Following the July 2025 RECA expansion that officially included Idaho Downwinders, the Idaho State Archives established a dedicated support process to help claimants locate historical documentation. The Archives assist in finding records that prove physical presence for at least one year between January 21, 1951, and November 6, 1962, or for the entire period from June 30, 1962, to July 31, 1962.
Please note that the Idaho State Archives office is currently receiving a high volume of RECA-related requests. As a result, response times are currently 4 to 6 weeks out. Claimants should factor this delay into their application timeline.
What the Archives Provide
The Department of Justice requires strict authentication for archival records. To meet this standard and streamline the DOJ's review process, the Idaho State Archives provides a formalized documentation package for successful searches.
- Certified Copies: When a record is located, claimants will receive a certified copy of the document.
- Official Authentication: The certified copy is accompanied by an official cover letter from the Archives attesting to its authenticity.
How to Request Assistance
You can contact the Idaho State Archives directly to initiate a search for your RECA residency documentation.
Email Requests: The most efficient way to submit a detailed research inquiry is to email the reference desk at public.archives@ishs.idaho.gov.
Contact Information
- Phone: (208) 334-2620
- In-Person Location: Merle W. Wells Research Center, 2205 Old Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID 83712
- Hours of Operation: Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Advanced appointments are encouraged if you plan to conduct in-person research.
Cost & Delivery Options
The Archives offer two delivery methods for your finalized, certified documents:
- In-Person Pickup: Certified documents will be available for pick up at the Reference Desk for free.
- Mail Delivery: If you cannot visit the Boise office, they can mail the certified documents to you for a $5.00 shipping fee.