Kootenai County Court Records Search
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Kootenai County occupies the northern panhandle of Idaho, with Coeur d’Alene as its county seat. The county belongs to Idaho’s First Judicial District, which also encompasses Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, and Shoshone Counties. All trial-level court proceedings—criminal, civil, family, and probate—are conducted through the Kootenai County District Court and its Magistrate Division. The elected Clerk of the District Court serves as custodian of all court records generated by these proceedings.
Residents and members of the public looking for court case information in Idaho can access records through official clerk offices, in-person public access terminals at the courthouse, or online search tools. The iCourt Portal provides statewide electronic access to case calendars, docket information, and party details. Additional court directory resources and links to rules and forms are available through IdahoStateCourts.us. Written requests may also be submitted directly to the District Court Records Department by email, mail, or drop-off.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kootenai County?
Kootenai County offers multiple ways to locate court case information, ranging from free online searches to formal written requests.
Online Case Search
The primary tool is the iCourt Portal, operated by the Idaho Supreme Court through Tyler Technologies. Users can search by party name, attorney name, business name, nickname, case number, or cross-reference number. To limit results to Kootenai County:
- Open the iCourt Portal and click “Smart Search”.
- Click the Advanced Filtering Options link.
- Under “Filter by Location”, select “Kootenai County”.
- Under “Filter by Case Type”, choose the relevant category (Criminal, Civil, Family, Probate, etc.).
- Enter a name or case number and click Submit.
This portal is free to use and covers all case types heard in the District Court and Magistrate Division.
Written Requests
The District Court Records Department fulfills copy requests submitted through a Public Records Request Form. The completed form can be submitted by:
- Email: dcrecords@kootenai.idcourts.net
- Mail: Kootenai County Government, Attn: District Court Records Department, P.O. Box 9000, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816
- Drop-off: At the Justice Building during business hours
For questions about records, contact the Records Department at (208) 446-1180 or send a general inquiry to pir@kootenai.idcourts.net.
In-Person Requests
Visitors can view court files and request copies at the courthouse complex in Coeur d’Alene during business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Court Locations
The two main court buildings sit at the corner of Government Way and Garden Avenue in Coeur d’Alene:
| Facility | Address | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kootenai County Justice Building | 324 W. Garden Avenue, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 | Courtrooms 6–11, 15–17; clerk filing counters; Family Court Services |
| Kootenai County Old Courthouse | 501 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 | Courtrooms 1–5 |
| Public Safety Building | 5500 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815 | Courtroom 12 |
| Juvenile Justice Building | 205 N. 4th Street, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 | Courtrooms 13–14 |
District Court Contact Information
- Civil Department: (208) 446-1160
- Criminal Department: (208) 446-1170
- Records Department: (208) 446-1180
- Compliance Department: (208) 446-1185
- Family Court Services: (208) 446-1179
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Monitor: (208) 446-2147
- Court Assistance Office: (208) 446-1225
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 9000, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Copy and Record Fees
Copies of court documents are $1.00 per page. Copies of recorded documents (from the Recorder’s office) are $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 for certification. Court fines and fees can be paid online through the iCourt payment system, by phone at (208) 446-1185 with a credit card, by mail, or in person.
Are Court Records Public in Kootenai County?
Idaho law strongly favors public access to court records. Two frameworks govern this access. The Idaho Public Records Act (Idaho Code § 74-101 et seq.) establishes the general right of any person to examine and copy public records. Idaho Court Administrative Rule 32, adopted by the Idaho Supreme Court, specifically addresses access to records maintained by the judicial branch.
Under ICAR 32, the following records are presumptively open for public inspection:
- Case calendars, dockets, and hearing schedules
- Chronological case summaries
- Litigant and party indexes
- Listings of new case filings
- Pleadings, motions, memoranda, briefs, affidavits, and responses
- Orders, judgments, findings of fact, conclusions of law, and opinions
- Minutes and notices issued by the clerk
- Trial and hearing transcripts
- Administrative records of the clerk and court staff
Despite this broad presumption, ICAR 32 designates numerous categories of records as confidential and exempt from public disclosure:
- Adoption records
- Juvenile court records
- Child custody, child support, and paternity records
- Guardianship and conservatorship proceeding records
- Termination of parent-child relationship records
- Hospitalization and mental health commitment records
- Pre-sentence investigation reports and pre-trial risk assessments
- Unreturned search and arrest warrants (excluding bench warrants)
- Protection order petitions and related records under the Domestic Violence Crime Prevention Act
- Grand jury proceedings and juror identities
- Judicial work products, including judges’ notes, memoranda, and draft opinions
- Personnel records and employment investigation records
- Records related to applications for admission to the state bar
- Applications for interception of electronic communications
- Records relating to consent requirements for abortion for minors
Parties seeking access to sealed or confidential records must petition the court for an order permitting inspection. Citizens may examine public records at the courthouse lobby or through public access terminals, and remotely through the iCourt Portal.
