Idaho § 39-255 - Registration of births

Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 39-255 — Registration of births, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 39-255. Registration of births

A certificate of each birth which occurs in this state shall be filed with the local registrar of the district in which the birth occurs, or as otherwise directed by the state registrar, within fifteen (15) days of the date of birth. No certificate shall be deemed complete until every item of information required shall have been provided or its omission satisfactorily accounted for.

(a) When a birth occurs in an institution or en route thereto, the person in charge of the institution or a designated representative shall obtain the personal data, prepare the certificate, secure the signatures required, and file the certificate within fifteen (15) days of the date of birth. The physician or other person in attendance shall provide the medical information required by the certificate and certify to the facts of birth. When the physician, or other person in attendance, is physically unable to certify to the facts of birth within the time prescribed in this section, the person in charge of the institution may complete and sign the certificate.

(b) When a birth occurs outside an institution, the certificate shall be prepared and filed by:

(1) The physician or other person in attendance at or immediately after such birth; or

(2) When no physician or other person is present at or immediately after such birth: the father, or in the event of the death, disability or absence of the father, the mother; or in the event of the death or disability of the mother, the householder or owner of the premises where the birth occurred.

(c) The father, mother or guardian shall verify the facts entered on the certificate by their signature.

(d) When a birth occurs on a moving conveyance within the United States and the child is first removed from the conveyance in this state, the birth shall be registered in this state and the place where the child is first removed shall be considered the place of birth. When a birth occurs on a moving conveyance while in international air space or in a foreign country or its air space and the child is first removed from the conveyance in this state, the birth shall be registered in this state, but the certificate shall show the actual place of birth insofar as can be determined.

(e) (1) If the mother was married at the time of either conception or birth, or between conception and birth, the name of the husband shall be entered on the certificate as the father of the child, unless:

(i) Paternity has been determined otherwise by a court of competent jurisdiction; or

(ii) The husband has executed an affidavit of nonpaternity attesting that he is not the father, the mother has executed an acknowledgment of paternity attesting that the alleged father is the father, and the alleged father has executed an acknowledgment of paternity attesting that he is the father. Affidavits may be joint or individual or a combination thereof, and each signature shall be individually notarized. In such event, the alleged father shall be shown as the father on the certificate.

(2) If the mother was not married at the time of either conception or birth, or between conception and birth, the name of the father shall not be entered on the certificate without a notarized voluntary acknowledgment of paternity.

(3) In any case in which paternity of a child is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, the name of the father and surname of the child shall be entered on the certificate of birth in accordance with the finding and order of the court.

(4) If the father is not named on the certificate of birth, no other information about the father shall be entered on the certificate.

Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 39-255

What does Idaho Statutes § 39-255 cover?

Section 39-255 ("Registration of births") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Idaho § 39-255?

A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 39-255" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Idaho law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.

How does Idaho § 39-255 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.