What Are Idaho Marriage Records?

Marriage records in Idaho consist of files and documents that provide information on marriage unions within the state. Official statewide registration of marriages began in 1911, with various government entities maintaining these records.

Idaho's marriage documentation primarily includes two main types: marriage certificates and marriage licenses.

According to Idaho Statutes Title 32, Section 32-401, a marriage license is issued to any party applying for marriage. It typically contains information such as the full legal names of both parties, their birth dates and ages, their places of residence, and their parents' full names.

A marriage certificate, on the other hand, is issued after the wedding ceremony has taken place. It serves as official proof that the marriage has been legally solemnized. This document usually includes the names of witnesses present, the officiant's name and title, and the wedding ceremony's date and location.

These documents are important when applying for a passport, opening a bank account, or obtaining or claiming insurance. Additionally, they help individuals trace their family history and establish connections between ancestors.

Are Marriage Certificates Public Records?

In Idaho, marriage records and certificates are generally considered public records. However, specific regulations regarding access are based on the records' age.

Under the Idaho Public Records Law, marriage records can only become public after 50 years. Until this confidentiality period elapses, access is limited to individuals with a "direct and tangible interest", such as the spouses and their immediate family members. Similarly, for marriage certificates less than 50 years old, access is restricted to:

• The individuals named on the certificate
• Immediate family members
• Legal representatives of the individuals

Once the 50-year confidentiality period has passed, marriage certificates are open to the public and usually contain information such as:

• Full names of both parties
• Date and location of the marriage
• Addresses of both parties
• Names of witnesses present at the ceremony
• Signature of the officiant

How To Look Up Marriage Records in Idaho?

To search for marriage records in Idaho, individuals need to contact different government agencies depending on the marriage date.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) maintains marriage records from 1947 to the present. For marriages that occurred before 1947, records are generally held by the recorder's office of the county where the marriage took place.

To obtain copies of marriage records, the following information is generally required:

• Full names of both spouses
• Date of marriage
• Place of marriage
• Relationship to the persons named on the record (for records less than 50 years old)

Records requests can be made in person, by mail, or online, depending on the relevant offices. Fees usually apply for each request, and the amount can vary based on the method of request and the office handling the search.

How To Search Marriage Certificates?

Before looking up marriage certificates in Idaho, one must first understand the difference between certified and informational copies. Knowing which type of copy is needed can save time and money.

Certified copies are official documents valid for legal purposes, such as changing names, applying for benefits, or proving marital status.

Although informational copies can contain the same information and may cost less, they cannot be used for legal matters. However, they may suffice for personal research or genealogy.

Additionally, certified copies of marriage certificates under 50 years old are only available to immediate family members or legal representatives, while informational copies have limited access restrictions.

The following are the various ways how one can obtain certified copies of marriage certificates in the state:

In-Person

Since the DHW's Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics does not have a public counter, the only option for obtaining certified marriage copies in person is to visit the county recorder's office where the marriage occurred.

It is advisable to call the recorder's office beforehand to check the record's availability and any specific requirements.

Online

Interested individuals can utilize the VitalChek platform to search for and obtain certified copies of marriage certificates in Idaho. This vendor is endorsed by the Idaho DHW as an official online marriage records provider.

The cost for a certified copy of a marriage certificate is $16. VitalChek charges an additional $10 for rush orders and a non-refundable $10.50 for all orders. The platform typically charges $21 to expedite shipping via the U.S. Postal Service.

By Mail

To obtain a certified marriage certificate by mail in Idaho, individuals must complete the Idaho Vital Records Certificate Request Form for Marriage/Divorce. The form must be accompanied by a copy of the requester's valid government-issued photo ID and a fee of $16 per copy, payable by check or money order.

The completed form, ID copy, and payment should be mailed to the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics at P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720-0036.

How To Search Marriage Licenses?

Searching for marriage licenses in Idaho requires contacting the appropriate government agency based on the marriage date. Here are the steps to follow:

Determine the Appropriate Office

To search for marriage records from 1947 to the present, reach out to the Idaho DHW.

For marriage licenses issued before 1947, contact the local county recorder's office where the marriage took place. According to Section 32-407 of the Idaho Statutes, county recorders are mandated to record all marriage licenses, which makes them one of the appropriate offices to contact when inspecting or obtaining copies.

Supply the Required Information

Individuals must provide the full names of both spouses, the date of marriage, the location of marriage, and their relationship to the individuals named on the record (for records less than 50 years old).

Provide Valid Identification

A valid government-issued photo ID is typically required when seeking to obtain a copy of a marriage license in Idaho. Some counties, such as Canyon County, require individuals to submit a designated "proof of interest" based on their relationship to the individuals named on the record.

Fill Out and Submit Request Forms

Complete the request forms available in the relevant offices, such as Ada County's Public Records Request Form.

Submit the Request

Requests can be submitted online via VitalChek, by mail, or in person, depending on the agency.

Pay the Required Fees

For state-held records (1947 to present), the fee is $16 per copy. For county-held records or recent marriages, the fee is typically between $2 and $5. Contact the specific county recorder's office for accurate fee information.

How To Search Marriage Records Online?

