The Court Clerk Role in Washoe County
The Second Judicial District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction for Washoe County. Its records function runs through the Court Administrator and clerk staff. They open cases, log filings, keep the docket current, manage the public portal, and process copy requests. The court clerk does not decide cases or give legal advice. The clerk keeps the file accurate and available within the limits of Nevada law.
Nevada uses a layered court system. The Second Judicial District Court sits above the justice and municipal courts and below the state appellate courts. The Nevada Judiciary lists every court and links to local clerk contacts. A user who is not sure which court holds a case can start with the statewide directory and then narrow to the right Washoe office.
The court clerk handles district court files only. Misdemeanor traffic, small claims, and eviction files live with the justice courts. City ordinance cases live with the municipal courts. The split matters when you ask for a copy.
The Nevada Judiciary Find a Court page maps each court and its clerk. Use it to confirm whether your case belongs to the district court clerk or to a lower court before sending a records request.
What the Washoe County Court Clerk Holds
The court clerk keeps the full case file for district court matters. That includes civil cases over $15,000, felony and gross misdemeanor criminal cases, family and divorce cases, probate, guardianship, juvenile matters subject to confidentiality, and appeals from the lower courts. The clerk logs each filing, each order, and each hearing result. The public portal exposes much of this as case data.
Records the court clerk maintains include:
- Complaints, petitions, answers, and motions.
- Orders, judgments, and decrees.
- Dockets and registers of action.
- Hearing minutes and calendar entries.
- Bench warrant and disposition result codes.
- eFlex electronic documents where public and accessible.
Some documents are free to view as case data on the portal. Others sit behind eFlex access, a counter visit, or a formal copy request. Sealed and confidential records are not in public view at all. The clerk follows the Nevada sealing and redaction rules when releasing any file.
How to Request a Washoe County Court Copy
A certified copy is an official copy with the court's seal. Courts, agencies, and out-of-state offices often need a certified copy, not a printout from the portal. The court clerk processes these through the Records Request channel. A clear request with the case number moves fastest.
- Find the case number first. Use the portal at caseinfo.washoecourts.com to confirm the exact case and court.
- Email the Records Request inbox at recordreq@washoecourts.us with the case number, party names, and the document you need.
- State whether you need a plain copy or a certified copy with the court seal.
- Ask for the copy and certification fee before you pay. Staff will quote the charge.
- Choose pickup, mail, or drop-box delivery. The drop box sits near courthouse security.
- Allow time for review. Sealed or confidential portions may be redacted before release.
Note: Under NRS 7.285, court staff cannot give legal advice; they can locate forms, explain procedure, and quote fees only.
The Washoe County Public Defender FAQ repeats the same point: clerks and court staff cannot tell you what to file or predict an outcome. For legal strategy, talk to a lawyer or the self-help center.
Washoe County Court Records Contact
The court has one main records inbox and a downtown courthouse counter. Bring photo ID and the case number when you visit. Security screens every person who enters.
Second Judicial District Court
Records Request
75 Court Street
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 328-3110
recordreq@washoecourts.us
Family Division
Second Judicial District Court
One South Sierra Street
Reno, NV 89501
(775) 328-3110
The court FAQ lists operating hours of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Check the court calendar for holiday closures before you go. The Probate Department sits at 75 Court Street, Room 125, with its own phone line and email for estate and trust files.
Washoe County Court Filing and Copy Fees
The court clerk charges for copies and certifications. Exact case filing fees vary by case type and are confirmed at filing. The court will quote a copy or certification charge when you ask. The closely related County Clerk publishes a fixed fee schedule for the documents that office handles, shown below for reference because users often confuse the two offices.
| Service | Fee | Office |
|---|---|---|
| District court certified copy | Quoted on request | Court clerk |
| Records research / search | Quoted on request | Court clerk |
| County Clerk copy per page | $0.50 | County Clerk |
| County Clerk certification | $6.00 | County Clerk |
| County Clerk certificate of search | $6.00 | County Clerk |
| Marriage license application | $85.00 | County Clerk |
Court copy and certification fees are set under Nevada court fee authority. The County Clerk fees above are set under NRS Chapter 19 and the marriage statutes in NRS Chapter 122. Always confirm the current charge with the office before you pay.
eFlex and Electronic Filing
The Second Judicial District Court uses eFlex for electronic filing and document access. Probate and trust filings must go through eFlex. For other case types, eFlex may be required to view filed documents online. The court's media and electronic coverage page notes that a paid eFlex subscription account can provide access to public documents in public Second Judicial District cases.
This is why a free portal search may confirm a case and its docket while the actual PDFs sit behind eFlex. Do not assume every filed document is free online. The portal case data is free. Filed-document access may require eFlex, a counter visit, or a copy request.
Self-represented filers should ask the clerk or the self-help center about eFlex setup before a deadline.
Public Counter, Drop Box, and Hours
The courthouse at 75 Court Street has a public filing counter and a document drop box near security. Visitors should arrive early to clear screening. All bags and persons are subject to search by the Sheriff. Do not bring weapons, glass, or sharp objects such as scissors, metal forks, or knitting needles.
For document drop-off, the drop box near security accepts filings without a counter wait. Mailed records requests go to 75 Court Street, Reno, NV 89501. ADA accommodation requests go to Court Administration at 775-328-3194 or courtadmin@washoecourts.us.
Court Clerk vs County Clerk vs Recorder
Washoe County splits records across three offices. Confusing them is the most common reason a request stalls. The court clerk holds the court case file. The elected County Clerk issues marriage licenses and handles business and board filings. The Recorder preserves recorded real-property documents and proof-of-marriage certificates.
| Office | Holds | Where to go |
|---|---|---|
| Court Clerk / Court Administrator | District court case files, dockets, orders | This page |
| Washoe County Clerk | Marriage licenses, business filings, board minutes | County Clerk |
| Washoe County Recorder | Deeds, liens, maps, proof of marriage | County Clerk and Recorder |
A divorce decree is a court clerk record. A marriage license copy is a County Clerk record. A certified marriage certificate is a Recorder record. Match the document to the office before you ask.