Sarpy County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Sarpy County?
Public records in Sarpy County are defined according to the Nebraska Public Records Law § 84-712, which states that "all citizens of this state and all other persons interested in the examination of the public records" have the right to examine public records in the custody of public officials during normal business hours. These records encompass a wide range of documents created, received, or maintained by government agencies in Sarpy County.
The following types of public records are available in Sarpy County:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Sarpy County District Court. These include judgments, filings, and case dispositions.
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property assessments maintained by the Sarpy County Register of Deeds and Assessor's offices.
- Vital Records: Birth certificates (limited to 1904-1912), death certificates (limited to 1904-1968), marriage licenses (from 1857), and divorce decrees maintained by the Sarpy County Clerk.
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations maintained by the Sarpy County Clerk.
- Tax Records: Property tax statements, assessment records, and tax sale information maintained by the Sarpy County Treasurer and Assessor.
- Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information, election results, and campaign finance reports maintained by the Sarpy County Election Commissioner.
- Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of the Sarpy County Board of Commissioners, planning commission, and other county boards.
- Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements maintained by the Sarpy County Clerk.
- Law Enforcement Records: Certain arrest logs, incident reports, and jail records maintained by the Sarpy County Sheriff's Office (subject to privacy restrictions).
- Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use plans maintained by the Sarpy County Planning and Building Department.
The Sarpy County public records portal serves as a central resource for accessing many of these records, though specific record types are maintained by their respective departments.
Is Sarpy County an Open Records County?
Sarpy County fully complies with the Nebraska Public Records Law, making it an open records county. Under Nebraska Revised Statutes § 84-712 through § 84-712.09, all citizens and interested persons have the right to examine public records without charge during normal business hours.
The law specifically states that "all citizens of this state, and all other persons interested in the examination of the public records... are hereby fully empowered and authorized to examine the same, and to make memoranda and abstracts therefrom, all free of charge, during the hours the respective offices may be kept open for the ordinary transaction of business."
Sarpy County has established specific procedures for requesting and accessing public records in accordance with state law. The county maintains a public records request policy that outlines the process for obtaining records, applicable fees, and response timeframes.
The county is also subject to Nebraska's Open Meetings Act (§ 84-1407 through § 84-1414), which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public with proper notice given. This transparency extends to the records created during these meetings, including minutes and supporting documents.
While Sarpy County maintains an open records policy, certain records may be exempt from disclosure as specified in state statutes, which will be detailed in a later section.
How to Find Public Records in Sarpy County in 2026
Accessing public records in Sarpy County can be accomplished through several methods, depending on the type of record sought:
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Online Access: Many records are available through the county's online portals:
- Property records can be searched through the Sarpy County Register of Deeds online search system
- Geographic information and property data are accessible through the Sarpy County GIS Portal
- Court records can be searched via JUSTICE, Nebraska's statewide court case management system
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Submit a Public Records Request:
- Complete the official public records request form available on the Sarpy County website
- Submit requests via email, mail, or in person to the specific department that maintains the records
- Clearly identify the records sought with as much specificity as possible
- Provide contact information for response
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Visit the Appropriate Office:
- For immediate access to non-confidential records, visit the department that maintains them during regular business hours
- The Sarpy County Courthouse houses many county offices that maintain public records
- Staff can assist with locating and accessing available records
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Contact the Records Custodian:
- Each department has a designated records custodian responsible for maintaining public records
- Contact the relevant department directly for assistance with specific record types
- The County Clerk serves as the central records custodian for many county-wide records
Under Nebraska law, agencies must respond to records requests within four business days. If records cannot be provided within that timeframe, the agency must explain the delay and provide an estimated delivery date.
For specialized records, contact the specific department:
- Court records: Sarpy County District Court Clerk
- Property records: Register of Deeds
- Vital records: County Clerk
- Law enforcement records: Sheriff's Office
- Tax records: County Treasurer or Assessor
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Sarpy County?
Sarpy County charges fees for public records in accordance with Nebraska Revised Statutes § 84-712(3)(b), which allows agencies to charge "reasonable fees for services provided in the examination, copying, or authentication of the records."
The current fee structure for public records in Sarpy County includes:
- Clerical Time: $15.00 per hour for staff time spent searching for, retrieving, and copying records (charged in 15-minute increments)
- Standard Copies: $0.25 per page for black and white letter/legal size copies
- Large Format Copies: $5.00 per page for maps, blueprints, and other oversized documents
- Digital Records: $5.00 per CD/DVD for electronic records
- Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document for certification
Specific departments may have different fee schedules based on state statutes:
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Register of Deeds:
- $10.00 per document for recording fees
- $5.00 per document for certified copies of recorded documents
- $1.00 per page for uncertified copies
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County Clerk:
- $9.00 for certified copies of marriage licenses
- $15.00 for business name registrations
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Court Records:
- $1.00 per page for court documents
- $7.00 for certified court documents
Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (in person only). Some departments may charge a convenience fee for credit card payments.
Per Nebraska law, agencies may request advance payment of fees if they are expected to exceed $50.00. Fee waivers may be granted if disclosure of the records is determined to be in the public interest, though this is at the discretion of the records custodian.