Kootenai County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Kootenai County—including felonies, misdemeanors, and criminal traffic matters—are processed through the District Court Criminal Department, reachable at (208) 446-1170. Under Idaho Code § 67-3001(4), criminal history records include any information collected and maintained due to an arrest or the initiation of a criminal proceeding, encompassing details about the offender, arrest circumstances, prosecution, court disposition, sentencing, and probation or parole status.
How to Search Criminal Court Records
- Online (free): Use the iCourt Portal. Under Advanced Filtering Options, select “Kootenai County” as the location and “Kootenai - Criminal” as the case type.
- Written request: Complete and submit a Public Records Request Form by email to dcrecords@kootenai.idcourts.net, by mail, or by drop-off at the Justice Building.
- In person: Visit the courthouse during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) with the defendant’s name or case number.
Conviction records are generally accessible to the public. Only cases resulting in conviction or supervision appear in public criminal history searches.
Sheriff’s Office Resources
The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, incident reports, and booking information independently from the court system. The Sheriff’s Records Division processes public records requests on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Fingerprinting services are available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the North Campus, 2451 W. Dakota Avenue, Hayden, ID 83835. The fingerprinting fee is $5.00 for the first card and $1.50 for each additional card.
Requests can also be submitted through the Sheriff’s online public records request form or by mailing a completed printable request form.
Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office
5500 N. Government Way
Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
Phone: (208) 446-1300
Fax: (208) 446-1308
Email: kcso@kcgov.us
Current inmates can be viewed on the Sheriff’s Office website through the Current Inmate List.
Kootenai County Civil Court Records
The District Court Civil Department, reached at (208) 446-1160, handles civil litigation including breach of contract, personal injury, real property disputes, employment disputes, medical malpractice, forcible entry and detainer (evictions), and other civil claims. The Magistrate Division hears civil matters involving $10,000 or less, while the District Court handles cases exceeding $10,000.
How to Obtain Civil Court Records
- Online (free): Search the iCourt Portal. Select “Kootenai County” under location and “Kootenai - Civil” under case type for filtered results.
- Written request: Submit a Public Records Request Form by email, mail, or drop-off. Include the party name or case number.
- In person: Visit the courthouse during office hours with identifying case details and applicable fees.
Civil Case Filing Fees (Effective July 12, 2024)
Filing fees in Idaho are set by Appendix A of the Idaho Rules of Civil Procedure. Key fees include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| District Court civil case (over $10,000) — default for types not otherwise listed | $221.00 |
| Magistrate Division civil case (under $10,000) — default for types not otherwise listed | $166.00 |
| Small claims | $69.00 |
| Unlawful detainer / eviction | $166.00 |
| Appearance by defendant (District Court) | $136.00 |
| Appearance by defendant (Magistrate Division) | $136.00 |
| Petition for release from common law lien | $130.00 |
| Third-party complaint (additional fee) | $14.00 |
| Cross-claim (additional fee) | $14.00 |
The Idaho Courts e-filing system also charges a $5.00 electronic envelope fee per filing for civil cases. Approved court forms are available through Idaho Guide and File and the Idaho Supreme Court forms page.
Sheriff’s Civil Process Fees
When documents must be served through the Sheriff’s Office, separate civil process fees apply:
- Summons/Complaint: $105.00
- Any Notice, Rule, or Order: $100.00
- Subpoena: $100.00
- Writ of Restitution: $200.00
- Writ of Execution: $145.00
Kootenai County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Kootenai County are heard through the Magistrate Division and overseen by Family Court Services, located in the Justice Building at 324 W. Garden Avenue, Coeur d’Alene. The Family Court Services office can be reached at (208) 446-1179. The Domestic Violence Court Coordinator is available at (208) 446-1222. Case types include divorce (dissolution of marriage), legal separation, child custody and support disputes, paternity actions, adoption, domestic violence protection orders, and grandparent visitation.
