Idaho Birth Records

Are Birth Records Public in State?

No, birth records are not public in Idaho. Birth record/birth certificate access is restricted to individuals and entities with a legitimate interest in the records because they are considered vital records.

Under Idaho Code Section 39-270, birth records are confidential for 100 years from the date of birth. After that, they become public records and can be accessed by anyone. However, even after 100 years have elapsed, access to birth records may still be restricted if the individual whose record is being requested is still alive.

Authorized individuals who can access birth records in Idaho include the person named on the record, the person's parents, legal guardians, or authorized representatives, and certain government agencies or officials with a legitimate interest in the records. Others who wish to obtain a birth record must demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record in order to gain access.

What are Birth Records in Idaho?

An Idaho birth record is an official record verifying that an individual was born in Idaho. It is a vital record documenting important birth-related information which is useful in serving the purpose of identity and legal recognition as a citizen of Idaho and the United States. Birth records are the only legal way for the persons named on the records to obtain birth certificates. Birth records are widely useful for the government in effectively planning and delivering adequate services and allocating resources across all development sectors.

Without a birth record, an individual's access to health, education, social assistance, legal protection, and economic opportunities may be impeded. As it is, a birth certificate is necessary to apply for social security, Medicaid, school, driver's license, and obtain a marriage license. A birth certificate serves as proof of relationship to parents, which is required for child support services, inheritance, and eligibility for benefits.

In Idaho, birth records have been kept for many decades and managed at the state level. Birth records are on file dating back to July 1911. Although some Idaho counties maintain records as well, these are generally older birth records which are limited to births that occurred in those counties. Such records may also not contain all the details that are in the newer records.

Idaho birth records are confidential for 100 years. After that, birth records are made available to the general public. An Idaho birth contains:

• Date of birth
• Time of birth
• Place of birth
• Child's full name
• Mother's name
• Father's name
• Child's gender
• Type of birth
• Mother's marital status
• Birth registration number

Where to Find Public Birth Records in Idaho?

As mentioned, birth records are generally confidential in Idaho until 100 years after they become public, and also authorized individuals have free access to them anytime. Therefore, anyone who needs a public birth record can obtain it from several sources.

One of the most reliable sources for obtaining public birth records in Idaho is the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. This government agency maintains birth records for the entire state of Idaho, dating back to 1907. They offer certified copies of birth certificates upon request, which can be obtained by mail or online through their website. This service often comes with a fee but is generally reasonable and varies depending on the request method.

On the other hand, if one knows the county where the birth occurred, one can contact the county's vital records office. Each county in Idaho has a vital records office that maintains birth records for their respective county. The process of obtaining a birth certificate from a county office is similar to the state office, and one will need to provide some basic information about the individual. However, it is essential to note that not all counties in Idaho have vital records offices, so an individual may need to contact neighboring counties if the county where the birth occurred does not have one.

How to Find and Request Birth Records Online in Idaho?

Birth records in Idaho are confidential and not open to the public. It is not possible to look up birth records online. However, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare partners with an independent company to allow eligible persons to obtain Idaho birth records online. This partnership provides for an authorized external ordering source for fast, secure birth records processed directly with the issuing government agency at affordable costs. Note that requesters using this option to obtain birth records will be required to fax identification information to the third-party vendor to complete their requests.

Considered open to citizens of the United States, public records are available through both traditional, government sources, and through third-party websites and organizations. In many cases, third-party websites make the search easier as they are not limited geographically or by technological limitations. They are considered a good place to start when looking for a specific record or multiple records. In order to gain access to these records, interested parties must typically provide:

• The name of the person listed in the record. Juveniles are typically exempt from this search method.
• The last known or assumed location of the person listed in the record. This includes cities, counties, and states.

While third-party sites offer such services, they are not government-sponsored entities, and record availability may vary on these sites when compared to government sources.

How to Get Birth Records in Idaho?

Idaho birth certificates are available to requesters by mail. However, a request will not be considered complete without paying the correct fees and presenting acceptable identification. A requester must provide a photocopy of their driver's license or other current signed government (tribal, state, or federal) issued picture identification. If a requester cannot provide this, copies of two other forms of identification must be provided; one of which must include the signature of the requester. Note that identification is accepted upon validity verification by the Vital Records Office. An application will be returned to the requester resulting in a significant delay in processing if acceptable identification is not enclosed in a birth record application or if an application is incomplete.

The approved forms of identification for a birth record request are:

One of

• Driver's license
• State ID card
• Passport
• Tribal ID card
• Concealed weapons permit
• Prison ID card

OR two forms of current ID (one must have a signature)

• Social Security Card with signature
• Work ID card with picture or signature
• Auto registration with signature
• Traffic ticket with signature
• Court record with a signature
• College or School ID with picture
• Matricula Card with signature
• Insurance record
• Auto insurance
• Driver permit
• Paystub
• Hunting or Fishing license
• Passport card

OR

• Notarized signature on the request
• Have an immediate family member (the relation must possess a current ID from the approved list) make the request. Proof of relation may be required.
• Court order

How to Get Idaho Birth Records in Person?

The Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics does not have a public counter. Therefore, walk-in requests for birth records cannot be made at the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Requests for certified copies of birth certificates must be submitted by mail or online.

How to Get Idaho Birth Records by Mail?

To obtain an Idaho birth record by mail:

• Complete the Idaho Vital Statistics Certificate Request Form
• Attach acceptable identification (both sides of the signed picture ID)
• Include payment of the appropriate fee
• Enclose the form, identification, and fee in a mail to:

Idaho Vital Records
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036

Birth record fees may be paid with one check or money order, Make signed check or money order payable to Idaho Vital Records. Persons who prefer expedited (RUSH) services must write RUSH on the outside of their envelope. If express mail is desired, the requester may express mail the request to the Vital Records Office and include a prepaid express mail envelope back to the requester.

Any requester seeking to obtain an apostille through the Vital Records Office must contact the Office ahead at (208) 334-5980 for specific instructions to guide the application. A special handling fee will be required to be enclosed in the application sent to the Vital Records Office. Note that apostilles are issued by the Idaho Secretary of State.

Where Can I Find Birth Records in Idaho?

Certified copies of birth records in Idaho are maintained and issued by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare through its Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics.

How to Get Birth Records From a Hospital in Idaho?

Idaho hospitals do not provide birth certificates. Although birth parents are given Birth Certificate Worksheets to complete after delivery, the worksheets are submitted to the State of Idaho Bureau of Vital Statistics (BVS) after completion. Subsequently, a birth parent will receive notification that the baby's Birth Certificate Worksheet has been processed. A birth parent who recently moved or did not provide a current address on the worksheet must inform the BVS about the change of address, in order to receive the notification. Note that this is only a verification of receipt of the Birth Certificate Worksheet. Certified copies of birth certificates can only be obtained by making a request to the BVS.

Can Anyone Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Idaho?

Certified copies of Idaho birth records can only be obtained by eligible persons. These include:

• The person named on the record
• The spouse of the person named on the record
• The sibling of the person named on the record
• The parent or grandparent of the person named on the record
• The child or grandchild of the person named on the record
• The legal representative of the person named on the record
• Persons who provide documentation showing that obtaining a birth record is required for their property right

Note that proof of relation and legal representation may be required of an individual seeking to obtain a birth record who is not the subject of the record. Under Idaho Statute, step-relatives, in-laws, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins are not considered an immediate family of the person named on a birth record. Therefore, they cannot legally obtain confidential birth certificates.

Per Title 39, Chapter 2 of the Idaho Statutes, obtaining a birth record under false pretense is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $5,000, five years in prison, or both.

How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost in Idaho?

Each certified copy of a birth record in Idaho costs $16. Certified copies are computer-generated and can be used for most legal purposes. If a requested record cannot be found, a statement of search will be issued. A certified photocopy of a birth record also costs $16. Certified photocopies unlike certified copies are not computer-generated. The handling fee for a certified birth record requiring an apostille is $10. Requesters are advised to confirm total costs for orders before making payment. Overpayments of less than $10 are not refunded unless requested in writing. All fees for requests by mail are to be made by one check or money order.

For online requests, a $10.50 fee applies for each order made through Idaho's third-party vendor. Express (RUSH) orders cost $10 per copy of the birth record requested. Expedited shipping via UPS for most delivery areas is charged at $19 per order. All credit card orders are processed through Idaho's third-party vendor.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Birth Certificate in Idaho?

Birth certificate orders take 1-2 weeks to complete for express service. Non-RUSH certificate orders take 4-6 weeks to process. These periods only start counting from the moment properly completed certificate orders are received at the Vital Records Office. Estimated mailing times are included in these time frames. Requesters who place requests online typically receive their certificates faster in a few business days due to the elimination of physical payments and mail processing.

Note that due to restrictions placed on gatherings in compliance with COVID-19 pandemic control, staffing levels at the Vital Records Office may be affected. Hence, services may be interrupted which may delay processing times for birth record requests.

How to Get a New Birth Certificate in Idaho?

The Idaho Bureau of Vital Statistics grants access to new or amended birth certificates to authorized individuals, including the parent, birth record owner, and an attorney. This government office has the authority to rectify omissions or mistakes in the records of vital events such as births and deaths within the state.

Per the Idaho law, the Bureau of Vital Statistics in Idaho is authorized to file new birth certificates in situations where:

Correction of errors: Individuals can request a modification if there is an error on the birth certificate, such as a misspelled name or incorrect date of birth.

Gender change: If individuals have undergone a gender change, they can request to have their gender marker on the birth certificate changed.

Adoption: If individuals were adopted, their original birth certificate may be sealed, and a new one will be issued with their adoptive parents' names.

Paternity determination: If paternity is determined, the father's name may be added to the birth certificate.

Court order: A court order can also lead to the amendment of a birth certificate. For example, if a court orders a name change or a change in paternity.

Idaho law allows for the amendment of birth certificates in certain situations, but specific requirements must be met. For example, changes to the birth certificate due to an adoption or paternity determination will require documentation of the legal proceedings. Changes due to a court order will require a certified copy of the court order.

