Bonneville County Property Records
What Is Bonneville County Property Records
Property records in Bonneville County are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout the jurisdiction. The primary purpose of maintaining these records is to establish legal ownership through a verifiable chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 31-2402, the County Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining these vital documents. This statute mandates that the recorder "must procure such books for records as the business of the office requires." The recording of property instruments is further governed by Idaho Code § 55-801, which establishes that any instrument affecting real property may be recorded.
Property records in Bonneville County typically include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, grant)
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and right-of-way agreements
- Plat maps and surveys
- Foreclosure documents
- Property tax records
The Bonneville County Recorder's Office maintains these records and makes them available to the public. The recording system provides notice to the world of property ownership and encumbrances, creating a transparent system that protects both property owners and those who may have an interest in acquiring property.
Are Property Records Public Information In Bonneville County?
Property records in Bonneville County are indeed public information, accessible to any member of the public regardless of their purpose or relationship to the property. This public access is mandated by both state and federal law, reflecting the fundamental principle that property ownership is a matter of public record in the United States.
The legal basis for public access to property records in Idaho is established by the Idaho Public Records Act, Title 74, Chapter 1, which presumes that all records maintained by public agencies are open to inspection and copying. Additionally, Idaho Code § 55-811 specifically addresses the recording of instruments affecting real property, stating that such recording "imparts notice to all persons of the contents thereof."
Public access to property records serves several important functions:
- Ensures transparency in land ownership
- Provides notice of property interests to potential buyers
- Protects against fraudulent property transfers
- Facilitates real estate transactions
- Enables property tax assessment and collection
- Supports historical and genealogical research
Under current law, any person may access Bonneville County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy reflects the public nature of property ownership and the importance of maintaining transparent records of land transactions.
Bonneville County Recorder's Office
605 N Capital Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder
How To Search Property Records in Bonneville County in 2026
Members of the public seeking to search property records in Bonneville County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains comprehensive systems for property record searches that accommodate both in-person and remote inquiries.
To conduct a property records search:
- Identify the specific information needed (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Gather relevant search criteria:
- Property owner's name (current or previous)
- Property address
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description
- Document recording date (if known)
- Select the appropriate search method:
- Online database search
- In-person visit to the Recorder's Office
- Written request by mail
For in-person searches, visitors may utilize the public terminals available at the Recorder's Office. Staff members are available to provide assistance with navigating the search systems. The office maintains regular business hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding county holidays.
For written requests, individuals should submit a completed Public Records Request Form that includes specific search criteria. Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-102, agencies must respond to records requests within three working days.
Bonneville County Recorder's Office
605 N Capital Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder
How To Find Property Records in Bonneville County Online?
Bonneville County provides digital access to property records through several online platforms. These electronic resources allow members of the public to conduct preliminary research from any location with internet access.
To access property records online:
-
Visit the Bonneville County Land Records portal, which serves as the central hub for property information.
-
For property assessment information:
- Navigate to the Bonneville County Assessor's website
- Enter search criteria (owner name, address, or parcel number)
- Review property characteristics, assessed values, and tax information
-
For recorded documents (deeds, mortgages, liens):
- Access the Recorder's online index through the county website
- Search by name, document type, or recording date
- Note that some older records may not be available in digital format
-
For property tax information:
- Visit the Bonneville County Treasurer's website
- Search by parcel number or owner name
- View current and historical tax payment status
When using online search tools, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Some historical records may only be available through in-person research
- Complex searches may require assistance from county staff
- Document images may require payment of a fee to view or download
- Online systems may experience periodic maintenance or downtime
The county continuously works to expand its digital offerings in accordance with Idaho's commitment to government transparency and public access to information.
How To Look Up Bonneville County Property Records for Free?
Bonneville County provides several no-cost options for accessing property records. These free resources enable citizens to conduct basic property research without incurring expenses.
Free access methods include:
-
Public Access Terminals: The Recorder's Office maintains computer terminals for public use during regular business hours. These terminals provide access to the county's property records database at no charge.
-
Online Property Search: Basic property information is available through the county's property assessment portal without any fee. This includes:
- Property owner information
- Property address and legal description
- Assessed value
- Property characteristics
- Tax information
-
In-Person Document Viewing: Members of the public may visit the Recorder's Office to view recorded documents at no cost. Staff can assist with locating specific records based on provided search criteria.
-
Public Libraries: Some Bonneville County public libraries offer free internet access that can be used to search the county's online property databases.
While basic searches are free, please note that fees may apply for:
- Obtaining certified copies of documents
- Printing or photocopying records
- Requesting extensive research assistance from staff
- Accessing certain specialized databases
The fee schedule for these services is established pursuant to Idaho Code § 31-3205, which authorizes county recorders to charge reasonable fees for copies and certifications.
Bonneville County Recorder's Office
605 N Capital Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder
What's Included in a Bonneville County Property Record?
Property records in Bonneville County contain comprehensive information about real property within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained by multiple county offices, each responsible for different aspects of property documentation.
Real property records, which pertain to land and permanently attached structures, are distinct from personal property records, which cover movable assets. The county maintains separate recording systems for these different types of property.
