OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Idaho Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Idaho. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 44 counties across 7 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Idaho)
  • Background checks: Idaho State Police — Criminal History Background Check
  • Records law: Idaho Public Records Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Idaho State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Idaho has 44 counties across 7 judicial districts. You can search court cases using iCourt, the Idaho Judiciary's online case search system. Enter a name or case number to find civil, criminal, and family case records.

County-level court records include district courts and magistrate courts. Most courts are online through the iCourt system.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Idaho are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of Idaho — Boise, Coeur d'Alene, Pocatello, Moscow

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ iCourt — Idaho Court Records Search 🏛️ Idaho Supreme Court Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Idaho are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, county sheriff's office, or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly.

For statewide criminal history, the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification maintains criminal records. You can request a criminal history background check online.

🔍 Idaho State Police — Background Checks 📋 ISP Bureau of Criminal Identification

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Idaho operates under the Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code §74-101). Any person can request government records in writing. Agencies must respond within 3 working days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Idaho

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's clerk of the district court. Criminal history is centralized through the Idaho State Police. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Idaho

Idaho has 44 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Idaho state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Idaho for free?
Use iCourt, the Idaho Judiciary's online case search. It covers records from most counties statewide.
Are arrest records public in Idaho?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Idaho Public Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Idaho?
The Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification offers background checks. Visit the ISP BCI website for details.
What is the Idaho Public Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 3 working days of receiving a written request.
How many court systems does Idaho have?
Idaho has a unified court system with 7 judicial districts: magistrate courts, district courts, the Court of Appeals, and the Idaho Supreme Court. Each county has a clerk of the district court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026