In addition to the Vitalchek platform, a contracted vendor of the Idaho DHW, and online services offered by some county recorder's offices, several other online resources can help provide marriage records information. These include:

FamilySearch

FamilySearch is user-friendly and provides a wealth of information for family history research. This free genealogy website offers access to various Idaho marriage record collections from 1809 to 2016, including the Western States Marriage Index.

RecordsFinder

RecordsFinder is a commercial service that provides access to public records, including marriage records. This service offers an affordable and convenient means of searching across multiple databases.

Idaho Genealogical Society

The Idaho Genealogical Society may provide resources or databases for searching historical marriage records. They can offer support and tools for individuals conducting genealogical research in Idaho.

While these online resources may not provide certified copies of marriage records, they can offer valuable information about whether a marriage occurred and basic details about the event. For the official documents, interested parties must contact the Idaho DHW or the appropriate county recorder's office.

When Can You Access Confidential Marriage Records?

In Idaho, marriage records are considered confidential and are not available to the public for 50 years following the date of marriage. After this 50-year period, the records become public information and can be accessed by anyone.

Unlike some states, such as California, Idaho does not offer confidential marriages. All marriages in Idaho are recorded and subject to the same privacy rules outlined in the Idaho Public Records Law. In Idaho, the term "confidential" simply refers to the restricted access period for all marriage records.

During the 50-year confidentiality period, access to marriage records is limited to the spouses named on the record, their immediate family members, and their authorized legal representatives.

In cases where someone outside these categories needs access to a confidential marriage record, they would typically need to obtain a court order.

How Do You Apply for a Marriage License?

Marriage licenses in Idaho are issued by county recorders. To apply for one, individuals must follow the procedure outlined in the Getting a Marriage License section of the State of Idaho's official website. Some counties, such as Bonneville County, also provide an online Self-Service Marriage License Application to streamline the process.

Below is a detailed overview of the state's requirements and eligibility criteria:

Identification Required

When applying for a marriage license, both parties must provide valid government-issued photo identification. Acceptable forms of identification include a state ID card, driver's license, or passport. Additionally, both applicants must provide their Social Security numbers (SSNs).

Age Requirements

In Idaho, the legal age for marriage is 18. For applicants aged 16 to 17, parental consent is required, and they cannot marry anyone over three years older than themselves. Individuals under the age of 16 are not permitted to obtain a marriage license.

Residency Requirement

Idaho has no residency requirement for obtaining a marriage license. This means that couples from out of state can apply for a marriage license in any county within the state.

License Validity

In Idaho, a marriage license has no expiration date. However, if the license is not used within a year, it is recommended to contact the Idaho DHW's Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics at (208) 334-5980 for further instructions.

Waiting Periods

Idaho has no waiting period for marriage licenses, so couples can get married on the same day they obtain the license.

Officiants and Witnesses

A marriage ceremony in Idaho must be performed by an authorized clergy member, judge, or other designated official. However, the requirement for witnesses can vary by county. Some counties, such as Kootenai County, do not require witnesses.

Proxy Marriage

Proxy marriages are generally not allowed in Idaho. Both parties must be present in person to obtain a marriage license and participate in the ceremony together.

How Do I Correct a Mistake on My Marriage Certificate?

Correcting mistakes discovered on a marriage certificate is possible in Idaho. Errors can occur due to clerical mistakes or incorrect information provided during the application process. The most common ones are:

• Incorrect dates
• Missing information
• Misspelled names
• Transposed letters or numbers
• Wrong locations

To correct such errors on a marriage certificate in Idaho, follow these steps:

Complete the Request Form

One can download and fill out the appropriate correction request form for marriage from the Idaho DHW website. Forms are available in both English and Spanish.

The requesters must also complete and submit the Affidavit to Correct or Amend an Original Certificate as part of the legal process.

Gather Supporting Documentation

For certain types of corrections to a marriage certificate, the original supporting document must be provided as proof that the amendment is needed.

Additionally, documentary proof of the applicant's relationship to the person named on the certificate is required for legal representatives, guardians, and requesting government agencies.

Pay the Fees

The fees for making corrections to a marriage certificate depend on the age of the record. Corrections made within the first year of the marriage certificate issuance are free of charge. However, a fee of $20 is required for corrections made after the first year.

Submit the Application

Applicants should submit the completed form, affidavit, and supporting documents, along with the fees, in person or by mailing them to the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics at P.O. Box 83720 in Boise, ID 83720-0036.

Are Marriage Records Under the Idaho Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) Accessible?

The Idaho Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) is designed to protect victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual abuse, malicious harassment, and human trafficking by allowing them to use a substitute address.

The program allows ACP participants to use this substitute address for various government requirements, such as marriage license applications, to make sure that the publicly accessible marriage records of ACP participants do not display their actual addresses but only contain the substitute one.

While these records in Idaho generally become public after 50 years, documents associated with ACP participants are likely to remain protected to maintain the program's integrity and the safety of its participants.

Idaho Marriage Statistics Trends

Recent statistics reveal that 53% of U.S. adults aged 18 and older are currently married, a significant decrease from 58% in 1995. Simultaneously, the cohabitation rate has increased, with 7% of Americans now living with a partner, up from just 3% nearly three decades ago.

Marriage trends in Idaho differ from national averages. Below is a table highlighting key marriage statistics for the state:

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