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Where can I search for free public records?
Birth and death records in Nevada are kept confidential, and only authorized individuals may access them. However, marriage records are not restricted and are available for public viewing. Though finding free public records can be difficult, the general public can access many vital records in Nevada without any fees. If you are searching for specific information, you may have to spend considerable time reviewing Nevadaโs archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records.
Are Nevada Vital Records Open to the Public?
Access to vital records in Nevada will depend on what type of record you are looking for and the year it was recorded. Some third-party websites make it easy to search for specific types of vital records. These websites are not restricted by geographic location and can offer a helpful starting point when researching records. However, itโs important to note that the data on these third-party sites may differ from official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
- The location of the record youโre looking for, including the city, county, or state where it was recorded.
- The name of the person on record, if it is not a minor.
How to Verify if Your Vital Record is Official
To ensure that you possess an official certified copy of your Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificate, it is advisable to check what the certified copy looks like depending on the municipality or agency that issued it. Each Nevada county and municipality creates its unique style of vital records. You can refer to the official, certified documentsโ samples available in the county where your certificate was issued to confirm that your certificate is a certified copy. To recognize informational copies of vital records, look for a stamp or large print across the face of the document that reads โInformational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identityโ or something similar.
What Are the Differences between Authorized Copies Versus Informational Copies?
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies of vital records can be used for official identification. Informational copies cannot establish identity and are only issued to individuals with a โdirect and tangible interestโ in the document.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of certificates are not official legal documents and cannot be used for official purposes like establishing identity, obtaining a passport, or proving eligibility for benefits. They are intended only for personal reference or display and are often used for personal record-keeping or genealogical research.
When you want a copy of a birth or marriage certificate for informational purposes, you donโt need to provide a Sworn Statement to obtain an informational copy. Unlike certified copies, you can request a short-form, unofficial (non-certified), โheirloom,โ or โcommemorativeโ certificate. However, youโll need to provide proof of your relationship to the individual on record.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.