How to Find Owners of Properties
in Idaho

Conducting a property owner search in Idaho shouldn't be difficult at all. The state government has many resources to assist you in finding a property owner by address, name, or even location.

You can access these resources yourself to find the owner of a property for free. But if you don't have all the time, you can hire a third-party resource to do it for you.

Whichever approach you choose, here are a few places where you can begin your property owner search in Idaho:

Visit Your County Assessor

The county assessor is legally required to maintain an accurate and complete plat book for all land within the county, ensuring ownership records are kept current. Maps play a crucial role in the county's reappraisal process, which occurs every five years, and having an up-to-date plat book is mandated by law.

When doing an Idaho house owner lookup, it's important to note that each county has its own assessor's office handling these records. You can choose to visit in person or explore online options. Online databases offer a convenient way to find property owners by address or parcel number. However, if you run into challenges, contacting the county assessor's office directly for support is always an option.

Accuracy is essential when requesting records, so be sure to provide precise details, such as the property address or parcel number. Don't expect to find a property owner for free, though. There may be some fees for obtaining copies of these records.

Go to the Idaho Department of Lands

Idaho citizens have direct access to digital maps, state endowment trust land activity records, and available leasing opportunities. By registering with the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), users can manage their accounts, conduct business transactions online, and make account payments seamlessly.

Here are some tools on the IDL website you can use for your Idaho property lookup:

• The Activity Map is an interactive tool that allows users to search, explore, and print maps while accessing detailed information about endowment land, lease, and permit activities.
• The Activity Report enables users to search, view, and print current or historical endowment land documents, including deeds, easements, and disclaimers.
• The Leasing Opportunities Map allows users to search for and explore details on proposed state land leases open for application, expiring leases, and upcoming public auctions.

Check the Recorder's Office

The Recorder's Office is responsible for recording documents, most of which are related to real property. It handles the documentation of deeds, grants, transfers, mortgages, mortgage releases, powers of attorney for real estate transactions, and leases that have been acknowledged or verified. The Recorder's Office also records transcripts of judgments or decrees that impact the title or possession of real property, including water rights, within the county.

If you want to find the owner of a property by address, Idaho recorder's offices such as the ones below can help:

• Minidoka County
• Bannock County
• Bonneville County
• Washington County
• Camas County
• Kootenai County

Enlist Help From a Title Agency

Conducting a property owner search in Idaho can be quite complicated, particularly if you're looking for different properties across multiple counties. Searching through various online databases may not yield all the essential documents, as some records might not be available online. Obtaining complete title records often requires visiting the courthouse in person to collect physical copies.

Idaho house owner lookup can be frustrating due to the lack of standardized reporting formats. Title companies typically provide clear, easy-to-understand reports, ensuring a more seamless experience for property owners and buyers. Hiring a title search company can simplify this process, saving you time and effort in navigating both online and offline systems.

Owning property grants you exclusive rights to possess and control it, as well as the freedom to use it for personal enjoyment or profit. You can transfer or dispose of the property during your lifetime through a contract, deed, grant, lease, or gift. Depending on the type of ownership, you may also have the ability to pass it on after your death. Along with these rights, you are responsible for covering all expenses and charges associated with the property.

When a single individual owns a property, all rights and responsibilities rest solely with that person. However, when multiple individuals share ownership, there must be a way to allocate these rights and responsibilities among the co-owners. The rules that define the rights and obligations of co-owners are governed by state laws, which can vary from one state to another.

Idaho law provides three main methods for ownership of real estate: tenancy in common, joint tenancy, community property, and sole ownership.

Summary of the Forms of Property Ownership in Idaho

When purchasing property within Idaho, it's crucial to know the various types of deeds involved. A deed is a legal document that facilitates the transfer of property ownership between two different individuals. In Idaho, there are three primary deed types you should know:

• General Warranty Deed
• Special Warranty Deed
• Deed Without Warranty

When selecting a deed for your real estate transaction, it's crucial to comprehend the differences between the three types and choose the one that best fits your needs.

Here are the key features of these deeds as applicable under Idaho property law:

Land transfers happen for various reasons, such as sales, inheritance, or divorce, with a deed serving as the official legal document to transfer ownership. In Idaho, property transfers require the preparation of a new deed that meets all legal requirements, including the signature and notarization by a notary public.

Here are the property transfer steps in Idaho:

• Obtain the property deed: Gather information from both the grantor and the grantee involved in the property transfer. Obtain a copy of the current owner's deed, which provides the property's legal description and confirms the grantor as the current owner.
• Get an attorney: Contact an attorney who specializes in real estate transfers to draft a deed for transferring land. Share the previous deed with the attorney as a reference, as it includes essential information such as the legal description, mineral rights, and any exclusions related to the property.
• Have it notarized: Sign and date the deed, ensuring that it is notarized and stamped, as required by law. The attorney will coordinate for a notary to be present during the finalization of the deed.
• File the deed: Deliver the deed to the Idaho County Clerk and Recorder in the county where the property is situated for filing. Be prepared to pay the county's recording or filing fees. Idaho does not charge a property transfer tax.