Idaho Research Tips and Strategies

Below are links to different research strategy pages to help you locate your ancestors in Idaho

These tips will help you as your research your ancestors in Idaho.

Birth information: Idaho statewide registration of births began in 1911 with general compliance by the 1920s. The best substitute record for locating birth information is death records (the majority of death records will list the date of birth of the decedent, and since death certificates are considered a primary resource, they can provide you with the same documentation as a birth certificate). Or, try these other substitute records.
Finding Parents: In 1911 the state of Idaho began requiring statewide registration of deaths. Previous to this time the counties were required to keep records from 1907 to 1911. They often will list the parents of the deceased and their birth information. Search Idaho death records
Look in all censuses: Always look for your ancestor in every possible census. There are clues regarding immigration, naturalization, and occupation that can lead to other records. Sometimes parents can be found living with their children later in life. Search U.S. Censuses.