After the criteria listed above are met, one can request a new birth certificate by following the earlier process. However, individuals should note that several weeks to week after paying. Those who require an expedited process will pay $25 per event.

How Long Do Hospitals Keep Birth Records in Idaho?

In Idaho, hospitals are required by law to keep birth records for a minimum of 10 years from the date of birth. After ten years, hospitals may destroy the records as long as they have been reviewed and approved by the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics.

However, some hospitals may choose to keep birth records for longer, depending on their internal policies and procedures. Also, hospitals must maintain a permanent record of certain information related to the birth, such as the mother's name, the date and time of birth, and the attending physician or midwife.

How to Expunge Your Birth Records in Idaho?

Expunging a record means permanently deleting it and making it unavailable to everyone. In most cases, the expunged record is a criminal record. Idaho does not make provisions for expunging birth records.

How to Seal Your Birth Records in Idaho?

Whenever a final decree of adoption declaring a person born in Idaho to be adopted is issued by an Idaho court, the court also orders sealing of the pre-adoption birth certificate. Upon receiving this order, the Idaho Bureau of Vital Statistics issues a new certificate of birth which supplants and replaces the pre-adoption birth certificate. This new birth certificate becomes the only birth certificate available for public inspection or copying. The sealing of a birth record is based on a court order and premised on the fact that the subject of the birth record has been adopted by persons other than the natural parents.

How to Unseal Your Birth Records in Idaho?

In like manner to sealing a birth record, unsealing a birth record in Idaho is also contingent upon court order. In Idaho, adult adoptees are not allowed unrestricted access to their original birth certificates. Per Section 39-259A of the Idaho Statutes, access to a sealed birth record is available upon a court order when all parties have consented through the State Adoption Registry.

Original birth certificates are only disclosed by the Idaho Adoption Registry subject to the consent of the parties and may require the consent of both birth parents. The Idaho Voluntary Adoption Registry is a confidential cross-reference file of persons who are or were parties in an adoption.

To unseal a birth record, an individual may petition the court to open the requested records for any reason. However, a successful petition depends on the judge and demonstrating a good reason for which the record should be unsealed. Petitions are more likely to succeed if they are for any of the following reasons:

• If there is a medical circumstance in which contact between the birth family and the adoptee would be beneficial
• If an adoptee has already reunited with the birth parents and they have given consent for the release of the birth record
• If the requester is all or part Native American and the Indian Child Welfare Act allows the release of the original birth certificate under such circumstances to assist in the enrollment of a tribe. Persons who have taken DNA tests for ethnicity may include supporting documents in their petitions.

To file a petition, contact the county clerk where the adoption took place to ask for a petition form. The completed form must be filed with the county court. A judge may require an interview after reviewing the petition.

Copies of Idaho court orders to release an original birth certificate must be certified and contain the adoptee's adopted name and date of birth. The copy must also contain the filing date, an original court seal, and an original court clerk's signature. The court order must be directed to the Idaho Bureau of Vital Statistics and state the information to be released and to whom it is to be released.

A certified copy of an original birth certificate costs $16. The birth record will contain a statement that it is not for official use and provide the statute of court order information that allowed the release of the record.

To obtain an original birth record, submit a signed written request to process the court order along with the identification of the individual who signs the request. The request must provide the following information:

• Name of the child as it is currently listed on the birth certificate
• Child’s date of birth
• Child’s place of birth
• The mother’s full maiden name and father’s full name Requester's relationship to the person(s) named on the certificate
• Requester’s return address
• Requester's daytime telephone number

The Vital Statistics Certificate Request Form may be used to provide the required information and to request a copy of the birth certificate. Completed applications may be dropped off in the Idaho BVS lobby drop box located at 450 West State Street, Boise, Idaho 83702 or mailed to:

Vital Records
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036

It takes several weeks to receive responses to requests for original birth certificates depending on the volume of requests being handled by the Idaho BVS.

Who Signs Birth and Death Certificates in Idaho?

In Idaho, vital records such as birth and death certificates are managed by the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, part of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

The actual signing of birth and death certificates in Idaho depends on the circumstances surrounding the event.

However, per Section 39-245A of the Idaho Statutes, the attending physician, midwife, or the parent or legal guardian of the child can sign the birth certificate. In cases where the birth occurs outside a hospital or birthing center, a designated representative of the institution or organization involved in the delivery can sign the certificate.

Per Section 39-260 of the Idaho Statutes, the death certificate is typically signed by a physician who has treated the decedent during their final illness or knows the cause of death. If a physician is unavailable, the certificate may be signed by a coroner or medical examiner. Sometimes, the funeral director may also be authorized to sign the death certificate.

What is an Idaho Birth Index?

The Idaho Birth Index is a searchable database containing records of births that occurred in Idaho.

The Idaho Birth Index includes information such as the child's full name, the date and place of birth, the full names of the parents, and the mother's maiden name. The index covers births that occurred in Idaho from 1907 to the present and is updated regularly as new records are received and processed.

Access to the Idaho Birth Index is restricted to authorized individuals and entities, such as government agencies, researchers, and certain family members. To obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate or to request additional information, individuals can contact the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics directly.