Domestic Partnership Registrations Beginning August 24

Partners Who Pre-file by Sept. 24 will receive their certificate on Oct. 1, the day domestic partnerships become legal in Nevada

Secretary of State Ross Miller announced yesterday that couples wishing to register as domestic partners under Nevada’s new law may pre-file their declaration between August 24 and September 24 to receive their state certificate on October 1st, the day the law becomes effective.    

“October 1st will be an historic day in Nevada,” Secretary Miller said.  “We would like as many couples as possible to be a part of it by having their certificates in hand.  My office will work hard to make it a special day for them.”

Opposite-sex or same-sex couples wishing to enter into a domestic partnership, can download the declaration form from the Secretary of State’s website at www.nvsos.gov.  The one-page form must be filled out completely and the signatures of both partners notarized.  The registration fee of $50 includes a black and white certificate.  A ceremonial certificate is available for an additional $15.  Couples must also indicate if they would like to pick up their certificate in person or have it mailed to them.  Completed declaration forms can be mailed to the Secretary of State’s Las Vegas office or dropped off there or at the Carson City office in person.

“I am very pleased with the progress our State has made in recognizing that certain protections must be made available to those who cannot or choose not to be married,” Secretary Miller said.  “My office has dedicated a lot of resources to making the official registration process as streamlined as possible.  We’d like to recognize and thank the many people who are helping us get the word out about the pre-registration process.  October 1st is shaping up to be a very important and festive day for many Nevadans.”  

Couples may file their completed domestic partnership form in person on October 1st, but are not guaranteed to receive their certificate that day.  Processing times for declarations that are filed in person or by mail after October 1st may vary depending on the volume of forms received.   

Detailed information and the declaration form are available under the Licensing Center at www.nvsos.gov.