Decentralized Matrimony: Nevada Began Issuing Blockchain-Powered Marriage Certificates

Blockchain technology has seen a dramatic shift in its acceptance in 2018. Cryptocurrencies had been the face of blockchain technology for a long time. With stories of fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and other criminal activity associated with cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology had a bad reputation attached to its name early on.

However, as the technology matured and cryptocurrencies started losing their hype, mainstream industry started to realize that the real innovation was perhaps not cryptocurrencies but blockchain. Which is why blockchain is being adopted into many well-known companies operations now. Even local government services in the US have started approaching the blockchain technology for easier and faster document recording and processing.

The latest example of this comes from Nevada where over 950 digital marriage certificates using smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain have been issued to couples since April 2018. The adoption has been praised for the agility it brought to the whole process. Instead of 7-8 working days, now marriage certificates can be emailed to the couples in as little as 24 hours.

This story shows and demonstrates the true potential of blockchain technology. The powers it can lend to any system with easy, fast implementation and low cost are irreplaceable. There are many different aspects of public services where blockchain can bring about a revolution. No more standing in long queues and waiting for your turn while filling out and printing dozens of forms. It can all happen with a few clicks.

As is true with any new technology, the response has been mixed as reported by the Reno Gazette Journal. The AP quotes Hunter Halcomb, “But some people say, ‘Nah, I don’t use email so I don’t want it.’” Hunter Halcomb is a Washoe Country systems technician. Halcomb also noted that the digital certification system received mixed responses even from other government agencies.

With any new technology, a training period is required for a better understanding of its workings. The hesitance to accept the better technology mainly comes from the foreign and new way of doing things. However, this hesitancy can be curbed through awareness and training programs for government employees.

Various other states across the country are also considering the implementation of different systems with the help of blockchain. Regardless of which systems end up employing the technology first, blockchain is set to take over the legacy server systems soon. Security, fast processing and low cost are just some of the benefits that these early adopters are looking at.