Search Nevada court records in 2026 using official state, county, city and federal court tools. Nevada has an official appellate case search, but most trial court records are searched through the court or county where the case was filed, including Clark County, Washoe County, Reno, Las Vegas Justice Court and Las Vegas Municipal Court.
Need Nevada Court Records Right Now?
Start with the correct court level. For Nevada Supreme Court and Court of Appeals cases, use the official Nevada Appellate Courts case lookup. For district, justice and municipal court records, use the local court portal where the case was filed. For federal Nevada cases, use PACER. Do not depend on private people-search websites as your first source.
Nevada Court Records Overview
Nevada court records are case records created by courts in Nevada. They can include case numbers, party names, attorneys, filing dates, docket entries, hearings, judgments, orders, dispositions and public documents. The exact record you can see online depends on the court level, case type, county system, privacy rule and whether a document is sealed or restricted.
The most important thing to understand is simple: Nevada does not work like a one-button statewide trial court portal for every local case. Nevada appellate cases are searchable through the Nevada Appellate Courts system, but district court, justice court and municipal court records are usually searched through the local court where the case was filed.
What Nevada court records can usually show online?
| Record Type | Best Starting Point | Important Search Note |
|---|---|---|
| Supreme Court and Court of Appeals | Nevada Appellate Courts Case Lookup | Search by case number, caption or participant. |
| District court cases | County district court portal or clerk | Clark and Washoe have online tools; smaller counties may require clerk contact. |
| Justice court cases | Local justice court search | Traffic, misdemeanor, small claims and lower-level civil matters vary by township. |
| Municipal court cases | City municipal court portal | City ordinance, municipal traffic and misdemeanor cases are court-specific. |
| Federal Nevada cases | PACER | Federal civil, criminal and bankruptcy records are not in Nevada state portals. |
Is There a Statewide Nevada Court Records Search?
There is a statewide official search for Nevada appellate cases, but there is not one official public portal that reliably searches every Nevada district, justice and municipal court case in one place. This is where many searchers get misled by private “Nevada records” websites that mix public information, data-broker records and incomplete case references.
Best search path for Nevada court records online
- Decide whether the case is appellate, trial, local or federal Appeals go to the Nevada Supreme Court or Court of Appeals. Trial court cases are usually in district, justice or municipal court. Federal cases use PACER.
- Search the official appellate portal when it is an appeal Use the Nevada Appellate Courts case lookup by case number, caption or participant name.
- Use the county or city portal for trial court records For Clark County, start with Clark County Courts Records Inquiry. For Washoe and Reno, use the official Washoe/Reno court tools.
- Contact the clerk when online search is incomplete Older, sealed, archived, recently filed or restricted cases may not appear online even when a record exists.
Nevada Appellate Court Case Search by Case Number, Caption or Participant
The Nevada Supreme Court and Court of Appeals provide an official appellate case lookup system. This is the correct place to search appeals, petitions, writs and appellate docket activity. It is not the same as a county district court search.
How to search Nevada appellate court records
- Open the official appellate case search Go to Nevada Appellate Courts Find a Case or the C-Track public portal.
- Search by case number if available A case number search is cleaner than a name search. Enter the full appellate case number when you have it.
- Search by caption or participant If you do not know the case number, search words from the case caption, last name, company name or organization name.
- Review the docket and available documents The portal may show case status, docket activity, filed documents and participant details. For official records, contact the appellate clerk.
Nevada appellate clerk contact details
| Office | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Carson City Clerk’s Office | 201 South Carson Street, Suite 201, Carson City, NV 89701-4702 | 775-684-1600 |
| Las Vegas Clerk’s Office | 408 East Clark Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101 | 702-486-9300 |
District Court Records by County in Nevada
Nevada district courts handle higher-level trial court matters such as felony criminal cases, major civil lawsuits, divorce, custody, probate, guardianship and many appeals from lower courts. District court records are usually maintained by the county court clerk or court administrator.
How to find Nevada district court records by county
- Identify the county first Nevada has district courts organized by judicial district and county. The county is usually shown on the complaint, citation, judgment, notice or hearing document.
- Use the official Nevada district court directory Open Nevada District Courts and choose the county or judicial district.
- Search the local portal if available Larger counties may offer online record inquiry. Smaller counties may require a phone, email, mail or in-person request.
- Request copies from the clerk For certified copies, sealed access requests or older archived files, contact the clerk of the court that has the original case.
