Nebraska Vital Records

Vital records are certified documents that provide proof of key life events. They are the official and permanent legal records of a person's existence and their major milestones. What Are Nebraska Vital Records? According to Nebraska Revised Statute (NRS) 71-602, Nebraska vital records are reports of certification of any birth, abortion, marriage, annulment, dissolution of marriage, or death registered in Nebraska.

The Office of Vital Records is responsible for preserving and maintaining vital records within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The documents are stored electronically and on microfilm for long-term storage, and with security measures. The office issues the records as certified copies, which are printed on multi-colored security paper with a digitally enhanced state seal.

The Nebraska Vital Statistics Act is codified in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-601 to 71-649, outlining the process for registering, amending, maintaining, and releasing vital records. Title 174 of the Nebraska Administrative Code also touches on the procedures for viewing, releasing, and amending vital records in Nebraska.

Public Access to Nebraska Vital Records

Vital records in Nebraska are treated as a combination of restricted and public documents, striking a balance between individual privacy and public interest. Certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records are generally classified and open only to eligible persons who demonstrate a proper purpose. Whereas informational copies, which lack evidential information, are more accessible but still require valid identification.

Access is limited by the Vital Statistics Act in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-612, restricting access to qualified individuals, and instructs the Nebraska DHHS to define proper purposes (eligibility rules). Additionally, the Nebraska Public Records Statutes (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712 to 84-712.09) exempt vital records from broad disclosure.

Nebraska maintains a historical archive for vital records through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It maintains state-level birth and death records from 1904 onward, as well as marriage and divorce records from 1909 onward. For earlier records, historical societies like the the Nebraska State Historical Society have local-level records (e.g., the city of Omaha's birth registry from 1869 to 1907), and county-level records are maintained within the respective counties.

Additionally, the Open Records Law is outlined in the Attorney General's Outline of Public Records Statute. The law promotes transparency and carves out exceptions for vital events, which protects privacy.

Types of Vital Records Available in Nebraska

Four types of vital records are maintained in Nebraska. They include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Every one of these documents is key to verifying life's major events and to support legal and administrative purposes.

Birth certificates provide identity and establish lineage. Death certificates confirm passing and are crucial in navigating estate settlements. Marriage records validate unions for state recognition and legal benefits, and dissolution of marriage certificates record separations.

The state of Nebraska issues certified copies of the records on secure paper with seals for official use, and informational copies for non-legal purposes. Certified copies prove facts like marital status, while informational copies are stamped "not for official use."

The DHHS Vital Records page outlines the types of records available in Nebraska and provides application procedures. Chapter 3 of Title 174 of the Nebraska Administrative Code also provides guidance on the record types in Nebraska.

Nebraska Birth Records

A Nebraska birth certificate contains the child's full name, sex, date and place of birth, parents' names and birthplace, and the appointed physician or midwife. The certificate also applies to infants between 0 and 29 weeks of gestation, provided the pregnancy is verified by a healthcare professional.

Birth records are managed by the DHHS Office of Vital Records, and amendments require court orders or documentary evidence, processed per Nebraska Administrative Code Title 174. Requesters can visit the Vital Records Office that handles statewide requests at:

Nebraska Vital Records Office

The state has issued certified birth certificates since 1904, while the counties hold pre-1904 records. Eligible parties include registrants who are over 18 years old, parents, guardians, siblings, spouses, or legal representatives with proof of their relationship.

The registration statutes in Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-604 outline requirements, including the recording of social security numbers for child support enforcement (non-public). Delayed registrations need affidavits and evidence.

Nebraska Death Records

Nebraska death records contain the decedent's name, date and place of death, age, residence, marital status, occupation, cause of death, and burial details. They have been managed centrally by DHHS Vital Records since 1904, and are filed by funeral directors within 3 days electronically. Storage uses secure databases; release follows proper purpose rules, with cause of death restricted for 10 years to protect privacy.

