Are Nevada Vital Records Public?
Vital records are public information in Nevada unless otherwise defined by Nevada law or court rule. These include marriage records, divorce records, birth records, death records, and a variety of other related documents. In accordance with Nevada state laws, vital records are available to anyone that provides sufficient information pertaining to the sought record.
What Information Shows Up in Nevada Vital Records?
A Nevada vital record is created after a vital event occurs; this includes all occurrences pertaining to the birth, death, marriage, divorce, separation, or adoption of a state resident. These records are maintained per state statute, and they are used for identification, research, conflict management/resolution, and related purposes.
How Do I Search for Nevada Vital Records Online?
Persons seeking Nevada vital records may request them online through the website of the vital record custodian in the jurisdiction where the event occurred. However, there are rarely options for remote access to these records because of the restriction to public disclosure. The following general information may be required to search for records online:
- Name of the requestor
- The date the event occurred
- The gender of the named party on the record (if applicable)
- The age of the named party on the record at the time the event took place (if applicable)
- The name of the city where the event was recorded
- Personal information of the named party to the record
- The relationship of the requestor to the named party in the record (father, mother, son, daughter, husband, sibling, aunt, uncle, grandparent, legal guardian, etc.)
- The reason for record request (personal use, insurance proceeds, authentication, death benefits, and other legal purposes)
- Father’s name and mother’s maiden name (for birth certificates only)
- Scope of search required (statewide or county-limited)
- Proof of ID revealing that the requestor has a direct and tangible interest (compulsory for all birth and death record searches, verification, and certification).
Publicly available vital records are also managed and disseminated by some third-party aggregate sites. These sites are generally not limited by geographical record availability and may serve as a convenient jump-off point when researching specific or multiple records. However, third-party sites are not government-sponsored. As such, record availability may differ from official channels. To find a record using the search engines on third-party sites, the requesting party will be required to provide the following:
- The location of the record in question, including the city, county, or state where the case was filed.
- The name of someone involved, provided it is not a juvenile.
How Do I Obtain Nevada Vital Records?
Usually, no documentation is required to view and inspect uncertified copies of Nevada vital records, including marriage, divorce, birth, and death records. However, following a 2016 amendment, proof of identification is required for persons who wish to obtain certified vital records in Nevada. These individuals include persons legally allowed to obtain vital certificates, such as the persons named on the record, immediate family members, authorized legal representatives, and persons permitted by a certified court order.
Certified Copy vs. Informational Copy: Understanding the Difference
Certified copies of a vital record are official copies that have been signed by the custodian and are strictly used for legal and authentication purposes, while informational copies of a record are reserved for non-official, genealogy, and medical research purposes. While both forms of vital record contain the same information, the certified copies are usually printed on a security paper as opposed to informational copies that are printed on plain paper and clearly marked "Informational".
Are Nevada Marriage Records Public Information?
Yes. Nevada marriage records are broadly considered public information in the state of Nevada. However, there are conditions where marriage records may be sealed or rendered confidential by the persons involved. On account of this, the public marriage records are exclusively restricted to legally authorized persons such as the couple themselves, immediate family members, legal representatives, law enforcement agencies during active investigations, and persons with a certified court order. Record seekers seeking to know how to find marriage records should contact the Vital Records Office.
How Do I Obtain Marriage Records in Nevada?
Public marriage records in Nevada are managed at the county level by the County Recorder or Clerk’s Office. Persons who wish to obtain marriage records must provide the necessary information to facilitate a search, such as the couple’s names, the county where the marriage license was issued, and the marriage date. Marriage license lookup can be done online, by mail, by phone, and in-person. Free marriage license records search can be done in some counties. For instance, Clark County has an online where a person can conduct a free marriage license search.
Likewise, interested persons may obtain marriage records from statewide marriage index maintained by the State Office of Vital Records. Most requesters prefer to order marriage records online. Where this option is unavailable, the requester may visit the nearest record custodian’s office during business hours or send a complete application packet by mail. Either way, all applicants must submit a government-issued photo ID and a check or money order for applicable fees. Contact the County Recorder’s Office for more information on how to find marriage records in Nevada.
How to Get a Marriage Certificate in Nevada
The Nevada Vital Records Office does not issue certified copies of marriage certificates. They only allow individuals to search for marriage information from June 1968 to September 2005 and May 2015 to the Present. Interested persons who want to conduct a search can mail a Request To Search For Marriage Or Divorce Records to the Office.
A record seeker can get a certified copy of the marriage certificate from the county where the marriage occurred. For instance, marriage certificates for marriages that occurred in Clark County can be obtained online from the Clerk’s Office. A search can be conducted by first name, last name, marriage year (optional), and certificate number.
Are Nevada Divorce Records Public Information?