Common Nevada district court record searches
| Search Need | Likely Court | Search Method |
|---|---|---|
| Felony criminal case | District court | Name, case number or clerk request |
| Divorce decree | District court family division | Case number or party name |
| Probate estate case | District court probate division | Decedent name or case number |
| Large civil lawsuit | District court civil division | Party name, attorney or case number |
| Guardianship or conservatorship | District court | Case number or clerk request; some records may be restricted |
Clark County and Las Vegas Court Records Search
Clark County is the busiest Nevada court-record search area because it includes Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and many high-volume courts. Start with official Clark County court portals instead of random background-check pages.
Clark County official court record tools
| Need | Official Tool | Use It For |
|---|---|---|
| District Court civil/criminal/family records | Clark County Courts Records Inquiry | Many district court civil, criminal and family case records. |
| Clark County copies and certified records | Records Search and Viewing | Plain copies, certified copies, exemplified copies and copy requests. |
| Las Vegas Justice Court | Las Vegas Justice Court | Justice court civil, criminal, traffic and township matters. |
| Clark County Justice Court citations | Clark County Justice Court Case Search | Search by name, case number or ticket number. |
| Las Vegas Municipal Court | Las Vegas Municipal Court Portal | City municipal court cases, scheduled events and payments. |
Micro steps for Clark County court records by name
- Choose the correct Clark County court District court, justice court and municipal court are not the same. A Las Vegas city case may not appear in the district court portal.
- Search by case number first Case number gives the cleanest result. If you only have a name, use last name, first name and date of birth when the portal requires it.
- Check whether traffic citations have posted Some citations may take time to appear online. If the citation is very new, re-check later or contact the court.
- Request official copies from the correct clerk Use Clark County’s official records and copy request page for district court records.
Washoe County, Reno and Sparks Court Records Search
Washoe County includes Reno and Sparks, and court records may be split between district court, Reno Justice Court, Sparks Justice Court and municipal court systems. Use the exact court name from your notice, citation or case document.
Washoe, Reno and Sparks official search links
| Court / Area | Official Link | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Second Judicial District Court / Washoe | Washoe Courts | District court case information and court services. |
| Reno Justice Court | Reno Justice Court | Justice court criminal, civil, citation and payment information. |
| Reno Municipal Court | Find Your Case | Free online register of actions and disposition information for Reno Municipal Court cases. |
| Sparks Justice Court | Sparks Justice Court Case Search | Justice court case lookup and payment support. |
How to search Reno court records free online
- Check the court name on your paperwork Reno Municipal Court, Reno Justice Court and Washoe District Court are different systems.
- Use the official Reno case search page For Reno Municipal Court, use the City of Reno “Find Your Case” search tool.
- Use Washoe or Reno Justice Court for township matters Justice court may handle traffic, misdemeanor, small claims, eviction and lower-value civil cases.
- Call the court if the online record is blocked Some portals may temporarily block automated searching or require a fresh search link for security.
Nevada Criminal Court Records by Name, Case Number or Citation
Nevada criminal court records may include charges, hearings, warrants in the case, plea entries, sentencing information, docket activity and public orders. The search location depends on charge level and court. Felony cases usually go through district court. Misdemeanor and traffic matters may be in justice or municipal court.
How to search Nevada criminal court records
- Use the case number when possible A criminal case number is more accurate than a name-only search.
- Search the court where the charge was filed Clark County, Washoe County, Reno, Sparks, Las Vegas Justice Court and Las Vegas Municipal Court have different systems.
- Check citation or ticket portals for traffic-related criminal matters Some misdemeanor traffic or city ordinance matters appear in justice or municipal court tools.
- Use DPS for criminal history records Court records are not the same as a statewide Nevada criminal history request.
Civil, Family, Probate and Small Claims Nevada Court Records
Nevada civil court records can include lawsuits, debt collection, personal injury, landlord-tenant matters, business disputes, judgments, small claims and appeals. Family and probate records can include divorce, custody, support, guardianship, conservatorship, estates, wills and trust matters. Some family and guardianship details may be restricted.
Where to search by case type
| Case Type | Likely Court | Search Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Divorce records | District court family division | Search by party name or case number; certified decree may require clerk request. |
| Custody and child support | District court family division | Some details may be restricted for child privacy. |
| Probate estate records | District court probate division | Search by decedent name, case number or clerk request. |
| Small claims | Justice court | Search local justice court by township or county. |
| Eviction / summary eviction | Justice court | Use local justice court portal or clerk contact. |
| Large civil lawsuit | District court | Search county district court records portal. |
Traffic Ticket and Citation Search in Nevada Courts
Nevada traffic cases are often handled by justice courts or municipal courts, not by the appellate system. Your citation should list the court name, citation number, appearance date, payment instructions and court location.
