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Idaho · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics (state level - Boise)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Idaho birth records are confidential until 100 years after the date of birth. Only those with "direct and tangible interest" may receive a certified copy: the individual named, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those who can show a property right requiring the record.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. BY MAIL: Complete the Idaho Vital Statistics Certificate Request form (available at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/vital-records); include signed photocopy of current driver's license or government-issued photo ID (must show signature and expiration date); include signed check or money order payable to "Idaho Vital Records"; mail to: Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0036
  4. IN PERSON: Visit the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records, 450 W. State Street, Boise, ID 83702 (or as listed on current website); bring original photo ID
  5. ONLINE (expedited): Order through VitalChek - additional fees apply; faster processing
  6. Submit completed application with valid government-issued photo ID (must show full signature and expiration date)
  7. Pay the fee and receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed Idaho Vital Statistics Certificate Request form (or signed letter with all required info)
  • Signed photocopy of current driver's license or other government-issued photo ID showing signature AND expiration date (incomplete IDs returned - doubles processing time)
  • Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another person
  • Payment (signed check or money order payable to "Idaho Vital Records" for mail; card for online VitalChek)
Fee
$16 per certified computer-generated copy; $21 per certified photocopy (manually produced); $16 for each additional photocopy of the same record ordered at the same time; $10 rush fee for expedited mail processing (write RUSH on envelope); search fee of $16 retained if no record found
Processing Time
Regular mail: currently varies (may be 4-8+ weeks during peak periods); RUSH mail: faster; VitalChek online: expedited with additional fee
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (only authorized online vendor); additional fees apply
Where to Go
Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, 450 W. State Street, Boise ID (in person); PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0036 (by mail); VitalChek (online)
Idaho Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Idaho birth records become public 100 years after date of birth; death, marriage, and divorce records become public 50 years after the event.
  • CRITICAL: ID photocopy must clearly show both the signature AND expiration date - incomplete ID copies return the order and double processing time.
  • Orders with unsigned payments, unsigned applications, or incomplete ID will NOT be processed.
  • Overpayments under $10 NOT refunded unless requested in writing.
  • TWO certificate formats: computer-generated ($16) and certified photocopy ($21) - computer-generated is accepted for most legal purposes.
  • Records from July 1, 1911 to present at state bureau; older county-level records may exist at county offices.
  • Beware of unauthorized third-party vendors charging excessive fees - use only VitalChek for online orders.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics - healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/vital-records | (208) 334-5988 | PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0036