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Idaho · How-To Guide

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

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

How to do it

  1. Determine eligibility: Idaho death records are confidential until 50 years after the date of death. Only those with "direct and tangible interest" may receive a certified copy: immediate family members, legal representatives, and others who can demonstrate a direct legal or financial interest in the record.
  2. Choose your method:
  3. BY MAIL: Complete the Idaho Vital Statistics Certificate Request form; include signed photocopy of current government-issued photo ID (must show full signature and expiration date); proof of relationship or interest; payment by 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; bring original photo ID and proof of relationship
  5. ONLINE (expedited): VitalChek - additional fees apply
  6. Submit completed application with valid photo ID (full signature and expiration date visible)
  7. Pay the fee and receive certificate
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Completed Idaho Vital Statistics Certificate Request form
  • Signed photocopy of current government-issued photo ID (signature AND expiration date must be visible)
  • Proof of qualifying relationship or direct and tangible interest
  • Payment (signed check or money order for mail; card for VitalChek)
Fee
$16 per certified computer-generated copy; $21 per certified photocopy; $16 each additional copy of same record; $10 rush fee for expedited mail processing; $16 retained if no record found
Processing Time
Regular mail: varies (4-8+ weeks during peak); RUSH: faster; VitalChek: expedited with additional fee
Online Option
Yes - VitalChek (only authorized online vendor)
Where to Go
Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0036 (mail); 450 W. State Street, Boise, ID (in person); VitalChek (online)
Idaho Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Idaho death records become public 50 years after date of death; marriage and divorce records also 50 years.
  • CRITICAL: ID photocopy must show both signature AND expiration date - incomplete copies returned, doubling processing time.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each require a copy; most families need 6-10.
  • Funeral homes typically assist with initial filing for recent deaths.
  • $16 search fee retained even if no record found.
  • Do not use unauthorized third-party vendors - 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