Nevada Public Record Law

The Nevada Open Records Act, codified in Chapter 239 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, ensures residents have the right to access public records. The law permits record seekers to inspect, examine, and request copies of public records held by government entities. By accessing Nevada public records, citizens may hold public officials accountable for their actions and spending. While the Nevada Open Records Act governs access to public records at the state level, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) governs public records for federal entities.

Birth Records
Court Records
Criminal Records
Death Records
Divorce Records
Inmate Records
Marriage Records
Traffic Violation Records

Where Do I Submit a Public Record Request in Nevada?

In Nevada, public records are maintained by various state and local agencies. Therefore, you need to submit your public record request to the agency holding the record. By law, each agency may designate an officer, the record official, to receive public records requests. Therefore, you may submit your public record request to the record custodian at the relevant agency. Visit their official website for current information on submitting public records requests with their agency.

How Do I Request Public Records in Nevada?

Persons interested may request for Nevada public records by taking the following steps:

  • Identify the agency that holds the record you are interested in.
  • Submit a written request. You may submit the request through fax, email, postal mail, or online forms.
  • Provide valid identification. Some records, especially those involving personal or sensitive information, may require proof of identity.
  • Pay the required fees. Nevada agencies may charge fees for the search, retrieving, and copying costs.

Some public records are available on third-party websites. These platforms aggregate public records from multiple sources, making it easier to access public records without contacting the agency. However, third-party sites may not always have accurate or up-to-date information.

What Records are Public in Nevada?

There are various types of publicly accessible records in Nevada. However, the commonest ones typically requested in Nevada include:

  • Vital Records: Birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and death certificates. These records are generally open to the persons named on the record, their legal representatives, immediate family members, and persons with identifiable interests.
  • Property Records: Accessible property records include deeds, property tax assessment records, zoning records, building permits, plats, mortgages, and foreclosure records.
  • Judicial/Court Records: The Nevada Court system consists of District Courts, Justice Courts, and Municipal Courts. Public court records include civil case records, criminal case records, probate records, and family court records.
  • Law Enforcement Records: Commonly requested law enforcement records include arrest records, incident reports, sex offenders records, crime statistic reports, and body camera footage of officers.
  • Government Financial Records: These records include budgets, audit reports, grant records, expenditure records, and contract and procurement records.

Who Can Request Public Records in Nevada?

In Nevada, any person may access and obtain copies of public records. In the context of public records, "persons" refer to any natural persons, corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies, associations, firms, and nonprofits.

What Is the Response Time for Public Records Requests in Nevada?

Under the Nevada Public Records Act, government entities may respond to public records requests within five business days. However, where the record official cannot provide their record within the stipulated period, the agency may acknowledge the request and provide an estimated date when the records will be available.

What Is the Fee Charged for Providing Copies of Public Records?

Per Section 239.052 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, government agencies may charge a fee not exceeding the cost incurred to provide the copy. The law also specifies that for requests that require extensive staff involvement, the agency may charge for personnel time. There are additional fees for transcripts of administrative proceedings and the provision of information from a geographical information system.

What Records Are Exempted Under the Nevada Public Law?

However, the Nevada Open Records Act promotes transparency and accountability by granting the public access to public records. Some records are exempted from disclosure to protect sensitive information. In Nevada, these records include:

  • Personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers and personal contact information.
  • Law enforcement records, such as investigative records where disclosure may compromise public safety or the integrity of an investigation
  • Proprietary business information, trade secrets, and financial data
  • Educational records
  • Security plans and emergency response protocols
  • Grand jury proceedings
  • Juvenile delinquency records
  • Medical and mental health records
  • Attorney-client privilege communications
  • Library records
  • Adoption records
  • Sealed or expunged criminal records
  • Student educational records