Vital Records Online is a secure and reliable, US-based platform that simplifies the process of procuring your Idaho birth, marriage, and death certificates. Rest assured, your documents will be delivered while ensuring the utmost confidentiality and security of your personal information.
Summary:
Idaho, “the Gem State,” entered the union as the 43rd state on July 3rd, 1890. Today, its population is nearing 2 million.
Idaho’s Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW) began in 1885 in 1907, Gov. Frank R. Gooding appointed Idaho’s attorney general, and the state engineer to serve on the first State Board of Health. Idaho’s Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics (VR) documents vital events, including birth, death, marriage, divorce, stillbirth, and miscarriage.
Idaho’s birth records become available to the public after 100 years, while death and marriage records are made public after 50 years. Typically, immediate family members and those showing cause are eligible to order certified birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Find out how to obtain official Idaho vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start your application online for ID vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are key documentation in our lives. These records can prove your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. They can serve as significant evidence in legal matters, facilitate inheritance claims, and assist in finding our family histories. Vital records can also provide insights into our ancestors’ lives through details such as full names, birth and death dates, and places of residence. In case of a lost or stolen birth, marriage, or death certificate, it’s important to report the loss to the police promptly and obtain a certified replacement. In addition, vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates are required for other events like applying for passports, enrolling in the military, applying for social security benefits, and proving eligibility for insurance benefits, further emphasizing their significant role in numerous aspects of life.
The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare – Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics maintains and issues vital records for the entire state. The Idaho Bureau of Vital Records does not accept in-person requests; all orders must be made online or by mail.
❗️ If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Idaho, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Idaho residents can apply for the vital records by mail; however, applying online is often a more convenient, reliable, and efficient option. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can request certified vital record copies from The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare’s Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. By following the instructions for each birth, death, and marriage certificate, you can ensure that you meet the unique requirements for each certificate type. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with these requirements, applying for a replacement certificate is straightforward.
The price, eligibility, required documents, and processing times for requesting vital records will depend on the type of certificate you need and how you order it. It is important to review the steps and conditions before ordering a vital record copy from the DHW, regardless of the method you use to place the request.
❗️ The Department of Health and Welfare’s Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics does not have a public counter, so in-person requests are not possible. All requests must be submitted online or by mail.
Ordering Idaho Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves 2 simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
You can request an Idaho birth, death, or marriage certificate online, granted that you meet the eligibility requirements as an authorized person. For a smooth application process, ensure you possess all required documents beforehand to upload copies during the secure online application process. Vital Records Online facilitates your ability to collect and generate the required documents, making the application process simple and efficient. The application can be accessed from any device with an internet connection and can be completed in as little as five minutes. Vital Records Online also helps ensure your application avoids common errors or missing documents that cause your application to be rejected.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
Idaho vital records can be ordered through the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare’s Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. However, due to the bureau’s absence of a public counter, vital records cannot be requested in person. Instead, Idaho residents or eligible individuals can order vital records online or by mail.
If you choose to order your vital record copies by mail, the procedure will include the following tasks:
To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the necessary criteria for each required document before mailing it.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ Before submitting the application, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
❗️ If you mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Understanding the conditions and requirements is essential before gathering the documents for your vital record application.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
The table below explains the documents and information required to order new vital records in Idaho. Two secondary IDs may be accepted in the absence of a valid primary ID. The DHW-BVR requires all applicants to verify their identity. For most types of certificates, a driver’s license or state photo ID is sufficient (check other acceptable IDs per certificate needed).
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Idaho?
The DHW-BVR defines unique conditions for each type of certificate and personal circumstance. Check the details of eligibility conditions and requirements for Idaho birth, death, and marriage replacements.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Parent Names Before Marriage, Parents Names, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, Prison ID, State ID, Tribal ID, Weapon Permit |
Auto Insurance, College ID, Court Documents with Current Address, Court Order, Driver's Permit, Fishing License, Hunting License, Insurance Record, Matricula Card, Passport Card, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Traffic Ticket, Vehicle Registration, Work ID |
| Death Certificate | Date of Death, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Parent Names Before Marriage, Parents Names, Phone Number, Place of Death, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, Prison ID, State ID, Tribal ID, Weapon Permit |
College ID, Court Documents with Current Address, Court Order, Driver's Permit, Fishing License, Hunting License, Insurance Record, Matricula Card, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Traffic Ticket, Vehicle Registration, Work ID |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Date of Marriage, Groom Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place of Marriage, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, Passport, Prison ID, State ID, Tribal ID, Weapon Permit |
College ID, Court Documents with Current Address, Court Order, Driver's Permit, Fishing License, Hunting License, Passport Card, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Traffic Ticket, Vehicle Registration, Work ID |
❗️Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
Who can request vital records in Idaho?
The certificate holder can request a certified copy of their vital records. They must verify their identity by submitting copies of their ID(s) or obtaining a notary.
If you request vital record copies on someone else’s behalf, ensure you are authorized by checking the eligibility requirements for the certificate you request. Third parties, such as family members and legal representatives, can legally ask for vital record copies providing they have a “direct and tangible interest” in the certificate.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Interested Parties (personal or property rights legal need), Legal Guardian, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Person on Record, Physician, Siblings, Spouse |
| Death Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Funeral Director, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Heir, Interested Parties (personal or property rights legal need), Legal Representative, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Physician, Siblings, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Interested Parties (personal or property rights legal need), Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Person on Record, Physician, Siblings, Spouse |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
You must verify your identity if you request a certified copy of an Idaho birth, death, or marriage certificate. If you can provide a copy of your valid, government-issued ID or copies of two secondary forms of identification, you do not need to obtain a notary. If you are unable to provide copies of any of the accepted ID forms, you must obtain a notarized signature and proof of identity form. You can view the complete list of acceptable identifications at https://publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=16024&dbid=0&repo=PUBLIC-DOCUMENTS.