All death records are public after 50 years, but certified copies require eligibility: immediate family (spouses, parents, children, siblings), legal representatives, or those with documented interest like insurers. Informational copies are available to anyone.

Records are issued by the Nebraska DHHS for statewide requests, while county clerks handle local searches for records created before 1904. You can contact the state office using the DHHS Death Certificate Application or by calling (402) 471-2871. An office locator is available through the DHHS Vital Records.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-608 requires that records be properly filed, and any amendments must be supported by medical documentation or a court order. For additional guidance, refer to the resources on Funeral Directing and Death Certificates.

Nebraska Marriage Records

Nebraska marriage records include the bride and groom's names, ages, homes, birthplaces, parents' names, wedding date, county, and officiant. Since 1868, county clerks have issued and maintained original licenses; DHHS records show abstracts after 1909.

Release practices allow certified copies only for spouses, legal representatives, or those with a legitimate purpose, while informational copies are available to the general public. All marriage records created after 1909 are open to the public without restriction. DHHS maintains the statewide abstracts, and county clerks keep the complete local files.

The Nebraska Marriage License Information page can also serve as a state marriage records resource. County clerk websites, like Polk County Clerk, also apply. Applications are submitted using the DHHS form, and standard fees apply. Record access is governed by Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-612.

Historical searches can be done through FamilySearch's Nebraska Marriages collection. These records, preserved at the county level with state oversight, are frequently utilized for immigration purposes, legal verification, and genealogical research.

Nebraska Divorce Records

Nebraska divorce records, also known as certificates of dissolution, summarize the marital end, including the parties' names, ages, residences, marriage and dissolution dates, and the court. They differ from court decrees, which are detailed judgments on property, custody, and alimony issued by district courts. Divorce certificates are vital stats abstracts filed with DHHS after 1909; decrees are judicial files.

The district court in the county where the case was filed preserves divorce records, while the Department of Health and Human Services keeps official divorce certificates. Certified certificates are only released to qualified parties (such as spouses or their solicitors), whereas divorce decisions are public unless a judge orders them sealed.

Case information can be accessed at the Nebraska Judicial Branch's JUSTICE System or by contacting the clerk of the district court that issued the decree. The Divorce Forms page provides information on needed filings and procedures. Nebraska Rev. Stat. Section 42-372 establishes filing requirements, while § 42-301 et seq governs decrees.

How to Order Vital Records in Nebraska

Individuals in Nebraska can order vital records online, by mail, in person, or by phone through the DHHS Vital Records. It is recommended that they avoid non-government providers due to security concerns. For mail orders, applicants complete the appropriate DHHS application, such as the Birth Certificate Request Form-include a notarized affidavit, a copy of a valid ID, and a check or money order, and mail the packet to:

In-person requests are handled at:

Nebraska Vital Records Office

They are open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and applicants must bring their identification and other necessary documents. Phone support is accessible at (402) 287-2871, but genuine orders still require written applications. Also, all requests must state a proper purpose, and standard processing typically takes 2-5 weeks, with additional time needed for complex searches. Email confirmations allow applicants to track progress. The DHHS Vital Records Ordering page provides direct access to forms and instructions.

Who Can Request Nebraska Vital Records?

According to Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-612, vital records can only be certified to the subject, immediate relatives, or legal guardians with proof for the "proper purpose". Births require a relation to the registrant, deaths to the decedent's kin, and marriages/divorces to the parties. Legal representatives require authority, while others demonstrate tangible interest.