How to search a Nevada traffic ticket online
- Read the court name on the citation Do not search every Nevada portal. Start with the exact justice or municipal court printed on the ticket.
- Search by ticket or citation number Clark County Justice Court search may allow name, case number or ticket number. Las Vegas Municipal Court has its own portal.
- Wait if the citation is new New citations may take time to appear in a court system. If the court website warns about posting delays, check again later.
- Verify before paying Make sure the payment site is official and the case details match your citation.
Copies, Certified Copies and Nevada Court Record Requests
Online search results are useful for research, but official use often requires a plain copy, certified copy, exemplified copy or clerk-certified record. Nevada copy rules and fees depend on the court, document type and whether the original document is on file with that clerk.
How to request Nevada court records copies
- Identify the correct court clerk Use the case number and court name to find the court that keeps the original file.
- Write down the exact document name Use the docket entry title, filing date, party name and case number.
- Check copy request instructions Large courts may provide online or email copy requests. Smaller courts may require mail or in-person requests.
- Ask whether certification is required If you need the document for immigration, licensing, court filing, name change, probate or official proof, ask for a certified copy.
| Copy Type | Typical Use | Where to Request |
|---|---|---|
| Plain copy | Personal review, informal reference | Original court clerk |
| Certified copy | Official proof of a filed document | Original court clerk |
| Exemplified copy | Higher authentication for some out-of-state uses | Original court clerk |
| Appellate official record | Appeal record proof | Nevada Appellate Courts Clerk |
| Federal copy | Federal court document | PACER or federal clerk |
Sealed, Confidential and Redacted Nevada Court Records
Some Nevada court records are public, while others are sealed, confidential, redacted or restricted by rule, statute or court order. Nevada has Rules for Sealing and Redacting Court Records, and courts may limit public access when required by law or when protected information appears in a filing.
Records that may be restricted in Nevada
- Juvenile court records in many situations
- Adoption records and certain family-related confidential records
- Medical, psychological or protected personal information
- Victim information and protected addresses
- Sealed criminal history records
- Confidential business, trust or financial filings when sealed by rule or order
- Records redacted under Nevada sealing and redaction rules
How to deal with a sealed Nevada record
- Do not assume the case never existed A sealed case may not appear in public search results.
- Contact the court clerk Ask what access, if any, is available to parties, attorneys or authorized requesters.
- File the correct motion if access is needed Some requests require a formal court filing, not a simple public records request.
- Use legal help if the record affects rights Sealed record access can affect employment, licensing, immigration and criminal-defense issues.
Nevada Court Records vs DPS Criminal History Records
A Nevada court case search is not the same as a Nevada criminal history record. Court portals show cases filed in court. The Nevada State Police Records, Communications and Compliance Division handles Nevada criminal history record requests through official DPS/RCCD channels.
Which Nevada record source should you use?
| Need | Use This | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| Search an appellate court case | Nevada Appellate Courts | C-Track Case Search |
| Search a Clark County court case | Clark County Courts | Records Inquiry |
| Search a Reno municipal case | Reno Municipal Court | Find Your Case |
| Request Nevada criminal history | Nevada DPS / RCCD | Nevada Criminal History Request |
| Search federal Nevada court records | PACER | PACER |
Federal Court Records in Nevada Through PACER
Federal court records in Nevada are not searched through Nevada state court portals. Federal civil, criminal and bankruptcy records are accessed through PACER or through the relevant federal court clerk.
How to search Nevada federal court records
- Create or use a PACER account Go to pacer.uscourts.gov.
- Choose the District of Nevada Use the official Nevada District Court PACER lookup for federal district court access.
- Search by party name or case number Case number is best. Party name searches can create PACER charges even when you only view result pages.
- Download only what you need PACER charges by page, with caps and quarterly waiver rules. Review the fee screen before opening long reports.