❗️ Applicants may need to provide a notarized sworn statement if they do not have a copy of a primary ID or two forms of secondary identification when ordering Idaho vital records online or by mail.
The total costs for certified copies of vital records can vary depending on the DHW-BVR’s fees for each type of certificate, the method of application submission, and whether or not a notary is needed.
Ordering birth, marriage, divorce, or death records via Vital Records Online’s processing fee starts at $29. The DHW-BVR charges a $16.00 fee for each certified copy of a birth record, a $16.00 fee for each certified marriage certificate copy, and $16.00 for each death certificate copy.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $16.00 | $16.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order at reduced prices to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Idaho?
The wait times for processing and obtaining a birth, death, or marriage certificate can vary. It can take extra time if you prefer to verify your identity by notarizing your application at a local notary. If you order through Vital Records Online, you can speed up the process by completing an online notarization during checkout.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 2 to 4 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Death Certificate | 2 to 4 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Marriage Certificate | 2 to 4 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Divorce Certificate | 2 to 4 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks |
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process to ensure you obtain a notary (if needed) and meet your state’s application submission deadline.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
With Vital Records Online, you can view the order status to monitor the processing of your application. First-class prepaid mail postage is included with your order to track the application to the Idaho Department of Public Health.
If you prefer manually send your application packet to the vital records health department, it is recommended to purchase first-class mail tracking to know when the application has arrived successfully. The DHW-BVR will send the vital record copies to your home via USPS first-class mail to ensure security, but it does not claim liability for any missing certificates. If your birth certificate is lost, promptly file a report. Remember to review your application packet thoroughly because a simple mistake, typo, or missing paperwork can cause delays, extra shipping fees, or exposure of your personal information.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Idaho counties’ office locations directory.
An apostille is required when filing vital records with foreign governments. Apostilles are distributed for vital records originally filed with the Department of Health and Welfare. Apostilles can be requested for the following vital records: birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates.
Apostilles for Idaho vital records can be obtained online through Vital Records Online or through the Idaho Secretary of State’s office.
Vital Records Online provides apostille services for all 50 US states, is recognized by governments and organizations, and is legally valid in over 100 countries. Vital Records Online provides apostille services for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, with professional support. The cost for the apostille service starts at $149 (plus government fees) and can be completed entirely online in three steps.
In many cases, we will not need to receive a physical copy of your documents, so you may be able to complete the process 100% online. Once your apostille document is ready, we will mail it to you via FedEx or DHL. Whether you live in the U.S. or abroad in another country—we use recognized shipping companies to deliver your documents anywhere in the world.
If you order a new vital record certificate from the Bureau of Vital Records, you can request that they forward it to the Secretary of State for an additional $10 fee. Alternatively, you can send your certificate to the Secretary of State’s Office.
If you are manually sending your certificates to the Secretary of State, you will need to submit the following documents:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the DHW-BVR Secretary of State’s Office at the following addresses.
For express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Secretary of State’s Office,
Attn: Notary Department,
450 N 4th Street,
Boise ID 83702
For standard mail, use the following address:
PO Box 83720,
Boise ID 83720-0080
You can reach the office at (208) 334-2301 or online at https://sos.idaho.gov/apostille/
The Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics provides information on its website regarding common situations that require an amendment to a vital record.
The process is straightforward. The forms required vary depending on the information needing correction. When a vital record is to be changed, an amendment is necessary. The changes are made as addendums because the original document cannot be altered.
The requirements for requesting the changes or amendments vary depending on which vital record needs changing.
Typically, requests to correct or amend vital records will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
In Idaho, birth certificates are made public 100 years after a birth occurred, and death and marriage certificates are made public 50 years after a death or marriage occurred. Finding free public records can be difficult, but Idaho has many vital records that are freely available to the general public. Though time-consuming, browsing Idaho’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records can help you find the desired information.
Are Idaho Vital Records Open to the Public?
The majority of state records in Idaho are available to the public, though the access depends on the type of record and the year in which the birth, death, or marriage took place.
You can utilize third-party websites to research specific types of vital records. These websites are typically not limited to your geographic location, providing a good reference point when researching records. However, the data on third-party sites can vary from official government records. To search for a record on a third-party website, you must specify the following:
Every state, county, and city can have unique vital records. The appearance of your birth, death, or marriage certificate may vary based on the issuing authority, so it’s recommended to verify if you hold an official certified copy. Informational copies of these records can be identified by a stamp or bold print stating something such as “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity.”
Authorized Copy:
Authorized copies of vital records are certified by the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare – Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics and constitute legal documents that can be utilized as official identification. Informational copies cannot be used for official identification; they are only for personal reference. Consequently, certified copies of vital records can only be obtained by individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document.
If you request an authorized birth, death, or marriage certificate, you must verify your identity by providing a primary ID, two secondary IDs, or a notarized signature on your application. Without one of the defined identity verifications, your request will be rejected.
Informational Copies:
The Idaho Health & Welfare Department doesn’t explicitly mention generating informational copies of vital records. However, certain third-party archives house these historical documents following a specific time period. For more details, visit https://guides.loc.gov/idaho-local-history-genealogy/vital-records.
Idaho residents have the right under the Idaho Public Records Act to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Idaho government website at https://publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov/