Record Type	Eligible Requestors	Required Documents	Official Source Link
Birth Certificate	- Registrant (at least 18 years old) - Parents/Legal Guardians - Siblings/Spouses/Children - Legal representatives -Court-ordered parties	- Valid photo ID - Proof of relationship (e.g., birth cert) - Notarized affidavit	Nebraska Vital Records Office 1033 O St, Suite 130, Lincoln, NE 68509 (402) 471-2871
Death Certificate	- Immediate family (spouses, parents, children, siblings) - Legal representatives -Documented legal interest	- Photo ID - Proof of relation or interest - The cause of death is restricted for 10 years	Nebraska Vital Records Office 1033 O St, Suite 130, Lincoln, NE 68509 (402) 471-2871
Marriage Record	- Spouses - Legal representatives - Anyone for informational copies after 1909	- ID for certified - County-specific for pre-1909	Marriage License Info County Clerk offices
Divorce Record	- Named parties - Legal representatives -Public for decrees	-Photo ID/court order for certified -Case number	Judicial Branch Search District Court clerks

Processing Times for Nebraska Vital Records Requests

Processing periods for Nebraska vital records vary depending on the request type, current demand, and level of verification required; no timelines are guaranteed. Online orders are often the quickest, taking approximately 5-7 days, whereas postal and in-person requests typically take around 15 days.

Record searches can take an additional 1-2 weeks for each year that needs to be evaluated. Because birth and death certificates are completely centralized, they are typically handled faster than marriage or divorce documents.

Record Type	Factors That Influence Processing Time	Considerations
Birth Certificate	-Request method (online, mail, in-person) -Verification of eligibility and proof of relationship (e.g., ID, birth certificate for parents) -Volume of requests and search scope (additional 1-2 weeks per year evaluated)	- Online requests typically take 3-4 weeks -Postal and in-person requests take approximately 2-5 weeks -Restricted access records require additional review -Incomplete applications may cause delays
Death Certificate	- Inclusion of cause-of-death information (restricted for 10 years, requires extra verification) -County vs. state processing (some counties slower) -Method of submission and additional documentation needs	- Processing time typically takes 2-5 weeks -Some counties have longer retrieval times -Additional documentation may be required -Birth and death certificates are centralized and generally handled faster than marriage or divorce records
Marriage Record	- County of record (decentralized, varies by clerk workload) -Whether a search is required (pre-1909 records, county-specific) -Request method (online/mail/in-person)	- Online orders take approximately 3-4 weeks to process -County clerks' workloads vary -Certified copies may take longer than informational copies -Marriage records from 1909 onward are available through the state Vital Records Office
Divorce Record	- Court retrieval procedures (handled by district courts) -Complexity of the case (e.g., additional searches or proofs) - Method of request (online/mail/court request)	- Processing can take 1 to 15 working days, depending on the custodian and method -Timelines vary by court and county -Expedited processing may be available through the court clerk -Divorce certificates from 1909 onward are available through the Vital Records Office; older records are available through the district court clerk

Fees for Obtaining Vital Records in Nebraska

Nebraska vital records fees cover the costs of locating, certifying, and mailing documents; the charges vary depending on the type of record and the number of copies requested. As of 2025, the official fees set by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are approximately $17 for each birth certificate and $16 for death, marriage, or divorce certificates when requested by mail.

Searches for records established before 1904 cost $16 per year, and amendment requests incur extra expenses. Counties also put a $1 tax on birth records to help the Child Abuse Prevention Fund.

Fees are subject to change; therefore, applicants should always check the current schedule through DHHS Vital Records Fees or Neb. Rev. Stat. § 71-612. Payments can be sent by check or money order made out to "Nebraska Vital Records," while online orders accept credit or debit cards. Fee information obtained from secondary sources should not be relied upon.

How to Search Vital Records Online in Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Vital Records page is the primary official source for ordering birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. However, it does not provide an open web search database for direct record lookup. Requests for certified copies must be submitted by mail or in person, accompanied by adequate verification of identity and relationship, as applicable.

The Nebraska State Historical Society and local county clerk offices may offer access or guidance for conducting research on records within their databases or physical archives.

For official information and application forms, visit the Nebraska DHHS Vital Records site.

For accessing historical and genealogical records, consult the Nebraska State Historical Society.