PACER fee basics for 2026
| PACER Item | Current Public Fee Rule | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Case documents and docket sheets | $0.10 per page | Case-specific documents are generally capped at $3.00 per document. |
| Quarterly usage | Fees are waived if charges are $30 or less in a quarter | Casual users often owe nothing if they stay under the threshold. |
| Audio file | $2.40 per audio file | Audio charges are separate from normal page charges. |
| Federal courthouse terminal | May allow free viewing at courthouse | Printing or copying may still cost money. |
Nevada Court Locations and Map
For statewide court questions, appellate filings and official appellate records, contact the Nevada Appellate Courts clerk. For trial court files, contact the county, justice or municipal court that handled the original case.
Nevada Supreme Court — Las Vegas Clerk’s Office
408 East Clark Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: 702-486-9300
Official appellate court website: nvcourts.gov/supreme
Common Nevada court contact starting points
| Court Need | Official Starting Page |
|---|---|
| Find Nevada district courts | Nevada District Courts Directory |
| Find Nevada justice courts | Nevada Justice Courts Directory |
| Find Nevada municipal courts | Nevada Municipal Courts Directory |
| Self-help forms and resources | State of Nevada Self-Help Center Forms |
| Administrative record requests | AOC Record Request Guide |
Practical Search Tips for Nevada Court Records
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search Nevada court records online for free?
Start with the court level. Use Nevada Appellate Courts case search for appeals, Clark County or Washoe/Reno portals for local trial court records, and PACER for federal cases. Some local records are free to search, while copies or federal documents may cost money.
Is there one statewide Nevada court records search?
There is an official statewide appellate case search, but trial court records are usually searched through the county, justice court or municipal court where the case was filed. There is not one complete public portal for every Nevada trial court case.
What is the official Nevada appellate court case search?
The official appellate search is available through the Nevada Appellate Courts case lookup and C-Track public portal. You can search by case number, words from the caption, court and participant information.
How do I search Clark County Nevada court records?
Use the Clark County Courts Records Inquiry portal for many district court civil, criminal and family cases. For Las Vegas Justice Court or Las Vegas Municipal Court matters, use the separate court-specific official portals.
How do I search Las Vegas court records?
First identify whether the case is in Clark County District Court, Las Vegas Justice Court or Las Vegas Municipal Court. Each court has its own official search or payment portal.
How do I search Reno court records?
For Reno Municipal Court, use the City of Reno “Find Your Case” page. For Reno Justice Court or Washoe District Court records, use the official Washoe County or Washoe Courts websites.
Can I search Nevada criminal court records by name?
Some Nevada court portals allow name searches, but coverage depends on the court. Search by case number when possible and verify identity carefully because name-only searches can create wrong matches.
Are Nevada court records the same as a background check?
No. Court records show case filings and docket information. A Nevada criminal history request is handled through Nevada DPS/RCCD and is different from a court portal search.
How do I get certified copies of Nevada court records?
Contact the clerk of the court that holds the original case file. Certified copies, exemplified copies and plain copies must be requested from the correct court clerk, and fees vary by court.
Why can’t I find a Nevada court case online?
The case may be in a different court, recently filed, archived, sealed, confidential, restricted, entered under a different name, or handled in federal court. Contact the court clerk if the online search is incomplete.
Are Nevada divorce records public?
Many divorce case entries may be searchable through district court systems, but some documents and sensitive family details may be restricted. Certified divorce decrees usually require a request to the district court clerk.
How do I search Nevada traffic tickets?
Use the court listed on the citation. Traffic tickets may be in justice court or municipal court depending on where the citation was issued. Search by ticket number, citation number, case number or name when the portal allows it.
Can I view sealed Nevada court records?
Usually no, unless you are a party, attorney, authorized agency or have a court order allowing access. Nevada has rules for sealing and redacting court records, and sealed records may not appear in public searches.
How do I search federal court records in Nevada?
Use PACER for federal Nevada court records. Federal district and bankruptcy records are separate from Nevada state court portals and may have PACER page fees.
What is the safest way to avoid fake Nevada record websites?
Start with official domains such as nvcourts.gov, clarkcountycourts.us, washoecounty.gov, reno.gov, lasvegasnevada.gov, uscourts.gov and pacer.uscourts.gov. Avoid paying private websites before checking official sources.
Final Summary
For nevada court records, the correct search depends on the court. Use Nevada Appellate Courts for Supreme Court and Court of Appeals records, county and local court portals for district, justice and municipal cases, Nevada DPS/RCCD for criminal history requests, and PACER for federal records. Clark County and Washoe/Reno have useful official online tools, but smaller courts may require direct clerk contact.
The safest process is to search by case number, verify the court and party details, avoid private record sites as your first source, and request certified copies directly from the correct court clerk when official proof is needed.