How to Get an Idaho Death Certificate (2026)

Idaho death certificates are issued by the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, part of the Department of Health and Welfare. A certified copy costs $16 per copy, and you must have a "direct and tangible interest" in the record to obtain one. Orders are accepted online or by mail only.

How Do You Get a Death Certificate in Idaho?

You get an Idaho death certificate from the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, a division of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare in Boise. The state office is the central source for all certified death records in Idaho.

The Bureau accepts requests through two methods. There is no in-person counter, so you cannot walk in to pick up a certificate.

Order Online

The fastest option is to order online through VitalChek, the Bureau's official online ordering partner. You complete the request, verify your identity, and pay by credit card.

VitalChek adds a non-refundable processing fee of $10.50 to online orders. Optional express handling and expedited shipping are available for additional charges.

Order by Mail

You can mail a completed Idaho Vital Records Certificate Request form to the Bureau. Send it to the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, PO Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0036.

Include a photocopy of acceptable identification and payment by check or money order. All vital records fees may be paid with a single check or money order.

Who Is Eligible to Request an Idaho Death Certificate?

To request a certified Idaho death certificate, you must have a "direct and tangible interest" in the record. Idaho death records are legally confidential, so the state limits who can obtain a certified copy.

Eligible requesters generally include:

• The individual named on the certificate
• Immediate family members
• Legal representatives of the deceased or an eligible family member
• A person who can show the record is needed to claim a property right

If you do not fall into one of these categories, you typically cannot obtain a certified copy. You will need to provide identification that matches an eligible relationship to the person named on the certificate.

Idaho Death Certificate Cost and Processing Time

An Idaho death certificate costs $16 per certified copy. This price applies to the first copy and to every additional copy you order at the same time.

When you order online through VitalChek, expect an additional non-refundable processing fee of $10.50 per order. Optional express service and expedited shipping cost extra.

Processing times depend on the service level you choose:

• Standard mail orders: about 3 to 5 weeks to process
• Express orders: about 2 to 3 weeks to process

These timeframes begin once the Bureau receives a properly completed order and do not include mailing time. Online orders through VitalChek are often faster because there is no physical payment to process.

Certified vs Informational Copy in Idaho

Idaho issues certified copies only. The state does not offer an informational or non-certified version of a death certificate.

A certified copy is an official, legally accepted document. It is used to settle estates, close bank accounts, file insurance claims, transfer property, and handle other legal and financial matters.

Because every Idaho death certificate is certified and legally confidential, you must meet the eligibility rules and provide identification to receive one. There is no public, open-access version available to anyone who is not an eligible requester.

How to Get Additional or Replacement Copies

To get additional copies of an Idaho death certificate, you order them the same way you order the first one, through VitalChek online or by mail. Each additional copy is $16, the same price as the first.

Ordering several copies in a single request is usually the most efficient approach. Many families need multiple certified copies to handle banks, insurance companies, and government agencies at the same time.

If you need a replacement copy later, simply submit a new request to the Bureau of Vital Records. You will need to meet the same eligibility requirements and pay the standard $16 per-copy fee each time you order.

Idaho Death Certificate Quick Facts

Disclaimer: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Fees, eligibility rules, and processing times can change. Always verify current requirements with the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics before submitting a request.

Sources

This page draws on the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics, official guidance on ordering death certificates, fees, and processing times.

Related: Idaho Death Records | Death Records by State

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is an Idaho death certificate?

An Idaho death certificate costs $16 per certified copy. This applies to the first copy and each additional copy ordered at the same time. Ordering online through VitalChek adds a non-refundable processing fee of $10.50 per order.

How long does it take to get an Idaho death certificate?

Standard mail orders take about 3 to 5 weeks to process, and express orders take about 2 to 3 weeks. These times begin once the Bureau receives a complete order and do not include mailing time. Online VitalChek orders are often faster.

Who can get an Idaho death certificate?

You must have a direct and tangible interest in the record. This includes the individual named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal representatives, and people who can show the record is needed to claim a property right.

Can I get an Idaho death certificate online?

Yes. The Idaho Bureau of Vital Records uses VitalChek as its official online ordering partner. You complete the request, verify your identity, and pay by credit card. A $10.50 non-refundable fee applies to online orders.

What is the difference between a certified and informational copy?

A certified copy is an official document accepted for legal and financial matters such as settling estates and filing insurance claims. Idaho issues certified copies only and does not offer an informational or non-certified version of a death certificate.

How do I get extra copies of an Idaho death certificate?

Order additional copies the same way as the first, online through VitalChek or by mail, at $16 per copy. Requesting several copies in one order is usually the most efficient option. You can also submit a new request later for replacement copies.