Are Nebraska Marriage Records Available to the Public?
Yes, marriage records are public per the Nebraska Public Records Act. While Nebraska marriage records fall under public records by definition, they are not readily available to members of the public. In Nebraska, marriage records are composed of marriage licenses and marriage certificates.
Marriage licenses obtained within state limits are deemed part of Nebraska public records, so the couple's names will be available to the public. However, a certified copy of a marriage license is not. It may only be obtained upon the establishment of a relationship with the couple named on the license, the provision of a copy of a valid photo ID, and the payment of all applicable fees.
A marriage certificate in Nebraska is not considered public information, and a copy can only be obtained by either of the persons named on the certificate and their children. A representative of the couple, with legal authorization, is also eligible to obtain a copy.
Family Court records can include marriage records and dissolution of marriage records. These records contain the personal information of those involved, and their maintenance is critical should anyone wish to make changes. Because of this, both marriage and divorce records can be considered more difficult to locate and obtain than other public records and may not be available through government sources or third-party public record websites.
How to Find Nebraska Marriage Records
Nebraska marriage records refer to all available information about the social and legal contract that binds two individuals together as a couple in a domestic relationship in the state. As a result of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling of June 26, 2015, Nebraska started recognizing same-sex marriages and offering records of these unions.
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) records all vital statistics in the state. Hence, individuals can obtain information regarding marriages in the state from the Department. For instance, the DHHS vital statistics report revealed that nearly 12,400 marriages occurred in Nebraska in 2016.
Per Nebraska Revised Statute 84-712, some portions of marriage records are public records while others are confidential. Record seekers can obtain different Nebraska public marriage records, including uncertified copies of marriage licenses and marriage certificates. Note that record seekers do not need to present divorce certificates in Nebraska when applying for marriage certificates or licenses. Record seekers can find marriage records on the DHHS Vital Records Office and County Clerk’s Office websites. In addition, interested persons can order online, by mail, or in person.
How to Find Out if Someone is Married in Nebraska
A person can find out if someone is married in Nebraska by making a marriage record request online at the marriage index database provided by the:
- Nebraska State Historical Society
- Nebraska County Clerk’s Offices
- Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Office
Note that some marriage records search in Nebraska can be done for free, while some come at a cost. For instance, free marriage license records search can be conducted online on Lancaster and Douglas County websites. Searches may be conducted using the full name of either spouse, the license issuance, and/or marriage dates, and the custodian may require additional information to facilitate the search to save time.
How to Check Marriage Status Online
A record seeker can check marriage status online using the search tool available on some County Clerk Offices' websites to conduct a marriage record search. This can help requestors check the marriage status of Nebraskans who got married from 1976 till date. Alternatively, interested persons can use the marriage locators available on the Nebraska State Historical Society website to check the marriage status of individuals who married between 1885 and 1995. Individuals seeking the marriage status of Nebraskans married in 1909 can use the online tool available on the state Vital Records Office website. Further information on how to check marriage status online can be obtained by querying the County Clerk’s Offices for more information about how to check marriage status online.
What is Considered a Marriage Record in Nebraska?
A Nebraska marriage record is a collection of the available documents that provide authentication of a marriage between two individuals in the state. The records will provide information detailing the establishment of the union between the individuals. The State Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) records all marriages enacted in the state since 1909. Records before this date are available from Nebraska County Clerk’s Offices that issued the associated marriage licenses. Most record copies will require requesters to pay a fee via cash or money order payable to the custodian, but persons who want to view marriage records for free can contact the custodian for in-person queries.
Both government websites and organizations may offer divorce and marriage records. Similarly, third-party public record websites can also provide these types of records. But because third-party organizations are not operated or sponsored by the government, record availability may vary. Further, marriage and divorce records are considered personal records and are often sealed, meaning the availability of these types of records cannot be guaranteed.
How to Check Marriage Records for Free in Nebraska
Record seekers can get Nebraska public marriage records for free on some County Clerk’s Offices' websites. For instance, the Douglas County Clerk/Comptroller’s office has an online Marriage License Search tool that can be used to check marriage records that occurred since 1988 for free. The search is usually conducted by name (last and first name), and information of everyone that got married in the county with such name will appear. Additionally, record seekers can also view Nebraska marriage licenses of individuals who married in the state below the name-specific search result. The search result typically reveals the couple’s full name, marriage date (including year), application year, and license number. Not all marriage licenses issued by the Douglas County Clerk/Comptroller’s office are available online.
Alternatively, a record seeker can conduct a free marriage record search in Nebraska using the online tool provided by the Nebraska State Historical Society. A record seeker must know the name of the couple and the place or year the marriage occurred before they can conduct a search. The search results will reveal information about every couple with the search name or marriage date that got married between 1885 and 1995. Information that can be obtained from the search result is the couple’s personal information like full name, race, birthplace, ethnicity, age, birth year, sex, and marriage details like date and place. Persons interested in knowing how to check marriage records for free in Nebraska can contact the Clerk’s office in the county where the marriage license was obtained.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Nebraska
Parties in Nebraska can change their name after marriage by first locating their marriage license. Parties must update their social security records upon changing their name after marriage. They can do this by visiting or writing to a Social Security Administration (SSA) office in the state. The SSA will require the requesting party to fill out an application form, provide proof of identity, and submit a copy of their marriage certificate.
