The Department of Health and Welfare's Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics does not have a public counter. All requests for certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates must be submitted online or by mail. This page explains who is eligible to request a record, how order a record, how to avoid unnecessary third‑party fees, and what to expect during the ordering process.
In Idaho
Who Can Order an Idaho Certificate?
Idaho law defines who may receive certified copies of vital records, including birth, death, marriage, divorce, and stillbirth/miscarriage certificates. To receive a certified copy, you must have “direct and tangible interest” in the record. Only the individual named on the certificate, their immediate family, their legal representatives, or individuals who can show the record is needed to claim a property right may request legally confidential certificates. If your relationship to the person on the record cannot be verified, you may be asked to provide additional documentation. For full details, please review the list of those who qualify as having a direct and tangible interest.
Consumer Alert: Third‑Party Vendors
Several third‑party companies charge customers to help them obtain Idaho vital records, often adding excessive and unnecessary fees. For the lowest cost and fastest service, customers should order directly from the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records by mail or through its official online partner, VitalChek Network Inc vitalchek.com.
How to order a certificate:
Online orders are processed through VitalChek.
VitalChek Network, Inc. is an independent company that we have partnered with to provide credit card and online orders. All major credit cards are accepted. You may be asked to fax some identification information to VitalChek to complete your request. Additional Fees are charged by VitalChek for using this service.
Please see the Processing Times and Fees section for RUSH processing options.
WE CANNOT ADD RUSH SERVICE TO AN EXISTING ORDER. If you need the certificate faster than the non-rush time frames, add rush service before submitting your order. If you have already submitted your order, you may choose to submit another rush order for the certificate online. We are unable to cancel unprocessed orders for certificates.
Requests for certified copies can be mailed directly to the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records.
Please check your order carefully before mailing. Orders with unsigned payments, unsigned applications, or incomplete copies of identification that do not clearly show the signature and expiration date will not be processed. A letter will be sent asking for the missing information which will double the processing time.
The request must contain:
- A completed English Certificate Request Form-M-D or Spanish Certificate Request Form M-D (or send a signed letter containing all the necessary information)
- A photocopy of your current driver's license that shows your complete signature and expiration date, or other acceptable identification
- A signed check or money order, for the certificate fee, made out to Idaho Vital Records
- Mail these three items to:
Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
Please see the Processing Times and Fees section for RUSH processing options.
WE CANNOT ADD RUSH SERVICE TO AN EXISTING ORDER. If you need the certificate faster than the non-rush time frames, add rush service before submitting your order. If you have already submitted your order, you may choose to submit another rush order for the certificate online. We are unable to cancel unprocessed orders for certificates.
What I need to know
Incomplete Orders or Unresolved Issues
Orders missing required information or containing unresolved issues will take longer to process. Unsigned checks or money orders cannot be deposited. If your request is incomplete or payment is unsigned, you will receive a letter or an email requesting the missing items.
ITD Waiver
Individuals experiencing homelessness who are applying for identification through the Idaho Transportation Department may be eligible for one free certified copy of their Idaho birth certificate under the ITD Waiver program.
Checks and Money Orders
Payments received by check or money order are deposited the day after they arrive. If you have not received your certified copy(s) in the time frames stated in the Processing Times and Fees section, please verify when your payment was cashed before contacting Idaho Vital Records at ivr@dhw.idaho.gov or 208‑334‑5980.
Your Certificate Order Delivery
Certified copies are mailed through the United States Postal Service (USPS). If you prefer a different carrier, include a prepaid, self‑addressed shipping envelope for that service.
Need to submit a Change of Address on an active order
The Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics can update a certificate’s delivery address on an active order only after receiving a signed request and a copy of identification from the individual who placed the order. To request a mailing address change for an existing order, please use the Change of Address form. Change of Address forms and copies of identification may be submitted by email, mail or Fax.
Requests Requiring Amendments or Legal Action
Requests that require amendments or legal action may take several weeks to complete after payment is accepted, depending on workload. An optional expedited processing fee of $25 dollars per event applies to legal actions.