Yes. Divorce records in Nevada are public information unless specifically restricted by statute or court order. However, the available information in these documents excludes sensitive details such as financial account information, social security numbers, and information about minors.
How Do I Obtain Divorce Records in Nevada?
Records pertaining to divorce, annulment, and dissolution of marriage records are managed and disseminated at the county level by the clerk of the judicial district court. Interested requesters may view, inspect, or obtain copies of divorce records by visiting the record custodian’s office during business hours. It is also possible to send mail requests, or order divorce records online. Requesters must provide the information to facilitate a search, including:
- The divorcees’ name
- The county where the divorce was filed and adjudicated
- The approximate date or year of the divorce
- The case file number
Note that mail-in requestors must go to the record custodian’s office in a self-addressed, stamped envelope, which contains a valid photo ID, written request letter, as well as a check or money order for the appropriate request fees. The judiciary maintains a directory of court locations, clerk contact addresses, and mailing addresses.
How to Get a Certified Divorce Certificate in Nevada
An individual can only get a certified divorce certificate from the county where the divorce occurred. This is because the Nevada Vital Records Office does not issue certified copies of dissolution of marriage records. However, the Office allows record seekers who submit completed Request To Search For Marriage Or Divorce Records forms to search for divorce information from their database.
Are Nevada Birth Records Public Information?
Yes. Birth records in Nevada are generally considered confidential documents and thus not available to members of the public upon request. On this account, birth records are restricted to authorized persons, including the persons named on the birth record, first-degree family members, legal representatives, and authorized governmental personnel. However, non-certified birth certificates are public birth records accessible to everyone.
How Do I Obtain Nevada Birth Records?
Statewide birth records from July 1911 to the present are available through the Office of Vital Records at the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). At the county level, birth records are available in the County Health District. Interested persons may obtain birth records from these record custodians by scheduling an in-person visit or sending a mail request. However, persons sending mail requests must first gather the necessary details to facilitate a search, including:
- The name of the person named on the birth record
- The parents’ full names (as well as the mother’s maiden name)
- The birth date
- The place - county, city, town - where the birth happened
In addition to these necessary details, the requester must present proof of identification proving tangible or legitimate interest in the birth record. Qualified requesters may order birth certificates or get a replacement birth certificate by submitting a birth application form in person or by mail.
Office of Vital Records
4150 Technology Way, Suite 104
Carson City, NV 89706
Phone: (775) 684-4242
Fax: (775) 684-4156
Is a Birth Certificate Public Record in Nevada?
Non-Certified copies of birth certificates are public birth records in Nevada. However, per NRS 440.650, certified copies of birth certificates are confidential. Hence, they are only issued to applicants with direct and tangible interests in the record. Certified copies of original birth certificates or replacement birth certificates can be obtained online, by mail, or in person at the State Vital Records Office.
Are Nevada Death Records Public Information?
Per the Nevada Vital Statistics Act, death records are confidential records, and access is limited to the deceased’s immediate family members and legal representatives. Other public requesters must provide proof of tangible interest in the death record.
How Do I Obtain Nevada Death Records?
Generally, statewide death records from July 1911 to the present are maintained by the Nevada DHHS. At the county level, death records are available in the County Health District. Interested persons may obtain Nevada death records by visiting the record custodian’s office during business hours or preparing a mail request. The necessary details needed to facilitate a death certificate search include:
- The deceased’s full name
- The date of death
- The place - county, city - of death
- The deceased maiden name
- Proof of identification proving the requester’s relationship to the deceased
- A document demonstrating tangible interest in the death record
Mail-in applications to the Nevada DHHS must include a completed death record application form. Attach a check or money order as well as a valid government-issued photo ID to:
Office of Vital Records
4150 Technology Way, Suite 104
Carson City, NV 89706
Phone: (775) 684-4242
Fax: (775) 684-4156
Is a Death Certificate Public Record in Nevada?
Non-certified copies of death certificates are public records in Nevada. However, per NRS 440.650, certified copies of birth certificates are not public records. Therefore, they are only restricted to authorized few with direct and tangible interests in the certificates.
How Do I Obtain Sealed Vital Records in Nevada?
Certified copies of birth and death records are statutorily deemed confidential. Interested persons who wish to obtain these sealed vital records must petition a court of competent jurisdiction for an order authorizing the petitioner to access that particular document. Generally, the court will only grant the court order if the petitioner can demonstrate and show proof of tangible interest in the sealed vital record.
What are Nevada Vital Statistics?
Per NRS 440.080, vital statistics contain records of death, birth, legitimation of birth, fetal death, marriage, annulment of marriage, and divorce. The Bureau of Vital Statistics collects these data to help make public health and health policy decisions. To find vital statistics call (775) 684-4242.
