Reviewed by Paul Hecht, California Expungement Attorney | Last Updated: July 2026
In Nevada, record sealing under NRS Chapter 179 restricts public access to a criminal record so it is no longer visible in most background checks. Once sealed, the arrest and any resulting case are treated by Nevada law as if they never occurred. The record is not erased — it is restricted from public view but still legally exists.
What Does Record Sealing Mean in Nevada?
Record sealing in Nevada means the court limits who can see your criminal record. The court orders all government agencies holding related records to seal their copies, removing the record from public access. Once sealed under Nevada law:
- The record is removed from public access
- Most employers and landlords cannot see it in standard background checks
- The case is treated as confidential in most public and civil contexts
- The arrest and any resulting case are treated as if they never occurred under Nevada law
- The record still legally exists — it is not erased or destroyed
What Does Record Sealing NOT Do in Nevada?
Record sealing in Nevada does not:
- Erase or delete the record — it restricts access but does not destroy records
- Remove all government access — law enforcement agencies retain access
- Guarantee immediate removal from all private background check databases — private companies may take additional time to update
- Automatically restore civil rights — separate legal processes may be required
The record still exists but is legally restricted from public view.
Who Can Still See a Sealed Record in Nevada?
Even after sealing, the following may retain access to the record:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Courts in limited circumstances
- Certain government licensing boards and regulatory agencies
- Federal agencies — federal law operates independently of Nevada state sealing orders
For the vast majority of private employers, landlords, and public background checks, a sealed record will not appear.
How Does Record Sealing Affect Background Checks in Nevada?
After a record is sealed:
- Most standard employment background checks will not show the sealed record
- Housing and tenant screening background checks typically will not show it
- Some older or private databases may still contain outdated information until updated
Private background check companies pull from different sources and update their databases at different rates. Notifying major background check companies with a certified copy of the court order can significantly speed up the update process — without notification,records can remain incorrectly displayed for months after sealing.
Does Record Sealing Restore Civil Rights in Nevada?
Not automatically. Sealing a record under NRS Chapter 179 does not by itself restore civil rights lost due to a conviction. Separate legal processes may be required for rights such as firearm possession and certain professional licenses.
Why Do People Seal Their Nevada Criminal Records?
- Employment — most private employers cannot see a sealed record in a standard background check
- Housing — landlords conducting tenant screening generally cannot access sealed records
- Professional licensing — licensing boards typically treat sealed records more favorably than active convictions
- Background check improvement — the record is removed from most public searches
- Personal peace of mind — Nevada law allows you to legally answer “no” on most applications about sealed matters
Key Legal Effects of Nevada Record Sealing — Summary
In practical terms, after a Nevada record is sealed under NRS Chapter 179:
- The record is hidden from public view and most background checks
- The arrest and case are treated as if they never occurred under Nevada law
- You may legally answer “no” on most applications that ask about the sealed matter
- The underlying record still exists and law enforcement retains access
- Civil rights are not automatically restored — separate steps may be needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sealing a record in Nevada erase it?
No. Record sealing restricts public access but does not erase or destroy the record. It still exists in government databases but is no longer accessible to most employers, landlords, or the general public.
Can employers see a sealed record in Nevada?
Most private employers cannot see a sealed record in a standard background check. Law enforcement agencies, certain licensing boards, and federal agencies may retain access depending on the circumstances.
Is a sealed record completely gone in Nevada?
No. It is removed from public access and treated as if it never occurred under Nevada law, but the underlying records still exist. Law enforcement can still access them, and the records can be used in future criminal proceedings.
Does record sealing restore my rights in Nevada?
Not automatically. Sealing a record does not by itself restore rights lost due to a conviction. Separate legal processes are required to restore specific rights, such as firearm possession.
Will a sealed record still show up on background checks?
It should not appear on most standard background checks after sealing. However, private background check companies may take additional time to update their databases after the court order is issued.
Can I say I was never arrested after my record is sealed in Nevada?
Yes, in most contexts. Under Nevada law, once a record is sealed, the related proceedings are treated as if they never occurred and you may properly answer accordingly on most applications.
Can a sealed Nevada record be used against me in the future?
Yes, in limited circumstances. A sealed record can still be used in a subsequent criminal prosecution. Law enforcement retains access to sealed records regardless of the sealing order.
Find Out What Sealing Would Do for Your Nevada Record — Free Case Review
The legal effects of sealing depend on your specific conviction and goals. Attorney Paul Hecht provides a free case review to walk through exactly what sealing would and would not change for your record under Nevada law.
← Do You Qualify to Seal Your Nevada Record?
← How the Nevada Record Sealing Process Works
← Nevada Record Sealing Cost & Timeline
Legal Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Paul Hecht or this law firm. Every case is different, and Nevada laws may change. Do not rely on this content as a substitute for individualized legal advice from a licensed Nevada attorney. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact our office for a free case review.
