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Idaho Marriage, Death, Birth Records

The registration of births and deaths on the county level in Idaho was not required until 1907. Prior to that time, the only birth and death records were kept by churches, midwives, mortuaries, and physicians. These records are fragmentary at best. The County Resources section below lists those vital records which were available on the county level before mandatory recording.

Beginning in 1907 the state of Idaho required that professional midwives and physicians record births. The registration of deaths was the responsibility of any clergyman, coroner, physician, or undertaker who had cared for the deceased during the last sickness or made arrangements for the burial. This information was reported to the county recorder. The law governing the registration of births and deaths was changed in 1911, at which time the county recorder was relieved of this responsibility. After 1911 all births and deaths were registered directly with the state.

The first laws in Idaho Territory concerning marriages and divorces were enacted in 1864. The first Territorial Legislative Assembly made provisions for books in which to record certificates issued by the person performing the marriage ceremony as well as contracts made by individuals. Under the law, the marriage contract did not have to be a written contract. If it was a written contract, there was no compulsion about making a public record of it. Although some early Idaho Territorial marriage contracts were recorded, most were not. Pre-1895 records located in the county courthouses of Idaho are certificates issued by the person performing the marriage ceremony—to the effect that such a ceremony was performed. Ricks College has an index to all pre-1900 marriages recorded in Idaho.

District courts in Idaho were given jurisdiction in divorce cases by an act passed by the first Territorial Legislative Assembly in 1864. Divorce and annulment actions were filed in the district court in the same manner as other civil cases.

Statewide records of Idaho's birth and death certificates begin in 1911, and marriage and divorce records begin in 1947. These certificates can be obtained by contacting: the Vital Statistics Unit, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, 450 West State Street, Statehouse Mall, Boise, Idaho 83720-9990.

Certain restrictions apply when requesting vital records from the state of Idaho. Written authorization is needed from the individual, immediate relative, or legal representative to obtain a birth, marriage, or divorce certificate for persons other than your own family. No written authorization is needed to verify vital records information if the exact information is supplied and no search is required. All these records are accessible in person. There are no published indexes for Idaho vital records held by the state.

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Click Here to Search Idaho Birth, Marriage & Death Records! - Birth, marriage, and death records are connected with central life events. They are prime sources for genealogical information. Look also for baptism, christening, and burial records in this collection.

Below is a list of online resources for Idaho Vital Records.