How do I request a certified copy of a certificate?

How do I request a certified copy of a certificate?

The Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics maintains birth and death records filed from July 1911 to the present, and marriage and divorce records filed from May 1947 to the present. Some counties may have older birth, death, marriage, or divorce records in their files, but county files contain only records of vital events that occurred in that county.

Birth certificates are legally confidential in Idaho for 100 years. Death, stillbirth, marriage, and divorce certificates are legally confidential in Idaho for 50 years.

A request for a certified copy may be submitted in two ways:

1. The order may be mailed:

Requests sent to Vital Records and Health Statistics by U.S. Postal Service will be completed within 5-7 business days after it is received. Any request requiring an amendment or legal action may take 2-3 weeks after the request is received and payment is receipted.
Write a letter containing all required information listed below; or
Print and complete the Idaho Vital Statistics Certificate Request Form. Read and follow instructions carefully. Any missing information will delay your request;
Mail the letter or form, a photocopy of identification, and a check or money order for appropriate fees to:

Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036

2. The order may be faxed or requested on-line through VitalChek (additional charges will apply). Click here to place an online order.

Fees:

All certificates are $13.00
Additional $10.50 special handling for all credit card online/Fax orders
Additional $19.00 if Express Service is selected
Additional Certificates are $13.00
International and Saturday Express Service delivery if available in your area. Additional fees will apply. To verify the availability of Express Service delivery in your area, please call 800-238-5355.

Time Frames for Online and Faxed Orders:

Orders sent in by Fax or on the internet which notate and pay for return services via Express Service will be processed in two working days in two working days after the request has been received and verified in this office.
Online or faxed orders returned by U.S. Postal Service surface mail will be sent in five to seven working days after the request has been received and verified in this office..

What information is required when requesting a certified copy of a certificate?

Include the following for mailed or faxed requests:

Type of certificate (birth, death, marriage or divorce).
Full name(s) on the certificate.
Date of event.
City of event.
If ordering a birth certificate, also include father's full name and mother's full maiden name.
Your relation to the person whose certificate you are ordering. Only immediate family, legal guardian or their legal representative may order certificates. Proof of relation may be required.
Purpose for the certificate.
Number of certificates ordered.
Your return address.
A photocopy of your identification (see Acceptable Identification). Copies must show both sides of ID(s).
Your signature.

Faxed requests also must include:

Delivery method — Must be regular mail or Express Service. Express Service delivery must be stated or it will be sent by regular mail. Your return address must be a street address, if you request Express Service delivery;
Credit card number and expiration date — if not the person named on the card, signed authorization from the credit card holder is required; and
Daytime phone number — where you can be reached during business hours.

To place an order by fax, send your application to 1-866-559-9629.

Vital Records – (208) 334-5988

Thanks to Amy Crooks for putting this page together for us!!

(Updated June 20, 2009 by Sandra Davis)

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