How to Get a Protection Order Against Domestic Violence in Nevada
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Nevada · Last updated September 17, 2026
In Nevada, a protection order against domestic violence is a civil court order that tells an abuser to stop the abuse and stay away from you, issued under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 33 (NRS 33.017 to 33.100). Nevada grants this protection in two stages: a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) first, then an Extended Protection Order after a hearing. You seek one when a spouse, dating or former partner, co-parent, or relative has committed or threatened domestic violence. You file a verified Application for Protection Order Against Domestic Violence in the justice court or district court, and there is no fee to apply (NRS 33.050). A judge rules on a temporary order within one judicial day and can grant it without the other person present, based on your sworn application (NRS 33.020). A Nevada TPO can last up to 45 days, until a hearing on an extended order (NRS 33.080). At that hearing the judge can issue an Extended Protection Order that lasts up to two years (NRS 33.080). Law enforcement serves the papers at no charge (NRS 33.060). If you are in immediate danger, call 911; the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
Find out where you stand in Nevada
Where are you in getting a restraining order?
DocDraft provides document preparation, not legal advice.
How do I get a protection order against domestic violence in Nevada?
File a verified Application for Protection Order Against Domestic Violence in the justice court or district court where you live or where the abuse happened. There is no fee to apply (NRS 33.050). A judge rules on a temporary order within one judicial day and sets a hearing for an extended order.
How long does it take to get a protection order in Nevada?
A judge must rule on your application for a temporary order within one judicial day after you file it (NRS 33.020). The temporary order can be granted without the other person present, based on your sworn application, so protection can begin the same day or the next court day.
How long does a domestic violence protection order last in Nevada?
A Temporary Protection Order lasts up to 45 days, until a hearing on an extended order (NRS 33.080). After that hearing, a judge can issue an Extended Protection Order that lasts up to two years. You can ask the court to extend protection before the order expires.
Which court handles protection orders in Nevada?
You can file in the justice court or the district court, in the county where you live or where the abuse occurred. Nevada law allows a justice court to issue an extended order, with an appeal to the district court (NRS 33.030). The Nevada Courts Self-Help Center provides the forms.
Nevada protection order law at a glance
In Nevada, a protection order against domestic violence protects you from abuse by a spouse, dating or former partner, co-parent, or relative, under NRS Chapter 33 (NRS 33.017 to 33.100). You apply by filing a verified Application for Protection Order Against Domestic Violence, and there is no fee to apply or to have law enforcement serve it (NRS 33.050, NRS 33.060). Nevada uses two stages. A judge can grant a Temporary Protection Order within one judicial day, without notice to the other person, based on your sworn application (NRS 33.020). That temporary order lasts up to 45 days, until a hearing (NRS 33.080). At the hearing the judge can issue an Extended Protection Order that lasts up to two years (NRS 33.080). You can file in the justice court or the district court, depending on your county.
Getting a Nevada protection order after threats from an ex-partner
Nevada grants protection in two stages, so your case moves from a temporary order to an extended one. Suppose your former partner in Nevada has been showing up at your home and sending threatening messages. You complete the verified Application for Protection Order Against Domestic Violence, describing the threats with dates, and file it in district court at no cost (NRS 33.050). Within one judicial day a judge signs a Temporary Protection Order because your application shows domestic violence (NRS 33.020), and it can last up to 45 days until a hearing (NRS 33.080). Law enforcement serves your ex for free. At the hearing you show the messages and testify, and the judge issues an Extended Protection Order lasting two years. You keep the signed order with you and calendar its expiration. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
Relevant Laws
NRS 33.020 (issuance of temporary and extended orders)
Provides that if it appears to the satisfaction of the court from specific facts shown by a verified application that an act of domestic violence has occurred or a threat of domestic violence exists, the court may grant a temporary or extended order, and that a temporary order may be granted with or without notice to the adverse party.
NRS 33.080 (duration of temporary and extended orders)
Provides that a temporary order expires within such time, not to exceed 45 days, as the court fixes, and that an extended order expires within such time, not to exceed 2 years, as the court fixes.
NRS 33.050 (deferral of costs and fees)
Provides that the payment of all costs and official fees must be deferred for any applicant for a temporary or extended order, and that after a hearing the court assesses the costs and fees against the adverse party, except that the court may reduce or waive them.
NRS 33.060 (service of the order without charge)
Directs the court to order the appropriate law enforcement agency to serve the adverse party personally with the temporary order, without charge to the applicant, and to provide copies of the order.
Regional Variances
Nevada protection order rules at a glance
Order name
Protection Order Against Domestic Violence, issued under NRS Chapter 33 (NRS 33.017 to 33.100). It comes in two stages: a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) and then an Extended Protection Order. Separate orders cover stalking, harassment, and sexual assault.
Where to file
The justice court or the district court, in the county where you live or where the abuse occurred. There is no fee to apply (NRS 33.050). Nevada law allows a justice court to issue an extended order, with an appeal to the district court (NRS 33.030).
Emergency and temporary orders
A judge must rule on a temporary order within one judicial day and can grant it without the other person present, based on your sworn application (NRS 33.020). A Temporary Protection Order lasts up to 45 days, until a hearing (NRS 33.080).
Final order duration
After a hearing, a judge can issue an Extended Protection Order that lasts up to two years (NRS 33.080). Before it expires, you can ask the court to issue a new order if you still need protection.