Does Sarpy County Have Free Public Records?
Sarpy County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with Nebraska Public Records Law § 84-712(1), which states that citizens and interested persons are "fully empowered and authorized to examine the same, and to make memoranda and abstracts therefrom, all free of charge, during the hours the respective offices may be kept open for the ordinary transaction of business."
The following records are available for free access:
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In-Person Inspection: Any non-exempt public record may be viewed in person at the appropriate county office during regular business hours at no charge. Individuals may take notes or use personal devices to photograph records (where permitted).
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Online Resources:
- The Sarpy County GIS Portal provides free access to property maps, parcel information, and geographic data
- County Board meeting agendas and minutes are freely available on the county website
- Election results and voter information can be accessed without charge
- County budget documents are published online at no cost
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Public Terminals: Computer terminals are available at certain county offices for public use in searching electronic records:
- The Register of Deeds office provides terminals for searching property records
- The Clerk of District Court offers terminals for accessing court case information
- The County Clerk's office has terminals for searching various county records
While inspection is free, fees apply for copies, certified documents, and staff time required to fulfill extensive requests as detailed in the previous section. Additionally, some specialized searches or compiled reports may incur fees even if the underlying records can be inspected for free.
Who Can Request Public Records in Sarpy County?
Under Nebraska Public Records Law § 84-712, "all citizens of this state, and all other persons interested in the examination of the public records" are entitled to access public records. This broad eligibility means:
- Nebraska residency is not required to request public records in Sarpy County
- Non-U.S. citizens may request records
- Business entities, organizations, and government agencies may request records
- Requestors do not need to state a reason or purpose for most record requests
- Identification is generally not required for basic record requests
However, certain limitations and requirements apply to specific record types:
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Vital Records: Birth, death, and marriage certificates are restricted to:
- The person named in the record
- Immediate family members
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Persons with a direct and tangible interest as defined by state law
- Identification is required for vital records requests
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Court Records: While most court records are public, access to sealed or confidential case files requires:
- Court order
- Proof of legal standing in the case
- Attorney of record status
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Law Enforcement Records: Access to investigative records may require:
- Proof of identity for records pertaining to oneself
- Legal authorization for records pertaining to others
- Demonstration of legal interest in certain cases
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Medical Records: County medical records (such as from county health facilities) require:
- Patient authorization
- Legal guardian consent for minors
- Compliance with HIPAA regulations
When requesting records about oneself, identification is typically required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information. For requests by mail or email, a copy of identification may be required for certain record types.
What Records Are Confidential in Sarpy County?
Certain records in Sarpy County are exempt from public disclosure under Nebraska Revised Statutes § 84-712.05, which enumerates specific categories of records that may be withheld from the public. These confidential records include:
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Personal Privacy Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Medical and health records protected under HIPAA
- Personnel records, except for employment contracts and salary information
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Law Enforcement Records:
- Active criminal investigation records
- Intelligence information
- Records that would interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Records that would deprive a person of a fair trial
- Confidential informant identities
- Techniques and procedures for law enforcement investigations
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Juvenile Records:
- Court records for minors under 18 years of age
- Juvenile probation records
- Child welfare case files
- Adoption records
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Security Information:
- Computer security information
- Infrastructure details that could pose a security risk
- Emergency response plans
- Security procedures for public buildings
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Legal and Administrative Records:
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Attorney work product
- Records subject to court-ordered sealing
- Records protected by other state or federal laws
- Preliminary drafts and notes where no final decision has been made
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Business Information:
- Trade secrets
- Proprietary business information
- Economic development negotiations prior to contract approval
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Personal Correspondence:
- Personal correspondence of elected officials that is unrelated to public business
Under § 84-712.05, agencies must apply a balancing test for some records, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests or potential harm from disclosure. When a record contains both public and confidential information, the confidential portions may be redacted, and the remainder released.
Requestors denied access to records may appeal the decision through procedures outlined in Nebraska Revised Statutes § 84-712.03, which includes the right to petition the Attorney General or pursue legal action in district court.
Sarpy County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Sarpy County Register of Deeds
1210 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1250
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2148
Sarpy County Register of Deeds
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- Recording of deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents
- Issuance of certified copies of recorded documents
- Maintenance of property records dating back to the county's formation
- Public access terminals for searching property records
- Online search services for recent property records
Sarpy County Clerk's Office
1210 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1250
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2100
Sarpy County Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- Marriage licenses
- Passport applications
- Business name registrations
- Board of Commissioners records
- County budget documents
- Election records
- General public records requests coordination
Sarpy County Clerk of District Court
1210 Golden Gate Drive, Suite 1400
Papillion, NE 68046
(402) 593-2292
Sarpy County District Court
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and court-observed holidays
Services Provided:
- Court records for civil, criminal, and family cases
- Certified copies of court documents
- Public access terminals for searching court cases
- Filing of court documents
- Passport applications
Lookup Public Records in Sarpy County
Public Records Resources for Sarpy County
Nebraska Judicial Branch Court Records