Bonneville County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Bonneville County?

Public records in Bonneville County are defined as any writing containing information relating to the conduct or administration of the public's business, prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency. This definition is established under the Idaho Public Records Act § 74-101(13), which governs access to government information throughout the state.

Bonneville County maintains numerous types of public records that are accessible to citizens. These records include:

Court records - Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Bonneville County Courts
Property records - Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments maintained by the County Recorder's Office
Vital records - Marriage licenses (note that birth, death, and divorce certificates are maintained by Idaho Health and Welfare, not the county)
Business records - Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business names
Tax records - Property tax information and assessment records
Voting and election records - Voter registration data and election results
Meeting minutes and agendas - Records of county commission meetings and other public boards
Budget and financial documents - County expenditures, budgets, and financial reports
Law enforcement records - Arrest logs and incident reports (with certain restrictions)
Land use and zoning records - Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits

The Bonneville County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder's Office serves as the primary custodian for many of these records, though specific record types may be maintained by different departments. For example, court records are maintained by the court system, while property records are kept by the Recorder's Office.

Is Bonneville County an Open Records County?

Yes, Bonneville County is an open records county that adheres to the Idaho Public Records Act § 74-102, which establishes that "every person has a right to examine and take a copy of any public record of this state." This statute creates a presumption of openness for government records in Idaho, including those maintained by Bonneville County.

The Idaho Public Records Act specifically states that "all records maintained by public agencies are open to the public for inspection and copying unless specifically exempted by law." This provision underscores the state's commitment to government transparency and public access to information.

Bonneville County has implemented specific procedures for handling public records requests in compliance with state law. The county maintains a dedicated public records request system to facilitate citizen access to government information.

Additionally, Bonneville County complies with Idaho's Open Meeting Law (Idaho Code § 74-201 through § 74-208), which requires that meetings of public agencies be open to the public, with proper notice given, and minutes kept. This further demonstrates the county's commitment to transparency in government operations.

How to Find Public Records in Bonneville County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from Bonneville County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

Submit a formal public records request through the county's online portal. This centralized system allows requestors to specify the records they seek and track the status of their requests.
Visit the appropriate county office in person during regular business hours:
- For property records, marriage licenses, and general county records, visit the County Clerk's Office
- For court records, visit the Bonneville County Courthouse
- For tax records, contact the County Assessor's Office
- For law enforcement records, contact the Sheriff's Office
Access online resources:
- Court records can be searched through the Idaho Supreme Court's iCourt portal
- Property records may be available through the county's online property records system
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas are typically posted on the county website
Contact the specific department that maintains the records you seek. Each department has designated personnel responsible for processing records requests.

When submitting a request, be as specific as possible about the records you seek. Include relevant dates, names, case numbers, or property addresses to help staff locate the correct information. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-103, agencies must respond to records requests within three working days, though complex requests may require additional time.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Bonneville County?

Bonneville County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Idaho Code § 74-102(10), which permits agencies to charge for the actual labor and copying costs associated with locating and providing records.

The current fee structure for public records in Bonneville County includes:

Paper copies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
Color copies: $0.50 per page
Large format documents (maps, blueprints): $5.00 per page
Digital copies provided on CD/DVD: $10.00 per disc
Digital copies provided via email: No charge for the transmission, though labor costs may apply
Labor costs: First 100 pages or two hours of labor are typically provided at no cost; additional labor is charged at the hourly rate of the lowest-paid employee qualified to process the request

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, and credit/debit cards for in-person requests. Online requests may be paid via credit/debit card through the county's secure payment system.

It is important to note that Idaho law allows agencies to waive fees when the request is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of government operations and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requestor. Requestors may submit a fee waiver request in writing, explaining how their request meets these criteria.

Different departments within the county may have slightly different fee schedules for specialized records. For example, the Recorder's Office has specific fees for recording documents, while the courts have their own fee schedule for court records.

Does Bonneville County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Bonneville County provides free access to certain public records. Under Idaho Code § 74-102(6), all persons have the right to examine public records during normal business hours at no charge. This means that members of the public may visit county offices to inspect records without paying a fee, though charges may apply for copies or extensive searches.

The following records are typically available for free:

Records available for public inspection at county offices
Records accessible through the county's website, including meeting agendas, minutes, and some financial reports
Records available through the Idaho iCourt Portal, which provides free access to basic case information (though fees may apply for detailed documents)
County commission meeting minutes and agendas
County budgets and financial reports published online
Voter registration verification information

Additionally, the first 100 pages of copies or two hours of labor for locating and copying records are often provided at no cost, though this may vary by department. The Bonneville County Clerk's Office can provide guidance on which records are available at no cost and which require payment of fees.

For records that are not available online or for free inspection, standard fees as outlined in the previous section will apply.

Who Can Request Public Records in Bonneville County?

Under the Idaho Public Records Act § 74-102(1), "every person" has the right to examine and take copies of public records. This broad eligibility means that:

Idaho residency is not required to request public records
Requestors do not need to state a reason or purpose for their request
Requestors do not need to identify themselves for most record types
Both individuals and organizations (businesses, media outlets, nonprofit organizations) may request records
Non-U.S. citizens have the same rights to access public records as citizens

However, certain limitations do exist:

For some sensitive records, identification may be required to verify that the requestor is legally entitled to access the information
Persons incarcerated in a penal institution or detained in a mental health facility are not required to be given access to public records, though their authorized representatives may make requests on their behalf
Requests that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy may be denied
Requests for records about oneself (such as personnel records) may require identity verification

When requesting records about oneself, proper identification is typically required to protect privacy. When requesting records about others, access may be limited based on privacy exemptions outlined in Idaho Code § 74-104 through § 74-111.

The county cannot ask why a person wants records or deny a request based on the intended use of the records, except in very limited circumstances involving commercial use of certain specialized records.

What Records Are Confidential in Bonneville County?

While Idaho law establishes a presumption of openness for government records, Idaho Code § 74-104 through § 74-111 identifies numerous categories of records that are exempt from disclosure. In Bonneville County, the following types of records are typically confidential:

Personnel records, except for basic employment information such as name, position, salary, and dates of employment
Records protected by attorney-client privilege or work product doctrine
Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
Adoption records and related vital records
Records related to ongoing law enforcement investigations
Personal information such as Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information
Medical and health records protected under HIPAA
Child protective services records and reports of child abuse
Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to the county
Critical infrastructure information that could pose a security risk if disclosed
Records specifically exempt under other state or federal laws
Records related to emergency response plans and security measures
Records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the county will typically redact (black out) the confidential information and provide the remainder of the record. This process is governed by Idaho Code § 74-112, which requires agencies to separate exempt from non-exempt material where possible.

The Idaho Attorney General's Office provides guidance on public records exemptions and can assist with questions about specific types of confidential information.

Bonneville County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Bonneville County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder's Office
605 N. Capital Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and federal holidays

The Recorder's Office is located on the first floor of the Bonneville County Courthouse. This office maintains and provides access to various public records, including:

Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
Marriage licenses
County commission records
Military discharge records (DD-214)
Fictitious business name statements
Mining claims
Tax liens

For questions about specific records or filing requirements, members of the public may contact the office directly during business hours. The office staff can provide guidance on record availability, fees, and procedures for obtaining certified copies of documents.