About Owyhee County
Population
11,900 residents
County Seat
Murphy
Established
1863
Named After
three Hawaiian
- Owyhee County is known for its wide-open spaces, rich Western heritage, and the Bruneau Dunes State Park, which features some of North America's tallest single-structured sand dunes reaching heights of 470 feet.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Response times for records requests in this rural county may be longer than in urban areas due to limited staffing.
20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Idaho allows for the release of individuals pending trial, with specific procedures outlined by Owyhee County's judicial system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Idaho operates an online court records search system called iCourt Portal (idcourts.gov), which provides public access to case information from courts throughout the state, including Owyhee County.
- Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of the District Court, with fees typically ranging from $1 per page for copies plus a certification fee.
20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650
Property & Public Records
- The office charges recording fees based on the number of pages and type of document as established by Idaho Code § 31-3205.
- Owyhee County provides limited online property record access; interested parties should contact the Recorder's Office directly for document copies or title searches.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for a statutory fee and require proper identification.
- Researchers should be prepared to conduct in-person research at the Murphy courthouse or submit written requests with specific property descriptions or parcel numbers.
20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Death certificates are similarly available from the County Clerk for deaths occurring in Owyhee County, with the same fee structure and identification requirements.
- Processing times for vital records requests vary but typically range from same-day service for in-person requests to 1-2 weeks for mail requests.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Owyhee County Clerk's Office; couples intending to marry must apply in person, present valid identification, and pay the required fee.
- Divorce records and annulment records are court records maintained by the Clerk of the District Court and must be requested through the court system, not the County Clerk's vital records division.
450 West State Street, Boise, ID 83702
Business & Licensing
20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Owyhee County, Idaho?
To search for someone recently arrested in Owyhee County, Idaho, you can contact the Owyhee County Jail, located at 20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You may also call the jail directly at (208) 495-1154 for assistance with locating an inmate.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Owyhee County, Idaho?
Mugshots or booking photos in Owyhee County, Idaho, can be obtained from the Owyhee County Sheriff's Office. The office is located at 20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650. While some information may be available online, you can also contact the Sheriff's Office directly at (208) 495-1154 to inquire about accessing specific booking photos.
How do I get a criminal background check in Owyhee County, Idaho?
To obtain a criminal background check in Owyhee County, Idaho, you should contact the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification. You can request a background check through their online portal or by submitting a fingerprint card. For local assistance, the Owyhee County Sheriff's Office may provide guidance on the process and necessary forms.
How can I look up sex offenders in Owyhee County, Idaho?
You can look up sex offenders in Owyhee County, Idaho, by accessing the Idaho Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Idaho State Police and provides a searchable online database where you can find information about registered sex offenders in the area. Visit the Idaho Sex Offender Registry website for more details and search options.
How do I register to vote in Owyhee County, Idaho?
To register to vote in Owyhee County, you can register online at idahovotes.gov if you have an Idaho driver's license or ID card, or submit a paper registration form to the Owyhee County Clerk at 20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650. Idaho requires registration at least 25 days before an election, though Election Day registration is available with proof of residency. You can also request absentee ballots through the County Clerk's office by submitting a written application no later than 11 days before Election Day.
How do I look up property records in Owyhee County, Idaho?
Property records in Owyhee County are maintained by the Owyhee Clerk of the District Court's Office at 20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650, phone (208) 495-2421. The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plat maps, while the Owyhee Assessor at the same address (208-495-2817) maintains property tax assessments and parcel information. Online access to property records is limited, and most searches require contacting the office directly by phone, mail, or in-person visit to the Murphy courthouse.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Owyhee County, Idaho?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Owyhee County can be requested from the Owyhee County Clerk's Office at 20381 State Highway 78, Murphy, ID 83650, phone (208) 495-2421. Certified copies cost approximately $13-18 each, and applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility under Idaho Code § 39-259. For statewide access or records from other Idaho counties, you can order through the Idaho Vital Records Unit at idahovitalrecords.org, with processing times of 1-2 weeks for mail requests or same-day for in-person visits.
How do I find business license records in Owyhee County, Idaho?
Business records in Owyhee County can be found through multiple sources depending on the business type. The Owyhee County Clerk at (208) 495-2421 maintains DBA (doing business as) filings and local business registrations. For formal business entities like LLCs and corporations, search the Idaho Secretary of State's Business Entities database at idsos.gov. Building permits and zoning-related business records are available through the Owyhee County Planning and Zoning Department at the Murphy courthouse, and individual cities like Homedale and Marsing may maintain separate municipal business license records.