Most family court records in Kootenai County are confidential under ICAR 32. Child custody, child support, paternity, adoption, and termination of parental rights records are not available for public inspection. Protection order petitions and related files maintained under the Domestic Violence Crime Prevention Act are also confidential. However, certain non-confidential portions of family cases may be searched.
How to Search Family Court Records
- Online: Use the iCourt Portal and select “Kootenai - Family” under case type.
- Written request: Submit a Public Records Request Form to dcrecords@kootenai.idcourts.net.
- In person: Visit the courthouse during business hours.
Family Law Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Divorce with minor children | $207.00 |
| Divorce without minor children | $207.00 |
| Legal separation (with or without minor children) | $166.00 |
| Child support / custody (unless filed by DHW) | $166.00 |
| Paternity action | $166.00 |
| Adoption | $166.00 |
| Reopen or modify divorce (with minor children) | $154.00 |
| Reopen or modify divorce (without minor children) | $154.00 |
| Protection order petition | No fee |
The Court Assistance Office at the Justice Building provides free legal information and self-help resources for individuals who cannot afford an attorney. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (208) 446-1225 or emailing d1cao@idcourts.gov. Open walk-in office hours are available on the first Friday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Kootenai County Recorder’s Office. Both applicants must appear together, present government-issued photo identification, and pay the license fee: $31.00 in cash or $32.78 by credit/debit card. Idaho marriage licenses have no expiration date, no waiting period, and no witness requirement; however, the ceremony must take place within the state.
Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates dating from May 1947 forward are issued by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics. Marriage and divorce records are confidential for 50 years and restricted to the registrant, immediate family, and legal representatives. Certificates cost $16.00 each by mail or $26.50 online (including a $10.50 processing fee). Mail requests require a completed Certificate Request Form-M-D (English or Spanish), a photocopy of valid ID, and a check or money order, mailed to:
Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
Birth and Death Records
Birth records are confidential for 100 years and death records for 50 years under Idaho law. Eligible requesters include the registrant (age 18+), parents, and legal representatives. Certified copies of birth and death certificates cost $16.00 each by mail or $26.50 online. Mail requests require a completed Certificate Request Form—Birth (English / Spanish) or Death (English / Spanish)—with a photocopy of valid ID and payment. Standard processing takes two to four weeks; express service takes one to two weeks.
Kootenai County Probate Court Records
Probate cases in Kootenai County are filed with the Magistrate Division of the District Court. The Probate Section can be reached at (208) 446-4523. Case types include formal and informal administration of decedent estates, proof of heirship, small estate proceedings (under $5,000), will contests, and trust administration.
How to Search Probate Records
- Online (free): Use the iCourt Portal. Under Advanced Filtering Options, select “Kootenai County” and choose “Kootenai - Probate or Mental Health” from the case type dropdown.
- Written request: Submit a Public Records Request Form to the Records Department.
- In person: Visit the courthouse during business hours with the case number or party name.
Copies of probate court documents cost $1.00 per page.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application for informal probate | $166.00 |
| Petition for formal probate | $166.00 |
| Summary administration of small estate | $81.00 |
| Guardianship of minor (person only, initial petition) | $216.00 |
| Guardianship of incapacitated person (initial petition) | $216.00 |
| Conservatorship (minor or incapacitated person) | $216.00 |
| Joint guardianship/conservatorship (same petitioner, minor) | $216.00 |
| Appearance in probate case | $136.00 |
| Petition for distribution of estate | $25.00 |
| Intermediate or final account of conservator | $50.00 |
| Status report — guardianship | $25.00 |
| Inventory by conservator | $41.00 |
Guardianship and Conservatorship Monitoring
The First District Guardianship and Conservatorship Monitoring Program provides oversight of guardianships and conservatorships established through the court. The Guardianship/Conservatorship Monitor assists with questions about required forms, filing procedures, and responsibilities of guardians and conservators. Required reporting forms—including adult and minor annual guardianship forms and conservatorship forms—are available on the Kootenai County forms page. The Monitor can be contacted at (208) 446-2147. While the Monitor can provide information about which forms to use, legal advice is not offered.
Note that guardianship and conservatorship proceeding records are classified as confidential under ICAR 32 and are not available for general public inspection. Access is limited to parties, their attorneys, and individuals granted access by court order.