Introduction to Nebraska Public Records

Nebraska’s commitment to government transparency is codified in the Nebraska Public Records Statutes (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712 et seq.), commonly referred to as the Nebraska Public Records Law. This foundational legislation establishes the public’s right to inspect and copy records maintained by state and local government agencies, ensuring that citizens can hold their government accountable. Whether you’re a journalist investigating local government, an employer conducting a background check, a landlord screening tenants, or simply a curious resident wanting to know more about your community, Nebraska’s public records framework gives you broad access to a wide range of documents and data.

Nebraska’s open records law presumes that all government records are accessible unless a specific statutory exemption applies. The burden falls on the government agency — not the requester — to justify withholding records. In practice, this means that records ranging from property deeds to court filings, arrest logs to vital records, are generally available to any member of the public upon request. Understanding how to navigate this system efficiently can save you significant time and money in 2026.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every major category of Nebraska public records, explains how to request them, identifies the responsible government agencies, and provides direct links to official state resources. We also cover the fastest online methods for searching Nebraska public records when time is of the essence.

What Is Considered a Public Record in Nebraska?

Under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712, a “public record” is broadly defined as any record, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that is created, received, maintained, or held by or on behalf of any public body and relates to public business. This includes paper documents, electronic files, emails, photographs, audio recordings, and digital databases. The law applies to state agencies, counties, municipalities, school districts, and other political subdivisions throughout Nebraska’s 93 counties.

Common Categories of Nebraska Public Records

• Criminal Records: Conviction histories, felony and misdemeanor records, sex offender registry entries
• Court Records: Civil and criminal case filings, judgments, liens, probate records, and divorce decrees
• Arrest Records: Booking logs, jail rosters, and police reports (subject to certain exemptions)
• Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, tax assessments, plat maps, and foreclosure filings
• Business Records: Corporate filings, registered agent information, and licensing records with the Nebraska Secretary of State
• Government Meeting Records: Minutes, agendas, and votes from public bodies
• Financial Records: Government budgets, expenditures, and contracts

Records That Are NOT Public in Nebraska

While Nebraska’s open records law is broad, several categories of information are legally protected from disclosure. These include medical records, juvenile court records, active law enforcement investigative files, certain personnel records, Social Security numbers, and financial account information. Sealed court records and records protected by attorney-client privilege are also exempt.

How to Make a Public Records Request in Nebraska

Nebraska does not require requesters to state a reason for requesting public records, nor must you be a Nebraska resident. Requests can be submitted verbally or in writing, though written requests are strongly recommended for documentation purposes. State agencies must respond promptly — generally within four business days for written requests. If a request is denied, the agency must provide a written explanation citing the specific legal exemption that applies.

Nebraska Criminal Records

Criminal background records in Nebraska are maintained primarily by the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), which serves as the state’s central repository for criminal history information. The NSP’s Criminal Identification Division manages fingerprint-based criminal records for arrests and convictions occurring within the state. These records are compiled from reports submitted by law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities across all 93 Nebraska counties.

Nebraska State Patrol Criminal History Records

The Nebraska State Patrol offers two types of criminal history checks:

• Name-Based Check: Available to the general public for a fee of $15.00 per request. Conducted by searching the NSP’s criminal history database by name and date of birth. Results may include arrests, charges, and dispositions for felonies and misdemeanors.
• Fingerprint-Based Check: More comprehensive and definitive, used primarily for employment, licensing, and volunteer screening purposes. Fees and turnaround times vary based on whether the check is in-state only or includes FBI national records.

To request a criminal history check from the Nebraska State Patrol, visit the official website at statepatrol.nebraska.gov or contact the Criminal Identification Division directly. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at NSP headquarters in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Nebraska Sex Offender Registry

The Nebraska Sex Offender Registry is publicly searchable through the Nebraska State Patrol’s online portal. Under Nebraska law, registered sex offenders must update their information regularly, and the registry includes name, address, photograph, physical description, and the offense that triggered registration. The registry is available at nsoregistry.state.ne.us. Searching the registry is free and requires no registration.

