Idaho Naturalization Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
This collection contains naturalization records and indexes from the state of Idaho from 1892 to 1990. Naturalization is the legal process our immigrant ancestors went through to become citizens of the United States. Becoming naturalized meant our foreign-born ancestors could vote, run for a government office, serve on a jury, pay taxes, receive the protection of the law. The process of applying for citizenship generally consisted of three major steps: Declaration of Intent - First Papers. The declaration of intent to become a citizen is sometimes referred to as the "first papers". Petition for Naturalization - Second or Final Papers. After meeting the residency requirements (2 years from 1790-1795, 5 years from 1795-1798, 14 years from 1798 to 1802, and 5 years from 1802 to present) an immigrant could petition the court to become a citizen. Certificate of Citizenship- After all requirements were completed, the immigrant was sworn in as a citizen and issued their certificate.

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:
 * Full name of citizen
 * Residence at the time of naturalization
 * Birth place
 * Admission date
 * Certificate date
 * Name of court
 * Petition number
 * Registration number
 * Signature

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * The name of the person
 * The location or date of arrival

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Use the age or estimated birth date to find vital records, such as birth, baptism, marriage, and death
 * Use the information found in the record to find the family in census records
 * Search for immigration records
 * Search for the ancestor's information in his country of origin

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking For, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This list can help you find possible relatives
 * If you cannot locate your ancestor in the locality in which you believe they lived, then try searching a nearby locality
 * Try different spellings of your ancestor’s name
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in the state of Idaho.
 * Idaho Guided Research
 * Research Tips and Strategies
 * Step-by-Step Research: 1850-1910 &#124; 1911-Present

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.