State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Nevada
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Nevada under the Nevada Public Records Act (est. 1911).
Overview of Public Records in Nevada
Nevada's Public Records Act has origins dating back to 1911, making it one of the older public records laws in the western United States. The law establishes that all public books and records of state and local agencies must be open to inspection by any person. Nevada's rapid growth and tourism-based economy create unique records dynamics, particularly in Clark County (Las Vegas), which is one of the fastest-growing jurisdictions in the nation. The state's gaming industry also creates specialized regulatory records maintained by the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Nevada
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 5 business days. They may extend the response time if they need to determine whether the records are confidential or if the request is particularly voluminous.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge fees not exceeding the actual cost of providing copies. Standard fees are typically $0.25 to $0.50 per page. Extraordinary use of agency staff for complex requests may be charged at actual cost.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. Agencies must make records available during regular business hours. Written requests are recommended for complex searches to ensure proper documentation.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file a petition in district court for an order compelling disclosure. The court may award attorney fees and costs to a prevailing requester. The attorney general provides advisory guidance on disputes.
Types of Public Records Available in Nevada
Property Records
Property records in Nevada include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Nevada contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Nevada election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Nevada court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Nevada include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Nevada vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Nevada document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Nevada Public Records
To request public records in Nevada, submit a request in writing, by telephone, or by email to the governmental entity that maintains the records. Agencies must respond within five business days by either providing the records or providing written notice of when they will be available. Nevada counties maintain property records through recorder offices, and the Nevada Judiciary provides online case searches through individual district court websites. The Secretary of State offers SilverFlume for online business entity searches.
Online Access
Nevada Secretary of State provides extensive online access to business filings and entity searches. Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) maintain comprehensive online property and court record portals.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Nevada
While the Nevada Public Records Act establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Nevada.
- Personal information protected under specific state statutes
- Information that would endanger the safety of individuals
- Records of ongoing criminal investigations
- Trade secrets and proprietary information submitted to government
- Gaming regulatory intelligence and confidential enforcement data
- Security system details for government buildings
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Nevada provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Nevada Public Records Act
Enacted: 1911
Nevada's Public Records Act is codified in Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 239. The law provides that all public books and public records of governmental entities must be open to inspection. The act was amended in 2019 to clarify provisions related to electronic records and to establish clearer timelines for agency responses. Nevada also has separate open meeting law provisions in Chapter 241.
Key Features of Nevada's Records Law:
- Nevada has a five-business-day response requirement with written notification obligations
- The state's gaming industry creates specialized regulatory records unique to Nevada
- Nevada's SilverFlume system provides modern online access to business entity records
Nevada Public Records Facts
Nevada has 17 counties maintaining local government records
Clark County (Las Vegas) records over 500,000 documents per year
The state has approximately 2 million registered voters
Nevada Secretary of State maintains records for over 400,000 business entities
Search Nevada Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Nevada. Enter a name below to search public records in NV.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Public Records
How quickly must Nevada respond to records requests?
How do I access Nevada court records?
Are Nevada property records online?
How do I get Nevada vital records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Nevada Public Records Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Nevada or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.