What Shows Up on a Nebraska Criminal Record?

Nebraska criminal history records typically include felony arrests and convictions, misdemeanor arrests and convictions, the filing date of charges, case disposition, sentencing information, and the name of the reporting agency. Dismissed charges, acquittals, and charges that did not result in conviction may or may not appear depending on the type of search conducted. Nebraska does allow for the sealing of certain criminal records through a legal process known as “setting aside” a conviction under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-2264.

Nebraska Court Records

Nebraska’s court system is organized into four levels: the Nebraska Supreme Court, the Nebraska Court of Appeals, District Courts (one per judicial district), and County Courts (one per county). In addition, Nebraska has a separate Workers’ Compensation Court. Each court maintains its own records, and the majority of court records in Nebraska are considered public records accessible under state law.

Nebraska Judicial Branch Online Access (JUSTICE)

The Nebraska Judicial Branch operates an online case management system called JUSTICE (Judicial User System for Technology, Information, Case-management, and E-filing). Members of the public can access civil, criminal, traffic, and probate case information through the Nebraska Courts online portal at www.nebraska.gov/courts. The system allows free searches by party name, case number, attorney name, or filing date across most Nebraska courts.

Types of Court Records Available

• Civil Court Records: Lawsuits, small claims filings, judgments, and civil orders
• Criminal Court Records: Felony and misdemeanor case files, sentencing records, and plea agreements
• Family Court Records: Divorce decrees, child custody orders, and protection orders (some sealed)
• Probate Records: Wills, estate filings, guardianship, and conservatorship records
• Traffic Records: Moving violations, DUI records, and license suspension orders
• Federal Court Records: Cases filed in the U.S. District Court for Nebraska, accessible via PACER at pacer.gov

Requesting Physical Court Records

For cases not available online or when certified copies are needed, contact the clerk of the court in the relevant county. Each of Nebraska’s 93 county courts maintains its own records office. Fees for copies typically range from $0.25 to $1.00 per page, with additional fees for certified copies. Most court clerks can be reached by phone, email, or in-person visit.

Nebraska Arrest Records

Arrest records in Nebraska are generated by local law enforcement agencies, including city and county police departments, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the county sheriff’s offices. An arrest record documents the fact that a person was taken into custody — it does not indicate guilt or conviction. In Nebraska, arrest records are generally considered public records unless an active investigation would be compromised by disclosure.

Where to Find Nebraska Arrest Records

Arrest records can be obtained from multiple sources depending on the jurisdiction:

• County Sheriff’s Offices: Each of Nebraska’s 93 counties has a sheriff’s office that maintains jail rosters and booking logs. Many, such as the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (Omaha area) and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office (Lincoln area), post current jail rosters online.
• City Police Departments: Departments such as the Omaha Police Department and Lincoln Police Department maintain their own arrest logs and may respond to public records requests for incident reports and arrest information.
• Nebraska State Patrol: NSP handles arrest records for incidents occurring on state highways and in areas under NSP jurisdiction.

Juvenile Arrest Records

Arrest records for individuals under the age of 18 in Nebraska are largely sealed and not available to the general public. Juvenile records are protected under Neb. Rev. Stat. § 43-2,108 and related statutes. Access to juvenile records is typically restricted to the juvenile, parents or guardians, attorneys, and courts.

Nebraska Vital Records

Vital records in Nebraska — including birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce records — are maintained by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Vital Records Office. The Vital Records Office maintains records of life events occurring within the state of Nebraska and serves as the official custodian of these documents.

Nebraska Birth Certificates

Birth certificates are restricted records in Nebraska. Only the registrant (if 18 or older), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives may obtain certified copies. Short-form (informational) birth certificates are available, as well as long-form (certified) copies. Fees are $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Requests can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the Vital Records Office in Lincoln.

Nebraska Death Certificates

Death certificates become public records in Nebraska after 50 years from the date of death. For more recent deaths, only immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a documented need may obtain certified copies. The fee is $16 for the first certified copy. Death records can be searched through the Vital Records Office at dhhs.ne.gov.