Washoe County Court Records Search
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Washoe County, located in northwestern Nevada with Reno as the county seat, operates a multi-tiered court system that processes tens of thousands of cases annually. The Second Judicial District Court serves as the county’s general jurisdiction trial court, handling everything from serious felonies to complex civil disputes, divorces, and probate matters. Four justice courts — Reno Township, Sparks Township, Incline Village–Crystal Bay, and Wadsworth Township — handle misdemeanors, small claims, evictions, and preliminary hearings. Two municipal courts in Reno and Sparks round out the system, focusing on city ordinance violations and traffic offenses.
For those seeking court records in Nevada, several resources exist at the state and local level. Official clerk offices, public access terminals at courthouses, and online case search tools all provide avenues for locating case information. NevadaCourts.us can help users identify the correct court, access self-help forms, and find links to county-specific online case search systems. At the local level, the Second Judicial District Court and individual justice and municipal courts each maintain their own search tools and filing offices.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Washoe County?
Washoe County offers multiple methods for searching court records, depending on the type of case and the court that handled it.
Online Case Search Options
Each court tier in Washoe County maintains separate online tools:
- Second Judicial District Court — The court’s case inquiry database allows free searches of civil, criminal, family, and probate docket information. Users can search by case number, party name, or other identifiers through the detailed case search page.
- Sparks Justice Court — The case search portal offers searches for civil and criminal cases filed in Sparks Township.
- Reno Justice Court — Case searches are available online. Contact the court at (775) 325-6500 for access details.
- Reno Municipal Court — Registers of action and disposition information can be accessed through the court’s online records search tool at no cost.
In-Person Requests
Visitors may request records at the filing office of the court that handled the case. The principal offices and their hours are:
| Court | Address | Phone | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second Judicial District Court (General) | 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501 | (775) 328-3110 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Second Judicial District Court (Family) | 1 South Sierra Street, Reno, NV 89501 | (775) 328-3110 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Reno Justice Court | 1 South Sierra Street, Reno, NV 89520 | (775) 325-6500 | Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sparks Justice Court | 1675 E. Prater Way, Ste. 107, Sparks, NV 89434 | (775) 353-7600 | Mon–Thu, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Reno Municipal Court | 1 South Sierra Street, Reno, NV 89501 | (775) 334-2290 | Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sparks Municipal Court | 1450 C Street, Sparks, NV 89431 | (775) 353-2286 | Mon–Fri |
The District Court’s Filing Office also accepts payments for fees, fines, and copies by phone at (775) 325-6731 during business hours or online 24 hours a day.
Copy Fees at the District Court
Per the Second Judicial District Court fee schedule:
- Copies of any record, per page: $0.50
- Certification of a copy prepared by the clerk: $3.00
- Certification of a copy prepared by another: $5.00
- Search of records per year, per name: $0.50
- Record on flash drive: $90.00 minimum
- Family court hearing on flash drive: $25.00
Are Court Records Public in Washoe County?
Nevada law establishes a broad presumption of public access to government records, including court documents. Under NRS Chapter 239, all public books and records of governmental entities are open to inspection by any person during office hours. Record custodians must make records available unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
However, several categories of court records are exempt or restricted from public disclosure under state law:
- Sealed records — Courts may order records sealed in certain criminal and civil cases. Once sealed, these records are not accessible to the general public.
- Expunged records — Criminal records that have been expunged are treated as if the underlying events never occurred.
- Juvenile records — Proceedings involving minors are typically confidential.
- Adoption records — Finalized adoption case files are sealed by statute.
- Personal information of court personnel — Home addresses and personal contact details of judges and court staff are exempt.
- Records involving victims — Information that could identify victims of certain crimes may be restricted.
- Grand jury materials — Grand jury proceedings are secret under Nevada law.
When records are not exempt, the custodian agency must provide copies upon request, though fees may apply. Requesters who are denied access may petition the court under NRS 239.0115 for an order permitting inspection. The court can compel disclosure if the record does not fall within a recognized exemption.
Some courts may require a valid photo ID before disclosing sensitive documents, even when the records are technically public. Online access may be more limited than in-person access, particularly for family court and probate matters where only docket-level information may appear on case search portals.
