Overview of Adoption Records Access and Information in Idaho
Idaho does not have Confidential Intermediaries.
Idaho is a Closed Records State.
There is no explicit legal provision to allow for disclosure of non-identifying information, though no express prohibition of such disclosure exists, either.
Since 1995, inclusion of hereditary medical information is a mandatory and routine component of all new adoptions.
Idaho DOES explicitly allow for direct court petitioning of adoption records WITHOUT showing "good cause" to do so. Petition the court in the county where the adoption took place.
Idaho DOES have a Mutual Consent Registry (see below).
Idaho Mutual Consent Registry
In Idaho, a mutual consent registry is operated by State Registrar of Vital Statistics. Adult adoptees, birth parents, biological siblings of adult adoptees and biological relatives of deceased adoptees
and deceased birth parents may register. Identifying information respecting birth parents will not be released to an adult adoptee without the consent of the other birth parent UNLESS there is only one
birth parent listed on the original birth certificate, the other birth parent is deceased, or the other birth parent cannot be located. No governmental employee may solicit a consent for release of
information or registration with the registry. There is no provision for the release of non-identifying information.
Registry fee: $10
Contact for application:
Adoption Unit, Vital Statistics Bureau
Department of Health and Welfare
450 West State Street
Boise, ID 83720
Telephone: (208) 338-7000
Registry success: As of 1996, a total of 11 matches since the
registry's creation in 1985.