Once the name change has gained approval, they can update their driver's license information by visiting any local Nebraska Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office around them. They will need to notify the state's DMV within 60 days of changing their name and bring a valid ID, a copy of their marriage certificate, and two documents they can use to verify their address. In addition, the DMV will provide an Operators License Data ID form to fill.
What is Considered a Marriage Certificate in Nebraska?
A Nebraska marriage certificate is a government-issued document that provides verification that two individuals (named on the certificate), having satisfied all requirements, are legally married. A Nebraska marriage certificate will contain the following information:
- Names of the two individuals (spouses)
- Location of the marriage ceremony
- Date of the marriage ceremony
- Name of the official who performed the marriage
- Names of witnesses
In Nebraska, marriage certificates are typically obtained from the Vital Records Office of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Inquirers may also obtain marriage certificates online or by mail on the DHHS website. To process the request for an online marriage certificate, the requestor will need to provide their personal information, physical address, shipping address, and valid government-issued ID. For further information on how to find a marriage certificate, you can contact the Nebraska Vital Records Office.
How Do I Obtain a Nebraska Marriage Certificate?
Interested persons can obtain a copy of a certified Nebraska marriage certificate from the Department of Health and Human Services. The Vital Records Office of the DHHS has a register of all marriages occurring in the state since 1909.
Individuals can find marriage records before this date by contacting the Clerk of the County where the licenses were issued. There is a $16 fee for obtaining a Nebraska marriage certificate, which can be paid in cash, by check, or by money order. A request for a marriage certificate in Nebraska can be made online, by mail, or in person.
When submitting a mail request, send it to:
Vital Records Office
Department of Health and Human Services
P.O. Box 95065
Lincoln, NE 68509-5065
Include a completed Application For Certified Copy Of Marriage Certificate form, a check or money order for the fee (made payable to the Vital Records Office), a copy of a valid photo ID, and a stamped self-addressed envelope.
Make an in-person request by taking a completed Application For Certified Copy Of Marriage Certificate form, the complete payment fee (cash is acceptable for in-person requests), and a valid photo ID to:
Office of Vital Records
1033 O Street
Suite 130
Lincoln, NE 68508-3621
What is a Nebraska Marriage License?
A Nebraska marriage license is a document that authorizes a couple (named on the license) to get married in the state. Obtaining a marriage license represents approval for the prospective couple to enter a union that will be registered in the state and be legally recognized. Obtain a Nebraska marriage license from any County Clerk's Office. Some County Clerk’s Offices have a Nebraska marriage license lookup tool where record seekers can find marriage licenses online.
Nebraska Formal Marriage License
A formal marriage license is the typical marriage license that provides approval for two individuals to get married. In Nebraska, a marriage license must be obtained before two individuals can get married in the state. A marriage license obtained in Nebraska is only valid in the state.
Nebraska Common-Law Marriage License
Common-law marriage is when two individuals live together and present themselves as a married couple without obtaining a marriage license or performing a wedding ceremony. By legislative enactment, a common-law marriage purportedly entered in the State of Nebraska is not valid unless entered before 1923. Since 1923, common-law marriages have been prohibited in the state. Therefore, Nebraska no longer provides common-law marriage licenses.
A common-law marriage will only be recognized in the State of Nebraska if the couple that claims to be in a common-law marriage previously lived in a state in which it was valid.
How Do I Obtain a Nebraska Marriage License?
Interested persons can obtain a Nebraska marriage license from any County Clerk’s Office in the state. To apply for and receive a marriage license, both applicants must be of legal age, i.e., 19 years. Eligible applicants under 19 years must be 17 or older and present written and notarized consent from their parents or legal guardians. Persons under 17 years old are not eligible to receive a marriage license in Nebraska.
The fee for a marriage license is $25, due at the time of the application process. There is a $9 fee for the license certification. A certified marriage license will be mailed to the couple if the fee is paid.
Both individuals applying for a license must be present during the application process, and each of them must fill out a marriage worksheet. When applying for a marriage license, applicants will be required to provide:
- Valid government-issued photo IDs (Driver’s license, Nebraska state ID, Military ID, or passport)
- Proof of age (Certified birth certificate; A foreign birth certificate must be accompanied by a translated & notarized copy)
Applicants who have been previously married must provide the date the previous marriage ended. There is no waiting period before getting married, and applicants are not required to submit to a blood test.
To request a copy of a marriage license issued in the State of Nebraska, submit a request to the agency maintaining the record. A certified copy of a marriage license will typically cost $9.
For marriage licenses issued before 1913, contact the Nebraska State Historical Society.
For marriage licenses issued since 1909, contact the Vital Records Office of the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
For marriage licenses issued from June 1976 till the present, contact the Clerk of the County where the license was issued.
Are Prenups Public Record in Nebraska?
Most intending couples in Nebraska establish prenups to determine how their assets will be divided in the event of a divorce before getting married. Although there is no law regarding prenups being public records in the state, couples can decide to make their prenups a public affair. Intending couples seeking to establish prenups should review Nebraska Revised Statute 42-1006 to ensure the enforcement of their decision.