Washoe County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Washoe County is divided among the Second Judicial District Court, the justice courts, and the municipal courts. The District Court handles felony trials and criminal appeals from lower courts. Justice courts conduct preliminary hearings for felony cases and process misdemeanor offenses. Municipal courts in Reno and Sparks handle city ordinance violations.
Searching Criminal Records at the District Court
Criminal docket information from the Second Judicial District Court can be searched through the court’s online case inquiry system. Full case files, including charging documents, plea agreements, and sentencing orders, may be reviewed in person at the clerk’s office at 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501.
A petition to seal criminal records filed in District Court costs $255.00, per the court’s current fee schedule. The Reno Justice Court also provides instructions for filing a petition to seal records at the justice court level.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Nevada Department of Public Safety, Records, Communications, and Compliance Division, maintains statewide criminal history records. Two types of checks are available:
-
Fingerprint-based check (available to the record subject):
- Complete and print the criminal record history check form
- Obtain fingerprints from a local law enforcement agency
- Enclose a $27.00 check or money order payable to the Nevada Department of Public Safety
- Mail to: Nevada Department of Public Safety, RCCD, 333 West Nye Lane #100, Carson City, Nevada 89706
-
Name-based check (employers and volunteer organizations only):
- Submit a completed civil name check application with a copy of the organization’s state business license and Federal Employer Identification Number
- Mail to: Nevada DPS, RCCD, ATTN: NCU, 2080 East Flamingo Road #118, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Additional Justice Court Locations
Criminal cases at the justice court level can be searched at:
| Court | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Incline Village–Crystal Bay Justice Court | 865 Tahoe Blvd., Ste. 301, Incline Village, NV 89451 | (775) 832-4100 |
| Wadsworth Township Justice Court | 390 West Main Street, Wadsworth, NV 89442 | (775) 575-4585 |
Washoe County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Washoe County are heard in the Second Judicial District Court for claims exceeding justice court limits, and in the justice courts for smaller disputes including evictions, small claims, and minor civil matters.
District Court Civil Filings
The District Court’s civil division handles lawsuits seeking monetary damages, injunctions, real property disputes, foreclosures, and business court matters. Selected civil filing fees from the current fee schedule include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| General civil complaint | $255.00 |
| General first appearance / answer | $208.00 |
| Complex civil action | $505.00 |
| Business court case | $1,515.00 |
| Third-party complaint | $135.00 |
| Eviction by landlord (new filing) | $255.00 |
| Motion for summary judgment | $200.00 |
| Writ of attachment / execution | $10.00 |
| Each additional plaintiff or defendant | $30.00 each |
Civil case records from the District Court can be searched through the case inquiry database or requested in person at the Filing Office, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Justice Court Civil Matters
The Sparks Justice Court processes civil filings including small claims, landlord-tenant disputes, and garnishments. Its case search page provides online access to case information. E-filing for the Sparks Justice Court is available through the court’s e-file portal. The Reno Justice Court publishes civil forms on its website, including packets for small claims filings.
Reno Municipal Court Records
The Reno Municipal Court retains records in accordance with the Nevada Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule and NRS 239.110. Note that the court does not maintain records for cases adjudicated prior to 2013. For documents beyond what is available online, submit an online records request form. Fees must be paid by phone or in person before records are released. Government agencies should submit requests on official letterhead via email to renomunirecords@reno.gov.
Washoe County Family Court Records
The Family Division of the Second Judicial District Court, located at 1 South Sierra Street, Reno, NV 89501, handles all domestic relations and juvenile matters in Washoe County. This includes divorces, annulments, child custody and visitation disputes, child support enforcement, paternity actions, adoption proceedings, guardianship of minors, termination of parental rights, emancipation petitions, and domestic violence protective orders.
Divorce Records
Filing a complaint or joint petition for divorce costs $284.00 at the District Court. An answer or first appearance in a divorce action costs $202.00. A motion to modify a final divorce decree costs $25.00 for the case reopening fee, with an additional $129.00 if it is the first motion filed under a joint petition format.
