Are Idaho Records Public?

Yes. All public members can examine and get a copy of public records in Idaho. The Idaho Public Records Act governs all aspects of Idaho public records. For example, it dictates which records are public and exempts some documents from public access. It also dictates the cost of records and the time and location for accessing them.

Per state law, "public records" are official documents produced, stored, and maintained by government entities. Idaho public records may fall under these categories:

• Vital Records
• Criminal records
• Sex offenders’ data 
• Court documents
• Property and tax records.

Note: A public official's personal notes are not public documents, provided they are not shared with other people.

Who Can Access Idaho Public Records?

Under Idaho Code Section 74-102, both state and non-residents have the right to obtain copies of Idaho public records. However, Idaho Code sections 74-104 to 74-111 exempt certain documents from public view. Generally, documents that may violate an individual's or entity’s safety or privacy are exempt from Idaho records. For example, the identities of crime victims and adoption records are not publicly accessible. Also, vital records are not public documents, and only eligible persons can obtain them.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Public Records in Idaho?

You do not need to state the intended purpose for requesting a public record in Idaho. However, Idaho Code Section 74-120 requires you to provide a valid ID when requesting public documents. Also, you must prove to record custodians that the requested documents are not for mailing or telephone list purposes.

Note: You may file a legal action if a record custodian fails to honor your request. Record custodians must reply to record requests within three business days. Furthermore, they must notify the requester in writing if there's a delay in retrieving records.

What Records Are Public in Idaho?

In Idaho, multiple government records are classified as public documents. These records may include arrest information, criminal history data, court records, and sex offenders’ information. Such records typically fall under the jurisdiction of specific government agencies or entities.

Idaho Public Court Records

Idaho public court records are official documentation of court proceedings. These documents may contain data on court summons, dockets, judgements, injunctions, case files, and court calendars. Court records in Idaho are broadly grouped into criminal, civil, traffic, and family court records.

The Idaho Supreme Court is the state-level custodian of all court records. It provides access to court records via the iCourt portal, an online searchable database. Interested public members can access these records by filling out details, such as the court record number or the plaintiff’s name. County courts also hold information on court records within their jurisdiction.

What Information Will I Find in Idaho Court Records?

Idaho court records may contain these data:

• Details of the criminal, civil, family, or traffic offense
• Names and contact details of concerned parties.
• Case information, including the place and date when the case was filed.
• Docket Number.
• Case file number
• Court summons
• Evidence presented during the court proceeding
• Names and bar numbers of all attorneys involved in the case
• Details of the criminal

Idaho Public Criminal Records

Per Idaho Statutes (Title 67, Chapter 30), criminal records contain data on an individual’s arrest records and criminal court proceedings. It also contains information about parole status and probation.

Residents can search for Idaho criminal records using the state’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations. The department provides access to criminal histories for employment or licensing purposes. To obtain criminal records in Idaho, interested public members must follow these steps:

• Fill out a Fingerprint criminal background check form (for fingerprint-based checks) or a name-based background check form (for name-based requests)
• Include a complete set of fingerprints on a fingerprint card
• Include the required fee. 
  • Fingerprint or name-based requests cost $20
  • $1 processing fee
  • 3% of the total transaction for credit or debit card payment
• Send the documents to this address:

The Idaho State Police

The Bureau of Criminal Investigations,

South Stratford Drive,

Suite120 Meridian,

ID  83642

Phone: (208) 884-7130

Fax: (208) 884-7193 700

Idaho Public Arrest Records

Arrest records fall under the umbrella of public records. You may find these documents at the state’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations or local law enforcement agencies. To access arrest records, you must provide information about the record subjects. Note that there are no time restrictions for accessing recent arrest records.

Idaho Public Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy public records in Idaho are court files on persons or entities in bankruptcy. You may find these data in Idaho bankruptcy records:

• Case information ( may include the chapter number, case status, filing date, and case number).
• Financial and tax information of the debtors
• Information on debts, assets, and income of debtors
• Names and contact information of all concerned parties (if available)

Idaho bankruptcy records are public documents. However, the courts may redact the record subject’s social security number and financial account numbers.

The US Bankruptcy Court - District of Idaho is the record custodian of all bankruptcy court cases. To find bankruptcy records at these courts, visit the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) website. Register or log in to the platform and pay the required search fees.