A typical Bonneville County property record includes:
-
Ownership Information
- Current owner's name and contact information
- Previous owners (chain of title)
- Date of acquisition
- Purchase price or transfer value
-
Property Identification
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Property address
- Lot and block numbers
- Subdivision information
-
Physical Characteristics
- Lot size and dimensions
- Building size and specifications
- Number of structures
- Year built
- Construction details
-
Financial Information
- Assessed value
- Market value
- Property tax information
- Tax exemptions or special assessments
-
Encumbrances
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants
-
Plat Maps and Surveys
- Boundary surveys
- Subdivision plats
- Flood zone designations
The content and format of property records are governed by Idaho Code § 55-805, which establishes requirements for recording instruments affecting real property.
How Long Does Bonneville County Keep Property Records?
Bonneville County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by state law and county policy. These retention periods ensure the preservation of important historical and legal documents while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.
Property records retention periods vary by document type:
-
Deeds and Conveyances: Permanent retention
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and other instruments transferring title are preserved indefinitely
- These documents establish the chain of title and must be available for future reference
-
Mortgages and Deeds of Trust: Retained for the life of the loan plus 10 years
- Once satisfied, these documents are marked as such but remain in the public record
- Historical mortgage records dating back to county formation are preserved
-
Tax Records: Minimum 7-year retention
- Current tax rolls are maintained permanently
- Historical tax assessment records may be archived after 7 years
-
Plat Maps and Surveys: Permanent retention
- These documents define property boundaries and subdivisions
- Original plats dating to the county's establishment are preserved
-
Building Permits and Inspections: Retained for the life of the structure
- Records of significant modifications are maintained
- Historical permits may be archived in summary form
The county's retention practices comply with the Idaho Records Management Guide, which establishes minimum retention periods for various government records. Additionally, many property records are maintained permanently due to their historical significance and ongoing legal relevance.
Digital preservation initiatives are currently underway to ensure the long-term accessibility of both current and historical property records. The county employs multiple backup systems and archival methods to protect these vital documents from loss or damage.
How To Find Liens on Property In Bonneville County?
Liens on property in Bonneville County are matters of public record and can be researched through several official channels. A lien search is an essential component of due diligence when purchasing property or evaluating financial encumbrances.
To conduct a comprehensive lien search:
-
Search Recorder's Office Records:
- Visit the Bonneville County Recorder's Office in person or access their online database
- Search by property owner's name or property address
- Review index of recorded documents for:
- Tax liens
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Mortgage liens
- Homeowners association liens
-
Check Tax Records:
- Contact the Bonneville County Treasurer's Office to verify if property taxes are current
- Unpaid property taxes constitute a lien against the property
- Tax liens take priority over most other types of liens
-
Search Court Records:
- Review district court records for judgments against the property owner
- Judgments may become liens on real property when properly recorded
- The Idaho Repository provides online access to court records
-
Verify with Utility Providers:
- Contact local utility companies to check for unpaid utility bills
- In some cases, delinquent utility charges may become liens against property
-
Request a Title Search:
- Professional title companies can conduct comprehensive lien searches
- These searches typically include all recorded encumbrances
- Title companies maintain their own databases of property records
Pursuant to Idaho Code § 45-507, mechanic's liens must be filed within 90 days after completion of labor or services. Other types of liens have different filing requirements and expiration dates as specified in state statutes.
Bonneville County Recorder's Office
605 N Capital Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
(208) 529-1350
Bonneville County Clerk, Auditor, and Recorder
What Is Property Owner Rule In Bonneville County?
The Property Owner Rule in Bonneville County refers to the set of regulations and legal principles that govern property ownership, transfers, and rights within the jurisdiction. These rules establish the framework for real estate transactions and property management.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
-
Recording Requirements:
- All instruments affecting real property must be recorded with the County Recorder
- Pursuant to Idaho Code § 55-811, recording provides constructive notice to third parties
- Unrecorded documents may be valid between parties but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers
-
Property Tax Obligations:
- Property owners are responsible for paying annual property taxes
- Tax bills are issued by the Bonneville County Treasurer
- Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax liens and eventual tax deed proceedings
-
Disclosure Requirements:
- Sellers must disclose known material defects in residential property
- Disclosure forms must be provided to buyers before purchase agreements are finalized
- Failure to disclose may constitute fraud or misrepresentation
-
Zoning and Land Use Regulations:
- Property use is subject to county zoning ordinances
- Building permits are required for new construction and significant renovations
- Variances may be requested for exceptions to zoning requirements
-
Water Rights:
- In Idaho, water rights are separate from land ownership
- Water rights must be specifically conveyed in property transfers
- The Idaho Department of Water Resources maintains records of water rights
-
Adverse Possession:
- Under Idaho law, a person may acquire title to another's property through open, notorious, and continuous possession for 20 years
- Payment of property taxes is generally required for adverse possession claims
-
Easements and Encroachments:
- Property owners must respect recorded easements
- Encroachments on neighboring property may create legal liabilities
- Boundary disputes are resolved through civil court proceedings
The Property Owner Rule is administered primarily through the Bonneville County Assessor's Office, which establishes property values, and the Recorder's Office, which maintains ownership records.
Lookup Property Records in Bonneville County
Land Records in Bonneville County
Bonneville County Assessor Property Information
Property Tax Collection Information