Idaho Criminal Records

Idaho criminal records are official documents that detail an individual's interactions with the state's criminal justice system. These records contain information ranging from arrests and charges filed to court dispositions and sentencing details. According to recent crime statistics, Idaho experiences a violent crime rate of approximately 2.41 incidents per 1,000 residents and an overall crime rate of 11.68 per 1,000.

Several state and local agencies in Idaho, including city police departments, county sheriff's offices, district courts, and the Idaho Department of Correction, generate and maintain various types of criminal records. However, the Bureau of Criminal Identification (a division of the Idaho State Police) maintains the state's central repository for criminal history information and provides interested parties with access to this information upon request.

Are Criminal Records Public in Idaho?

Criminal records in Idaho are generally considered public information and may be accessed by interested parties in line with the state's Public Records Act and Criminal History Records and Crime Information Law. Notwithstanding this, certain criminal record information is deemed exempt from public disclosure. These include juvenile records, shielded (sealed) records, information that could compromise active/ongoing investigations, or reveal the identity of confidential informants and individuals who report child abuse-related crimes.

How To Look Up Criminal Records in Idaho?

Interested parties may access criminal records in Idaho by requesting a criminal history background check through the Idaho State Police's Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). The BCI offers two options for these checks:

• Name-Based Background Checks: These require the first and last names of the record's subject and may be requested without their consent. However, name-based checks requested without the record subject's consent will not include any information on arrests older than 12 months that have a pending disposition. Note that records obtained via this option are not notarized.
• Fingerprint-Based Background Checks: These require the submission of the record subject's fingerprints to the BCI. Fingerprinting may be done in person at the bureau or submitted electronically via authorized agencies/vendors.

Background checks may be requested by properly completing and submitting either a Name-Based Criminal Background Check or Fingerprint-Based Criminal Background Check form (whichever is applicable) to the BCI at:

There is a $20 fee per request (additional fees will apply for fingerprint-based background checks). Inquiries may be directed to the BCI at (208) 884-7130 or via email.

How To Search Idaho Arrest Records?

Idaho arrest records are typically created and maintained at the municipal level by the local police department or sheriff's office that carried out the arrest. These records typically include details like:

• The name, age, gender, and race of the person arrested
• The date, time, and location of the arrest
• The offense(s) that led to the arrest
• A brief description of the arrest
• The name of the arresting officer and their law enforcement agency
• Booking information

Idaho arrest records can typically be accessed directly through the specific local law enforcement agency that made the arrest. Some agencies provide online options for requesting records, while others may require an in-person visit. Idaho police departments and sheriff's offices also typically provide online access to details of recent arrests through their respective websites; however, the availability and scope of this information vary by jurisdiction.

How To Search Idaho Warrants?

Warrants in Idaho are legal documents issued by a magistrate, judge, or justice that authorize law enforcement to take specific actions, based on probable cause. Common types of warrants issued in Idaho include:

• Arrest Warrants: These allow law enforcement to detain individuals suspected of committing a crime.
• Search Warrants: These authorize officers to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime and seize property from this location.
• Bench Warrants: These are issued when a person fails to appear in court or does not comply with a court order.

Arrest and bench warrants issued in Idaho do not expire and remain active indefinitely until they are served, canceled (by the issuing court), or otherwise resolved legally. However, search warrants must be executed (and returned to the issuing court) within 14 days.

Idaho does not have a centralized, publicly accessible online warrant database. Nonetheless, individuals who wish to obtain information on active/outstanding warrants may do so by contacting the issuing court or the sheriff's office in the county where the warrant originated. Some counties may also provide online access to warrant information for their respective jurisdictions.

Can I Obtain an Idaho Criminal History Record of Another Person?

You may request another person's Idaho criminal history record by completing and submitting a Name-Based Criminal Background Check to the Idaho State Police's Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) at

You will be required to provide the record subject's first and last name and other identifying information, such as their date of birth, aliases, and address, and pay a $20 fee (per request). Note that the generated record will not include any arrest that is over 12 months old and does not have a recorded disposition (this information can only be released to third-party requesters with a waiver from the record's subject). You may contact the BCI at (208) 884-7130 or via email for more information.

How To Expunge or Seal Idaho Criminal Records

Expungement and shielding are legal processes in Idaho that restrict public access to certain criminal records. Expungement completely erases a record, making it as if the arrest never occurred, while shielding "seals" the record and removes it from public view; however, it will remain accessible to law enforcement and authorized entities. Several statutes govern the state's expungement and shielding process (Idaho Statutes Sections 67-3004, 20-525A, 67-3014, and 18-8310).

Per these laws, expungements are typically available for non-convictions (cases where the charges were dismissed, acquitted, or where no charges were filed after a year), juvenile records, and records of arrests and convictions involving victims of human trafficking. Non-violent misdemeanors and felony drug possession convictions may be shielded after a stipulated waiting period; individuals may also petition for removal from the state's sex offender registry under certain conditions as well. The expungement and shielding process generally involves the following steps:

• Determine Eligibility: available options are determined by the record - some records may be expunged, others may only be shielded, while certain records, such as violent assaultive crimes like murder, child abuse, assault, and kidnapping, are ineligible for either process.
• Gather Required Documents: These typically include arrest records, court records proving sentence completion, payment of fines, and restitution (where applicable), and necessary application forms.
• File the Petition: The petition (including any necessary supporting documentation) typically has to be filed with the district court of jurisdiction - a petition usually also has to be filed with the Idaho State Police for non-conviction expungements.
• Court Review and Hearing: The court will typically schedule a hearing to review the petition before making its decision. Note that the prosecutor's office and other relevant agencies may be notified and allowed to object to the petition.

It is highly recommended to consult with a criminal defense attorney before filing a record expungement or sealing petition to ensure a smooth process.

What Are the Limitations to the Use of Criminal Records for Employment, Licensing, and Housing in Idaho?

Under the Fair Chance Act, federal agencies and contractors in Idaho cannot ask about an applicant's criminal record until after a conditional job offer has been made. Likewise, employers in Idaho have to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which requires them to obtain written consent before conducting background checks and notify the applicants if any adverse decisions are based on the results.

Likewise, per Idaho Statutes Section 67-9411, licensing boards are required to assess whether a conviction is substantially related to the duties of the licensed profession before denying a license. The state also generally follows federal employment and housing policies, which discourage blanket exclusions based on criminal history and promote individualized assessments of applicants, with consideration of factors like the nature of the offense and the time since the conviction.

Can I Access Idaho Criminal Records for Free Online?

Several private websites advertise free online access to Idaho criminal records; however, the accuracy and reliability of their information can be inconsistent. For accurate and up-to-date Idaho criminal record information, it is best to contact the state's Bureau of Criminal Identification. You may also utilize reliable resources like the Idaho courts' iCourt Portal or reputable platforms that aggregate from verified databases, like IdahoPublicRecords.us.