Main form
The verified Application for Protection Order Against Domestic Violence, usually filed with a confidential information sheet and, if children are involved, a UCCJEA declaration. Nevada has no single statewide form number. Forms are free through the Nevada Courts Self-Help Center.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Complete the Application for Protection Order Against Domestic Violence
As soon as possible after the abuse days after startingFill out the verified Application for Protection Order Against Domestic Violence, describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates. Use the free Nevada Courts Self-Help Center forms and guided interview, or a county family law self-help center. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
File your application in justice or district court
Same day you finish the forms days after startingFile the application with the justice court or district court clerk in the county where you live or where the abuse occurred. There is no fee to apply for a domestic violence protection order in Nevada (NRS 33.050). Ask the clerk when the judge will decide on your temporary order.
Get and carry the Temporary Protection Order
Same day the judge signs it days after startingA judge must rule within one judicial day (NRS 33.020). If the judge grants a Temporary Protection Order, get the signed order and keep a copy with you. It lasts up to 45 days, until your hearing (NRS 33.080). Note your hearing date.
Confirm law enforcement service on the other person
Before the hearing days after startingThe court orders law enforcement to serve the adverse party at no charge (NRS 33.060). Confirm that service happened, because the other person must be served before the judge can issue an extended order at the hearing.
Attend the hearing with your evidence
On the hearing date set by the court days after startingGo to the hearing and bring photos, messages, and any witnesses. Both sides can testify. The judge decides whether to issue an Extended Protection Order (NRS 33.030). If you miss the hearing, your temporary order can expire without an extended order in place.
Track the expiration and seek a new order if needed
Before the extended order expires (up to 2 years out) days after startingAn Extended Protection Order can last up to two years (NRS 33.080). Calendar the expiration date and, if you still need protection, ask the court to issue a new order before the current one ends so your protection does not lapse.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete the Application for Protection Order Against Domestic Violence | Fill out the verified Application for Protection Order Against Domestic Violence, describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates. Use the free Nevada Courts Self-Help Center forms and guided interview, or a county family law self-help center. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft. | - | As soon as possible after the abuse |
| File your application in justice or district court | File the application with the justice court or district court clerk in the county where you live or where the abuse occurred. There is no fee to apply for a domestic violence protection order in Nevada (NRS 33.050). Ask the clerk when the judge will decide on your temporary order. | - | Same day you finish the forms |
| Get and carry the Temporary Protection Order | A judge must rule within one judicial day (NRS 33.020). If the judge grants a Temporary Protection Order, get the signed order and keep a copy with you. It lasts up to 45 days, until your hearing (NRS 33.080). Note your hearing date. | - | Same day the judge signs it |
| Confirm law enforcement service on the other person | The court orders law enforcement to serve the adverse party at no charge (NRS 33.060). Confirm that service happened, because the other person must be served before the judge can issue an extended order at the hearing. | - | Before the hearing |
| Attend the hearing with your evidence | Go to the hearing and bring photos, messages, and any witnesses. Both sides can testify. The judge decides whether to issue an Extended Protection Order (NRS 33.030). If you miss the hearing, your temporary order can expire without an extended order in place. | - | On the hearing date set by the court |
| Track the expiration and seek a new order if needed | An Extended Protection Order can last up to two years (NRS 33.080). Calendar the expiration date and, if you still need protection, ask the court to issue a new order before the current one ends so your protection does not lapse. | - | Before the extended order expires (up to 2 years out) |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Nevada defers all costs and official fees for anyone applying for a temporary or extended protection order (NRS 33.050). Law enforcement serves the order at no charge (NRS 33.060), and the court clerk provides a certified copy for free. Any costs can later be assessed against the adverse party.
A Temporary Protection Order is a short order a judge can grant without the other person present, based on your sworn application (NRS 33.020). The court rules within one judicial day. It lasts up to 45 days, until a hearing where a judge can issue a longer extended order (NRS 33.080).
You can file if the person who abused or threatened you is a current or former spouse, a dating or cohabiting partner, a co-parent, or a relative by blood or marriage. A parent or guardian can seek a protection order on behalf of a minor child (NRS 33.400).
You file a verified Application for Protection Order Against Domestic Violence, usually with a confidential information sheet and, if children are involved, a UCCJEA declaration. Nevada does not use a single statewide form number. The Nevada Courts Self-Help Center provides the current forms and a guided interview at no charge.
At the hearing, both you and the other person can attend, present evidence, and testify. The judge decides whether to issue an Extended Protection Order and what terms to include, such as no contact and stay-away conditions (NRS 33.030). An extended order can last up to two years (NRS 33.080).
Yes. An Extended Protection Order can last up to two years (NRS 33.080). Before it expires, you can ask the court to issue a new order if you still need protection. Keep track of the expiration date so protection does not lapse while your case is pending.
Violating a protection order is a crime in Nevada. Call the police, who can arrest the person, and the court can also address the violation. Keep a copy of your order with you at all times and report every violation. Active orders are entered in a law enforcement database for enforcement.
No. Nevada courts are set up for people to request protection orders on their own, with free forms, self-help centers, and guided online interviews. Many people file without a lawyer, especially for a temporary order. Legal help can be useful if the case is contested or the other side has an attorney.
Other Nevada guides
Ready to Draft Your Document?
Get AI-powered legal documents with attorney review included. Plans start at $39.99/mo.