Is there a fee for processing the application?
No.
Where do I send the application?
Send it to Shirley B. Parraguirre, County Clerk, 200 Lewis Avenue, P.O. Box 551601, Las Vegas, NV 89155-1601, attention Minister Licensing. If you are sending it via express mail, omit the P.O. Box and use the zip code 89101.
How long does it take to process the application and for the certificate to be issued?
Normally applications are processed within 2-3 working days. If everything is in order, the certificate will be issued and mailed to the home address of the applicant the same day the application is processed. If there is a problem with the paperwork, there will be a delay in issuing the certificate until any and all issues are resolved. Due to a transition in responsibilities, processing may take up to two weeks until further notice.
Can the certificate be picked up or mailed to a different address from the one on the application?
Yes. Arrangements can be made to have the certificate held at the legal counter for pick up by a person you designate to do so. If you cannot pick the certificate up during the Clerk's Office normal business hours, arrangements can be made for it to be picked up in the Marriage Bureau. Special instructions for distribution of the certificate should be made in writing by the applicant. Please note, we cannot express mail certificates unless a self-addressed, pre-paid express mail envelope is provided with your application package.
What if I change churches or denomination or if my church moves to a new location?
Address changes for church or denomination or the minister's home address require completion of a Status Change form. Please notify us of Status Changes on the appropriate form and return it to the address listed above in item 2. Certificate holders will have to reapply if they change to a new denomination or organization. Applications can be obtained on line.
How do I change my current certificate to Retired Status?
Certificate holders will have to reapply if they change to Retired Status. There is a separate application for a Retired Status Certificate. Note: Must have had active charge of a local congregation for a period of three years or more.
How does a minister get removed from the database if he/she is deceased, has moved, is no longer serving a congregation or is no longer in good standing within a denomination?
That can be accomplished by a Status Change form being completed by the minister or a representative of the denomination or church. You can obtain a form by clicking Status Changes. We will also accept a letter from the denomination or church in lieu of the letter.
If I belong to a non-denominational religious organization that was just started and I am the senior pastor or President of the Board, what do I do about the Statement of Denominational Standing and the Supplemental Statement to the Statement of Denominational Standing?
NRS 122 provides that the forms be signed by a trustee, warden, responsible superior or other officer of your congregation who is authorized to speak on behalf of your organization and can verify that you are in good standing within that entity. It could be someone such as a member of the board, an officer of the organization, or someone else within your organization who has authority to speak for your organization. You cannot sign on your own behalf as that would constitute a conflict of interest.
How long are the certificates valid?
According to NRS 122.066, it is valid until:
(a) The county clerk has received a written statement that the minister is no longer in good standing within his denomination;
(b) The county clerk has received a written statement that the minister to whom a certificate of permission was granted is no longer a minister;
(c) The county clerk has reason to believe that the minister is no longer in good standing within his denomination, or that he is no longer a minister, or that such denomination no longer exists; the clerk may require satisfactory proof of such minister's denominational standing. If such proof is not presented within 15 days, the county clerk shall revoke the certificate of permission; and
(d) If any minister to whom a certificate of permission has been issued severs ties with his congregation or moves from the county in which his certificate was issued, the certificate shall expire immediately upon such severance or move.
Temporary Certificates are an exception and are authorization for one wedding ceremony only and are normally valid for a period of one week (usually 3 days leeway before the ceremony and 3 days after the ceremony).
Are faxed copies of the paperwork acceptable?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accept faxed copies as all of the forms, except the Statement of Child Support, must be executed before a notary public.
The wedding is to take place within a few days. Is it possible to obtain the Certificate of Permission in time to perform the wedding?
It is recommended that applicants submit their paperwork at least 10 days in advance of the wedding, in case there may be a delay. Every effort is made to accommodate applicants. Once all the required paperwork is submitted to the Clerk's Office, it may be possible the Certificate of Permission will be ready in time. However, we cannot guarantee it as our office has no control over the U.S. Postal Service and/or other shipping services. Mail to our department is frequently lost because the envelope is not properly addressed, and it goes to another department in the county. Submitting the paperwork on such short notice does not allow time to resolve any problems, if there should be any. In addition, other work responsibilities may take precedence. Short notice applications should include instructions detailing how the certificate is to be distributed once it is issued (i.e., picked up in our office, mailed to a local address, etc.). If instructions are not included, it will be mailed to the home address of the applicant, who may not receive it because they have already left town to travel to Las Vegas for the ceremony.
I am an ordained minister in another state; can I perform a wedding ceremony in Nevada?
NRS 122.062 states that ministers are to obtain Certificates of Permission to Perform Marriages in the State of Nevada from the County Clerk prior to performing ceremonies, and that a minister whose congregation is in another state may be authorized to perform marriages in the county if he is in good standing with his denomination or church. The authorization must be in writing and a separate authorization is required for each marriage performed. Such a minister may perform not more than five marriages in this state in any calendar year. You can apply by obtaining a Temporary Certificate.
I am a judge in another state; can I obtain authorization to perform a ceremony in Nevada?
Unfortunately, there is no provision in the statute that allows for an out-of-state judge to perform a marriage.
How do I become a minister?
Our office does not instruct individuals on how to become a minister. We do not get involved with that. Each of the various religious organizations have their own standards and requirements. The only issue we have any involvement with is whether or not a person can be authorized to perform marriages.