The US Bankruptcy Court - District of Idaho, 

Boise Office

550 West Fort Street

Suite 400

Boise ID 83724

Phone: (208) 334-1361

Phone: (866) 496-1250 (toll-free)

Fax: (208) 334-9362 (fax)

Idaho Public Birth Records

In Idaho, public birth records contain the following information:

• The record subject’s full birth names
• Certificate number
• Date and place of birth
• Date filed and date issued
• State file number
• Sex
• Father’s name
• Mother’s maiden name

Note that birth records in Idaho are not public records and are only accessible to:

• The record subject
• Immediate family members (parent or legal guardian, offspring, spouse, and sibling)
• The record subject’s legal representatives
• Persons with documentation showing the document is necessary to protect their property rights.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, via the Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, maintains all birth records from 1911 until the present. Earlier versions of these records are at the county recorder's office where the birth occurred. You can only obtain Idaho birth records via online or mail requests to the record custodian. For mail requests, eligible persons must include a request form, a photocopy of a driver’s license, and a money order or check to:

The Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics

PO Box 83720

Boise, ID 83720-0036

Idaho Public Death Records

Idaho death records are official files on death events and may provide the following information:

• Record subject’s name and physical-identifying data, such as sex and race
• Names and birthplace of the parents
• Birth date
• Cause of death
• Home address
• Signature of the medical examiner or funeral director.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare is the state-level custodian of death certificates filed since 1911 until the present. That said, death records under 50 years old are confidential records, while older copies are public documents. Only those with a legal and direct interest can access confidential Idaho death records. To obtain Idaho death records, you must provide these documents:

• A completed death request form in English or Spanish
• A copy of a current driver’s license
• A signed check or money order payable to “Idaho Vital Records”.

You can send these documents via mail to:

Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics

PO Box 83720

Boise, ID 83720-0036

Idaho Public Marriage Records 

In Idaho, public marriage records may contain these data:

• Names of both record subjects
• The date and location of the marriage event
• Both couple’s addresses
• Names of witnesses
• The officiant’s signature and mailing address.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare maintains all copies of marriage certificates from 1947 until the present. Idaho marriage records below 50 years old are confidential and accessible to the following persons:

• The record subjects
• Immediate family members
• Legal representatives

To obtain a public Idaho marriage record, interested parties must provide these documents:

• A marriage certificate request form in English or Spanish.
• A copy of a driver’s license or other acceptable identification, such as tribal cards or state-issued cards.
• A signed money order or check payable to the Idaho Vital Records,

Send the required documents via mail to:

Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics

PO Box 83720

Boise, ID 83720-0036

Idaho Public Divorce Records

Idaho public records are official files on divorce proceedings and may feature these data:

• Record subjects’ full names
• Residence at the time of the divorce
• The couple’s birthplace and occupation
• Date of marriage and separation
• Reasons for divorce
• The number of children at the time of divorce.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare maintains divorce certificates filed from May 1947 until the present. Divorce records below 50 years old are confidential records, while other records are publicly accessible. To obtain divorce records in Idaho, interested persons or entities must provide these documents:

• A divorce certificate request form in English or Spanish.
• A copy of a driver’s license or other acceptable identification, such as tribal cards.
• A signed money order or check payable to the Idaho Vital Records

Send the required documents via mail to:

Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics

PO Box 83720

Boise, ID 83720-0036

Idaho Public Inmate Records

Idaho inmate records are publicly accessible. The Idaho Department of Corrections maintains an online searchable database for all incarcerated inmates. To access inmate records, you must provide the inmate’s first or last name in the search box. This will bring up a list of possible matches for the search input. That said, the search result will contain the following data:

• The offense
• The sentencing county
• Case number’
• Sentencing details, including parole eligibility dates.
• IDOC number
• Incarceration status

On the other hand, the IDOC’s Information Center provides updated information on inmate records. To use this option, fill out these sections:

• Records category
• Information about the preferred record
• Preferred mode of accessing the record.

Next, select “submit” at the bottom of the page. The IDOC will respond to the request within three business days.

Idaho Department of Correction,

1299 North Orchard Street,

Suite 110,

Boise, ID 83706

Phone: (208) 658-2000

Idaho Public Sex Offender Information

Per Idaho Code (Chapter 83, Title 18), sex offender information is publicly accessible. However, the law restricts access to the offender’s social security number, phone number, and driver’s license numbers.  

The Idaho State Police maintains an online list of sex offenders on its website. Interested persons may find offenders under these lists:

• Idaho violent sex offenders
• Non-compliant sex offenders
• Sex offenders with a pending status

Note: Under Idaho 18-8326 or 18-8413, it is a punishable offense to use sex offenders’ data to commit criminal acts against another person.

Idaho Public Property Records

Idaho’s Department of Lands is the state-level custodian of property records, which may include:

• Township and Range
• Ownership
• Instrument type (Deeds, Direct Sale, Direct Sales) 
• Section

To look up Idaho public property records, interested parties must visit the Department of Land’s website. Next, they may opt to view the map-based search option or the activity report option.

