Ada County Court Records Search

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    Ada County sits at the center of Idaho’s most populous metropolitan area, with Boise serving as both the county seat and state capital. The Fourth Judicial District Court, which includes Ada County, processes a high volume of criminal, civil, family law, juvenile, and probate cases each year. The Ada County Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining all court records generated by proceedings in the county’s district and magistrate courts. These records include complaints, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, and other case-related filings. Whether an individual needs a case disposition for employment screening, a certified copy of a divorce decree, or documentation from a probate matter, understanding the proper channels and procedures will make the process considerably more efficient.

    In Idaho, court records from across the state can be searched through official court resources maintained by the judiciary, local clerk offices, public access terminals at courthouses, and online search tools. The state courts website at IdahoStateCourts.us may assist users in locating publicly available court case information for Ada County and other Idaho jurisdictions. The statewide iCourt platform, administered by the Idaho Supreme Court, also serves as a centralized portal for electronic case searches covering trial courts throughout the state.

    How to Look Up a Court Case in Ada County?

    There are multiple ways to search for a court case in Ada County, depending on the type of information available and the preferred method of access.

    Online Case Search via iCourt

    Idaho’s iCourt portal is the primary statewide system for searching court records electronically. To look up an Ada County case:

    1. Visit the iCourt website and select “Ada County” from the drop-down menu.
    2. Choose “Record Search” and then select “Smart Search” on the following page.
    3. Enter the case party’s first or last name, or a case number, to view possible matches.

    The iCourt platform processes credit card payments with a 3.5% surcharge on any applicable transaction.

    Online Request Through the Ada County Clerk

    The Ada County Clerk’s Office maintains a separate online public records request form that allows users to request specific court documents. Requesters select the case type — traffic, criminal, family law, probate, civil, or juvenile — and provide identifying details such as a case or citation number, party name, or filing year. The Clerk’s Office will attempt to locate the file within 10 working days and will notify the requester within 3 working days of any action taken.

    Additionally, the Clerk offers a dedicated court records request portal for requesting to inspect or copy judicial records.

    In-Person Search

    Visitors may search court records in person at the Ada County Courthouse. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Ada County Courthouse
    Address: 200 West Front Street, Boise, ID 83702
    Phone: (208) 287-6900
    Email: adaclerk@ada.idcourts.gov

    Ada County Juvenile Court
    Address: 6300 W. Denton Street, Boise, ID 83704
    Phone: (208) 287-5625
    Email: JuvenileClerks@adacounty.id.gov

    Per Idaho Code § 31-3201, the Clerk charges $1.00 per page for copies and $1.00 per seal for certifications.

    Requesters should note that per Idaho Code §§ 74-113, 74-115, and 74-120, a valid form of identification may be required when obtaining court records.

    Are Court Records Public in Ada County?

    Idaho maintains a strong presumption of public access to government records. Under Section 74-102 of the Idaho Statutes, members of the public have the right to request, view, and obtain copies of court records maintained by the Ada County Clerk. This statute also empowers the clerk of courts to manage custody of and access to those documents.

    That said, not all court records are available for public inspection. Idaho Court Administrative Rule (I.C.A.R.) 32 establishes categories of records that are confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure. The following types of records are restricted from public access in Ada County:

    • Presentence investigation reports and pretrial risk assessments
    • Records sealed by court order or restricted under state or federal statute
    • Juvenile court records and related data protected by the Child Protective Act, the Juvenile Corrective Act, and the Youth Rehabilitation Act
    • Pending arrest warrants or summons
    • Judicial work products such as notes and memoranda prepared by judges or court officials
    • Adoption records and records related to termination of parental rights

    Individuals who believe they have a legitimate interest in viewing sealed or exempt records may submit a Request to Inspect Sealed Records form to the Fourth District Court. The completed form must be submitted in person or by mail to:

    Fourth District Court
    200 West Front Street
    Boise, ID 83702
    Phone: (208) 287-7500
    Fax: (208) 287-7509

    The court will evaluate sealed record requests on a case-by-case basis in accordance with I.C.A.R. 32.

    Ada County Criminal Court Records

    Criminal court cases in Ada County — including felonies and misdemeanors — are heard by the district court and magistrate division at the Ada County Courthouse. The Ada County Clerk’s Office maintains records of all criminal cases filed in the county. These records may include charging documents, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and disposition information.

    Searching Criminal Court Records

    There are two primary methods for searching criminal case records:

    1. iCourt Portal: Use the iCourt Smart Search to look up a criminal case by the defendant’s name or case number.
    2. Ada County Clerk’s Request Form: Submit an online request selecting “Criminal Case” as the request type, with a case or citation number and the defendant’s name.

    The Clerk’s Office charges $1.00 per page for uncertified copies and $1.00 per seal for certified copies. Requests are typically processed within 10 working days. Note that Ada County clerks do not perform background checks or complete external forms.

    Criminal Background Checks

    The Ada County Sheriff’s Office does not maintain criminal records or criminal history information. Criminal background checks in Idaho are conducted through the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI). The BCI offers two types of searches:

    Each background check incurs a $20 processing fee. Credit card payments carry an additional $1 fee plus 3% of the total. The BCI also accepts checks and money orders.

    Arrest Records

    The Ada County Sheriff maintains arrest records only for individuals currently or previously incarcerated in the county jail. Interested parties can request arrest records through the Sheriff’s online request form.

