State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Idaho
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Idaho under the Idaho Public Records Act (est. 1990).
Overview of Public Records in Idaho
Idaho's Public Records Act, enacted in 1990, establishes a broad right of public access to government records throughout the state. The law declares that the people of Idaho have a right to examine public records to ensure that government agencies and officials are acting in the public interest. Idaho courts have interpreted the act to favor disclosure, placing the burden on the government to justify withholding records. The act applies to all state, county, and municipal government agencies.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Idaho
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 3 business days. They may take up to 10 additional business days for requests requiring an extensive search or consultation with legal counsel.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge fees based on actual labor and copying costs. Standard copying rates are typically $0.10 to $0.25 per page. The first two hours of labor for search and retrieval are generally provided free.
How to Submit a Request
Requests should be made in writing, though oral requests are also accepted under the statute. The request must describe the records with reasonable specificity for the agency to locate them.
Appeal Process
Requesters may petition the district court for an order compelling disclosure. The court may award reasonable costs and attorney fees to a prevailing requester.
Types of Public Records Available in Idaho
Property Records
Property records in Idaho include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Idaho contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Idaho election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Idaho court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Idaho include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Idaho vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Idaho document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Idaho Public Records
To request public records in Idaho, submit a written request to the relevant agency describing the records you seek. Agencies must respond within three working days of receiving a request. Idaho counties maintain property records through their assessor and recorder offices, and many offer online search capabilities. The Idaho Supreme Court provides online access to appellate court opinions, and individual district courts offer varying levels of online case information.
Online Access
Idaho courts provide online access through the iCourt system. The Secretary of State maintains an online business entity search portal. County assessor offices offer varying levels of online property record access.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Idaho
While the Idaho Public Records Act establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Idaho.
- Records of ongoing investigations by law enforcement agencies
- Trade secrets and proprietary information submitted to government
- Records that would jeopardize public safety if disclosed
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Juvenile offender records
- Records exempt under applicable federal law
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Idaho provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Idaho Public Records Act
Enacted: 1990
The Idaho Public Records Act is codified in Idaho Code Section 74-101 through 74-126. The act establishes a strong presumption that all records maintained by government agencies are public and must be disclosed upon request. Exemptions are enumerated and must be narrowly construed. The law was updated in 2015 to address electronic records and in 2022 to modify provisions related to law enforcement records.
Key Features of Idaho's Records Law:
- Idaho has a three-working-day response requirement for public records requests
- The state places the burden on the government to justify withholding any records
- Idaho law allows courts to award attorney fees and costs to requesters who prevail in records disputes
Idaho Public Records Facts
Idaho has 44 counties maintaining local government records
The state has approximately 1.1 million active registered voters
Idaho Secretary of State maintains records for over 250,000 business entities
Ada County, the most populous, processes tens of thousands of recorded documents annually
Search Idaho Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Idaho. Enter a name below to search public records in ID.
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho Public Records
How quickly must Idaho respond to records requests?
How do I access Idaho court records?
Are Idaho property records online?
How do I get Idaho vital records?
Related Articles
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Property Records Explained
Research real estate ownership, deeds, tax assessments, and transaction history.
Voter Registration Lookup
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FOIA Request Guide
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Background Check Guide
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FCRA Compliance Guide
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How Public Records Work
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Idaho Public Records Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Idaho or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.