Idaho counties’ assessor offices also maintain online searchable portals for property records. For instance, the Ada County Assessor’s Office provides access to online property records via its website.

What is Exempted Under the Idaho Public Records Act?

The Idaho Public Records Act prevents the public disclosure of certain government documents. In most cases, the state will restrict documents that violate an individual’s or entity's right to privacy or security.

The Idaho Public Records Act, Titles 74-104 to 74-114, contains categories of exempt public documents. For example, Title 74-106 prevents the disclosure of certain personnel records, health information, and personal data. This section applies to personal data on retired, current, or former public officials. Record custodians will only release the data upon the record subject's written request.

Other exempt public documents in Idaho include:

• Trade secrets and proprietary information.
• Investigatory records of law enforcement agencies
• Data on archeological findings and endangered species.
• Juvenile records on criminal offenses

How Can I Access Exempt Records in Idaho? 

You can access exempt Idaho records under these conditions:

• You are the record subject. 
• You have written consent from the record subject to access exempt documents listed under Title 74-106

Within six months of receiving a notice of denial via mail, requesters can also file a petition with the district court where the records are located. Also, they must name and serve the individual or entity that provided the information to the record custodian. The court will then decide whether to release the record or not.

How Do I Find Public Records in Idaho?

State and non-residents can find public records in Idaho via these simple steps:

Step 1: Find the record custodian holding the document 

Per state law, designated state or local government agencies maintain and issue public documents. These agencies often hold records that align with their core responsibilities. For example, the Idaho Department of Land holds property-related records. Another example is the Department of Corrections, which is the custodian of inmate records. If you are unsure of the record custodian, type "record category” in a search engine. You may also contact the custodian to further verify if they hold the record. 

Step 2: Know the requirement for accessing the specific record 

The requirement for accessing public records differs based on the record category. For example, you don't need to provide an ID to view sex offenders’ data or inmate records. In contrast, you must present a valid ID and a written request to obtain a criminal history. Confidential documents, such as vital records, are only accessible to people with a tangible and direct interest in them. 

Step 3: Check and select a preferred mode of accessing the record 

Record seekers may access Idaho public records via in-person, online, or mail-in requests. Some agencies may offer one or more of these request options. So, select a request option that's most convenient for you. For instance, the in-person option is preferable if the agency's physical address is close to you. 

Step 4: Create and send a request to obtain the Idaho public record 

You need to send a written request to access some Idaho public records, such as birth records or death records. Most record custodians offer a downloadable request form for filling out these necessary details. In the absence of such forms, your written request must contain these data:

• Your full name and contact details 
• The record subject's full name or aliases 
• Identifying the number sequence of the form (this may include case numbers or docket numbers for court-related records)
• Specific information about the record subject 
• The calendar year when the record was filed. 

Can I Find Free Public Records in Idaho Using Third-Party Sites?

Yes. You'll find free Idaho public records on some third-party websites. These sites are often easy to navigate, and they provide fast access to some public records. To access the preferred record, you must input the necessary details about the record subjects.

Note: Third-party sites may feature outdated or incorrect information. So, they are separate from government-owned websites.

How Much Do Public Records Cost in Idaho?

Under Idaho Statutes Title 74-102(10), public records are generally free under these conditions:

• The copied materials are less than 100 pages and are printed on standard 8 ½ x 11 paper. 
• It takes more than two hours to find the requested document. 
• The document does not contain redacted information.

If the copies are more than 100 pages, record custodians will charge $0.1 and $0.5 for black/white and colored copies, respectively. In addition to this, the agency will determine the cost if the requested document is not on standard 8 ½ x 11 paper.

Agencies can set the cost if they need to redact or convert the requested document to another format. 

Can I Waive the Public Records Fee in Idaho?

Yes. You may apply for a fee waiver to access certain public records. For example, the Idaho Department of Agriculture provides a fee waiver request form that you can attach to your written request.

What Happens if I Am Refused an Idaho Public Records Request?

Here are steps to take if a record custodian denies your request:

Step1: Find out the possible reasons behind the denial

Record custodians may deny requests based on these reasons:

The record is exempted under the public records law.

The requester does not have the legal right to access the record

Step 2: Appeal the record custodian's decision 

You can appeal the denial of the record request by filing a petition with the county's district court where the record was filed. Next, the court will set a time for the agency to respond to the petition. Record custodians must reply within 28 days after the petition is filed. Upon receiving the reply, the court will determine if the record should be disclosed or not.