Are Idaho Marriage Records Public?
Not entirely. According to Idaho public record law. In Idaho, marriage records are legally confidential for the first 50 years of the marriage. They are sealed from public access during this period but can be accessed by parties named on the records, their close family members, and legal representatives, depending on the exact record under consideration. Subsequently, they become public record and are accessible to interested members of the public.
Family Court records can include marriage records and divorce records. These records contain personal information of those involved and their maintenance is critical should anyone involved wish to make changes. Because of this, both marriage and dissolution of marriage records can be considered more difficult to locate and obtain than other public records, and may not be available through government sources or third-party public record websites.
How to Find Idaho Marriage Records
Idaho marriage records are documents that provide proof of marriages that were contracted in the state. They contain details like the full name of the parties involved in the recorded unions, the location of the marriage as well as the license issuance and marriage dates. Some marriage records contain other important information like marriage applications, parental consent affidavits, and marriage contracts - however, couples who have been previously married do not have their divorce certificates in Idaho included in their marriage records.
There are three types of marriage records in Idaho: marriage license, marriage register, and marriage records. These marriage records are not considered part of Idaho public records, and are only accessible to authorized few (are only accessible to record holders, immediate family members, and legal representatives) during the first 50 years of the marriage. When 50 years elapse, marriage records will become public information. Idaho public marriage records are usually accessible to the general public. Hence, anyone can conduct a marriage record search in Idaho online, by mail, or in person. Alternatively, interested persons can get online marriage certificates from a state-approved third-party vendor.
How to Find Out if Someone is Married in Idaho
Record seekers can find out if someone is married in Idaho by submitting a marriage record request to any one of the following agencies:
- Idaho County Recorder Offices
- The Idaho State Historical Society
- The Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
How to Check Marriage Status Online
The best way to check the marriage status of any Idaho resident online is by using the third-party search tool provided by the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. Inquirers seeking to confirm an individual's marital status by ordering online marriage certificates must know the city the marriage license was issued, the marriage date, and the reason for the search. To further save time, they may furnish the custodian with additional information regarding the subject including their birth date, identity and the town where the license was issued (if known).
What is Considered a Marriage Record in Idaho?
Idaho marriage records are a complete documentation of a marriage including the initial marriage application, marriage contract, and marriage return. It captures the vital details in the marital process and comprises the marriage certificate which features the names of the couple as well as the date and location of the solemnization of the union.
Both government websites and organizations may offer divorce and marriage records. Similarly, third-party public record websites can also provide these types of records. But because third-party organizations are not operated or sponsored by the government, record availability may vary. Further, marriage and dissolution of marriage records are considered highly private and are often sealed, meaning the availability of these types of records cannot be guaranteed. Interested members of the public may obtain Idaho public marriage records from the County Recorder Offices, the State Historical Society, or the vital records office for a fee. Where the requestor is seeking to obtain these marriage records for free, they may contact the appropriate record custodian and request a fee waiver if they satisfy the state’s eligibility requirements.
Where to Find Free Public Marriage Records in Idaho
Record seekers cannot conduct a marriage record search in Idaho for free. There might be exemptions if the record seeker is only interested in inspecting the document. However, obtaining copies of marriage records typically comes with a fee that can be paid via cash or money order payable to the custodian. Individuals interested in knowing how to check marriage records for free should contact the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. Contacting the Bureau will help requestors know if fee waivers are available.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Idaho
To perform a name change after marriage in Idaho, parties must first obtain a marriage certificate or court order. Then, facilitate the name change by informing the Social Security Administration (SSA). Parties can do this by filling out a social security card form application and submitting a copy of their marriage record and a valid photo ID.
After completing the SSA name change, couples should visit a local Idaho DMV office to apply for a new driver's license. Applicants must bring their current state driver's license and a certified copy of their marriage certificate.
What is Considered a Marriage Certificate in Idaho?
An Idaho marriage certificate is a document that shows and serves as proof that a marriage took place between two people. It contains the names of the couple as well as the place and date of the event. It is the most widely used marriage record and is required for a variety of official purposes. A marriage certificate is signed by the person who officiated the ceremony, and the original copy is issued to the couple. However, immediate family members and legal representatives of the couple can request for certified copies of the certificate. Interested persons may contact the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics to learn how to find a marriage certificate in Idaho.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in Idaho?
The Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics maintains and issues marriage certificates in the State of Idaho. Marriage certificates can only be issued to the parties named on a certificate, their legal representatives, and immediate family members.
The Bureau does not have a public counter, so the only means of requesting a marriage certificate in the State of Idaho are online, and by mail. Individuals can also only order online using the third-party vendor provided by the Bureau. Online marriage certificate requests are usually processed quicker than mail-in requests.
A requester can find marriage records by completing a certificate request form in English or Spanish or by writing a letter that contains the necessary information, including the following:
- The full names of the two parties named in the certificate at the time of the marriage
- Date of the marriage ceremony
- City/town/village of the marriage ceremony
- Full name of the requester
- Address of the requester
- Phone number of the requester
- Relationship of the requester to any of the parties named on the certificate
- The purpose of requesting the certificate
A requester needs to provide a copy of a valid ID such as current driver’s license, passport, concealed weapons permit, state identification card, tribal identification card, prison ID card or documents containing their personal records. In the absence of any of these, provide copies of two other forms of identification, with one bearing a signature. Any of these IDs will serve:
- Social security card with signature
- Insurance record
- Auto registration with signature
- Auto insurance
- Word ID with picture or signature
- Driver permit
- Matricula card with signature
- College/School ID with picture
- Traffic ticket with signature
- Paystub
- Court record with a signature
- Passport card
- Hunting/fishing license
An alternative means of identification is a notarized signature. The Idaho Vital Records charges $21 for a certified copy of a marriage certificate and $16 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Mail the completed certificate request form, copy of the ID, and the fee to:
Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
The Bureau also offers expedited or rush processing service for an additional fee of $10. To request this service, write “RUSH” on the request envelope. For a priority mailing service, send the request envelope through express mail and include a prepaid express mail envelope that will be used to mail the certificate back.
Note that this process is for obtaining marriage certificates for ceremonies that happened from May 1947 till date. For marriages before 1947, contact the county recorder in the county where the marriage license was issued. Requestors may contact the Vital Records office for more information on how to find a marriage certificate in Idaho.
What is Considered a Marriage License in Idaho?
An Idaho marriage license is a document that every intending couple must have before they can be lawfully wedded. The marriage license denotes the fulfilment of all legal requirements of marriage in the state, including the consent required of any party below the lawful age of marriage.
When the requirements are met, the county recorder will issue the marriage license to the intending couple. This document will grant permission to an authorized officiant to perform the marriage ceremony. Applicants do not have to be residents of Idaho to request a marriage license. However, a marriage license that is issued in the State of Idaho is only valid for ceremonies that are performed within the state. Idaho marriage license lookup can be done by mail or by submitting a request form.
Idaho Formal Marriage Licenses
An Idaho formal marriage license is a document that is issued to an intending couple who seeks to get married in the state and fulfils all conventional legal requirements. The marriage will be solemnized by an authorized official, and a marriage certificate will be duly issued to prove that the ceremony took place as described in the marriage return.
Idaho Common-Law Marriage Licenses
Common-law marriage licenses are issued to couples who want to get married without the official requirements of a formal marriage. The couple won’t be issued a marriage certificate but will be recognized in the society as married. Any of the parties involved in this type of marriage can file for divorce. For a couple to apply for this type of marriage license, each of the parties must be 18 years or older, and should have been living together for a given period of time. However, Idaho stopped recognizing common-law marriages contracted after 1995. The state stopped issuing common-law marriage licenses from January 1, 1996.
Idaho Confidential Marriage Licenses
Generally, marriage licenses in Idaho are usually confidential for 50 years. After that, however, the couples can get certified copies of their marriage license at the County Recorder’s Office, where the licenses were issued.
Are Prenups Public Record in Idaho?
No. Prenups are legal agreements between two intending couples that details property rights and financial arrangements. Per 32-924 Idaho Statutes, prenups are recognized by law, but it must be enforceable for them to be effective. Note that prenups are not accessible to the public except if the couples decide to make them public.