    Ada County Civil Court Records

    Civil matters in Ada County are heard by both the district court and the magistrate division, depending on the amount in controversy and case type. The district court generally handles civil disputes exceeding $10,000, while the magistrate court has jurisdiction over small claims and certain lower-value disputes. Records of all civil proceedings are maintained by the Ada County Clerk.

    How to Access Civil Court Records

    To request civil records, use the Clerk’s online request form and select “Civil Case” as the case type. Available search criteria include:

    • Case or citation number
    • Defendant’s name
    • Petitioner’s name
    • Case filing year

    The Clerk’s Office processes email, mail, and in-person requests and will attempt to locate the file within 10 working days.

    Alternatively, civil case records can be searched on the statewide iCourt platform using the Smart Search function or by entering specific party or case search criteria.

    Fees for Civil Court Records

    ServiceFee
    Copies (uncertified)$1.00 per page
    Certification$1.00 per seal

    These fees are established by Idaho Code § 31-3201.

    Property-Related Civil Records

    Civil cases involving property disputes, liens, foreclosures, and other real estate matters may have related documents recorded with the Ada County Recorder’s Office. The Recorder maintains an online property records search tool where documents can be searched by instrument number, party name, or parcel number. Certain document types — including judgments, liens, deeds, and bankruptcy records — are currently blocked from online viewing and must be requested directly by contacting the Recorder’s Office at (208) 287-6840.

    Ada County Recorder’s Office
    Address: 200 W. Front Street, Room 1207, Boise, ID 83702
    Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
    Phone: (208) 287-6840

    Ada County Family Court Records

    Family law cases in Ada County — including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence protection orders, and guardianship — are primarily overseen by the magistrate division of the Fourth District Court. In some instances, the district court may hear family law matters as well. Regardless of which court handles the case, the Ada County Clerk’s Office maintains all family court records.

    Requesting Family Court Records

    The Clerk’s online request form accepts requests for family law case records. Select “Family Law Case” as the request type and provide relevant identifying information. The Clerk typically processes requests within 10 working days. For questions about family law filings or required paperwork, the Clerk’s Office can be reached at (208) 287-6900, option 4. The court’s Family Law page provides forms and guidance for filing divorce, custody, and service of process paperwork.

    Confidentiality Restrictions

    Family court records often contain sensitive information that is exempt from general public access under I.C.A.R. 32. In most cases, only the following individuals may access confidential family court records:

    • The record subject (parties named in the case)
    • Direct family members
    • Legal representatives (attorneys of record)
    • Third parties who present a signed consent form from the record subject

    To request access to a sealed family court record, submit the Request to Inspect Sealed Records form to the Fourth District Court at 200 West Front Street, Boise, ID 83702.

    Marriage and Divorce Records

    Marriage licenses in Ada County are issued by the Ada County Recorder’s Office. Copies of recorded marriage licenses cost $2 each and can be requested in person or by mail at:

    Ada County Recorder’s Office
    200 West Front Street
    Boise, ID 83702
    Phone: (208) 287-6840
    Email: marriagelicenses@adacounty.id.gov

    Divorce decrees are kept by the Ada County Clerk. Both marriage and divorce certificates at the state level are maintained by Idaho’s Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. Marriage and divorce records are considered confidential for 50 years after the filing date, and only individuals with a direct legal interest may access them during that period. To request records by mail from the state bureau, submit a completed request form, a copy of acceptable identification, and a $16 search fee (check or money order payable to Idaho Vital Records) to:

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

    Birth and Death Records

    Ada County birth and death certificates are similarly maintained by the Idaho Bureau of Vital Records. These records are confidential and available only to the record subject, close family members, legal representatives, or other authorized parties. Request forms are available for birth certificates and death certificates, each requiring a $16 fee and a copy of valid ID.

    Ada County Probate Court Records

    Probate matters in Ada County are heard by the magistrate division of the Fourth District Court. The magistrate court has jurisdiction over the following case types:

    • Wills and estates (administration and distribution of decedents’ property)
    • Trust matters
    • Conservatorships and guardianships (both adult and minor)
    • Name changes

    Accessing Probate Records

    The Ada County Clerk’s Office maintains records of all probate cases filed in the county. To obtain probate court records, submit a request through the Clerk’s online request form by selecting “Probate Case” as the request type. Provide the case number if known, or other identifying details about the case. The Clerk’s Office charges $1.00 per page for copies, as authorized by Idaho Code § 31-3201. Requests are processed within 10 working days.

    Probate cases can also be searched on the iCourt platform using the party’s name or case number. The Clerk’s dedicated court records request portal also accepts requests to view or receive copies of probate files.

    Guardianship and Conservatorship Resources

    Ada County provides guardianship and conservatorship reporting forms for individuals appointed as guardians or conservators who must file periodic reports with the court.

    Idaho Will Registry

    The Idaho Secretary of State maintains a statewide will registry that records the existence and storage location of wills. This registry does not contain the actual will documents but can help interested parties locate where a will is held. To search the registry, complete the Will Registry Information Request form and mail it to:

    Office of the Secretary of State
    P.O. Box 83720
    Boise, ID 83720-0080
    Phone: (208) 334-2301
    Email: willregistry@sos.idaho.gov

    For questions about probate case filings, required forms, or hearing schedules, contact the Ada County Clerk’s Office at (208) 287-6900 or the Trial Court Administrator’s Office at (208) 287-7500.