Divorce records can be searched online through the District Court’s case inquiry system. The court publishes a divorce packet and other family law forms, including motion forms for modification of child support (M-3), change of custody or visitation (M-4), and general motions (M-5). The Nevada Self-Help Center provides additional free forms for self-represented litigants.
For questions about family law forms, contact the Resource Center at (775) 325-6731, or the Law Library at (775) 328-3250 or LawLibrary@washoecourts.us.
Custody and Child Support
Filing a petition to establish custody or visitation (outside of a divorce case) costs $255.00. Enforcement of foreign custody or support orders carries a filing fee of $255.00 (civil origin) or $284.00 (divorce origin). Guardianship of the person only has no filing fee; guardianship over an estate exceeding $2,500 costs $5.00.
Adoption Records
Filing an adoption proceeding costs $223.00. Adoptions of children with special needs and petitions for enforcement of post-adoptive contact orders carry no filing fee. Adoption records are sealed upon finalization and cannot be accessed by the general public.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Washoe County are issued by the Washoe County Clerk’s Office. The application fee is $85.00, payable by cash, credit card, money order, or cashier’s check. The Clerk’s Office is located at 1001 East 9th Street, Building A, Suite 115, Reno, NV 89512, and can be reached at (775) 784-7287.
Existing marriage records can be searched through the Clerk’s self-service web portal. Certified copies of marriage certificates are available through the Recorder’s Office at $15.00 each; plain copies cost $1.00.
Nevada’s Office of Vital Records can verify marriage and divorce events that occurred between 1969 and September 2005. Requests require a completed application and a $10.00 check or money order payable to the “Office of Vital Records”, mailed to: Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Office of Vital Records and Statistics, 4150 Technology Way, Suite 104, Carson City, Nevada 89706.
Birth and Death Records
Northern Nevada Public Health maintains birth and death records for events that occurred in Washoe County. Certified copies cost $25.00 each. Applicants must provide valid ID and proof of relationship to the record subject. Application forms are available in English and Spanish for birth records, and in English and Spanish for death records. Mail requests should be sent to:
Northern Nevada Public Health — Vital Statistics
1001 East Ninth Street, Building B
Reno, NV 89512
Washoe County Probate Court Records
Probate and estate matters in Washoe County are handled by the Second Judicial District Court at 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501. The court processes petitions for letters testamentary and administration, will contests, trust administration, conservatorships, guardianships, and name changes.
Filing Fees for Probate Cases
Probate filing fees at the District Court are based on the stated value of the estate, per the current fee schedule:
| Estate Value | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| $2,500 or less | No fee |
| $2,500.01 – $20,000 | $170.50 |
| $20,000.01 – $300,000 | $269.50 |
| $300,000.01 – $500,000 | $522.50 |
| Over $500,000 | $522.50 |
| Trust administration (complex action) | $505.00 |
| Contest of will, objection to appointment, or objection to settlement of account | $208.00 |
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be searched through the District Court’s online case inquiry database. Docket information, hearing dates, and filed orders are generally accessible. Full case file documents, including wills, inventories, and accountings, may require an in-person visit to the clerk’s office.
Requesting Copies
Copies of probate records follow the same fee structure as other District Court records: $0.50 per page for copies, $3.00 for certification of clerk-prepared copies, and $5.00 for certification of externally prepared copies. Requests can be made at the Filing Office during regular business hours or by calling (775) 325-6731.
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Petitions for guardianship of the person carry no filing fee. Guardianship over an estate valued at more than $2,500 costs $5.00. Conservatorship matters follow the general probate filing fee structure based on estate value. These proceedings are governed by Nevada’s guardianship statutes and the Rules of Practice for the Second Judicial District Court.
Property Records
For real estate matters that arise in probate proceedings, the Washoe County Assessor’s Office maintains a Real Property Assessment Data search portal. The Assessor’s Office is located at 1001 East Ninth Street, Reno, NV 89512, Phone: (775) 328-2003 Recorded property documents, including deeds transferred through estate proceedings, are available through the Recorder’s Office, with document copies at $1.00 per page and certification at $4.00 per document.