Records_-_Home/
Marriage and Divorce Records
http://dpbh.nv.gov/uploadedFiles/dpbhnvgov/content/Programs/Marriage/Docs/Search%20Request.pdf
Nevada Public Records Act Resources
Below you will find policies and other resources regarding Nevada's Public Records and the Public Records Act
Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) Chapter 239
Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 239
Public Records NAC 2014: Availability and Inspection of Public Records
Nevada Public Records Act: A Manual for State Agencies 2020
Public Records Manual 2019: Presentation 2019
Nevada Public Records Act (NPRA) and Legal Overview: Presentation 2019
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NSLAPR welcomes comments on how to improve our website's accessibility for users with disabilities. If site visitors interfacing with our website, they should contact the Website Team. The e-mail to the Website Team should include the nature of the accessibility problem; the preferred format in which to receive the materials; the web address of the requested materials; and the contact information for the site visitor.
100 N. Stewart Street
Carson City, NV 89701
Telephone: (775) 684-3339
Telephone: (775) 684-3360
Information and Reference: (775) 684-3360
Government Publications: (775) 684-3332
Fax: (775) 684-3330
Email:libraryservices@admin.nv.gov
Ask a Librarian
Telephone: (775) 684-3367
Fax: (775) 684-3311
Telephone: (775) 684-3367
Fax: (775) 684-3355
Email:nvtalkingbooks@admin.nv.gov
Telephone: (775) 684-3310
Fax: 775) 684-3371
Ask An Archivist
Telephone: (775) 684-3411
Fax: (775) 684-3426
Ask State Records
Telephone: (775) 684-3414
Fax: (775) 684-3408