Rhode Island court records are filed with the Superior Court Clerk (state-run). The Superior Court / District Court (unified, state-run) handles trial-level cases. Rhode Island offers a statewide court search through RI Courts Public Portal, which covers most case types across all municipalities courts.
What this page covers: Rhode Island state court case records — criminal, civil, family, and probate filings. What it does not cover: Federal court cases (those are on PACER) or sealed/juvenile records.
Where to start: Use RI Courts Public Portal for online case search. If you need documents beyond docket information, contact the Superior Court Clerk (state-run) in the specific municipality where the case was filed.
Common mistake: RI Courts Public Portal covers state courts only. Federal cases filed in Rhode Island (bankruptcy, federal criminal, federal civil) require PACER — a separate federal system.
Rhode Island note: Rhode Island runs all courts at the state level — there are no municipality-level courts.
Court Records Databases
6 official Rhode Island court records sources.
Court Records
Rhode Island Counties
All 5 Rhode Island counties. Click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a free statewide criminal search in Rhode Island?▼
Rhode Island's official criminal-history repository is operated by the state law-enforcement agency. Free public access to a complete criminal history is generally not available; an official background check typically requires fingerprints and a fee. County-level court records can be searched at no cost through individual court websites.
How do I search Rhode Island court cases?▼
Rhode Island's court system is headed by the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Trial-court business is handled by the Superior Court, District Court, Family Court, Workers' Compensation Court. Many Rhode Island courts publish docket searches and case lookups online — see the Court Records tab above for direct links.
Where do I search Rhode Island business entities?▼
The Rhode Island Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) operates the official business-entity search. You can typically search corporations, LLCs, LPs, and other registered entities by name or registration number. See the Licenses or Business tab above.
What is the difference between Assessor and Recorder in Rhode Island?▼
The Assessor determines property values for tax purposes. The Recorder (or Clerk-Recorder) records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents. Some county offices combine these roles, others keep them separate. Check the specific county page for details.
How do I obtain a Rhode Island birth or death certificate?▼
Rhode Island vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates) are issued by the Rhode Island Department of Health (Center for Vital Records) and, in many cases, by local county clerks. Fees and ID requirements are set by the issuing agency.
Are Rhode Island property records free to search?▼
Most county-level property and recorded-document searches are free for basic information through the Assessor or Recorder website. Certified copies of deeds typically have a per-page fee. Direct links are in the Property Records tab above.
How do I check a Rhode Island sex offender?▼
The Rhode Island sex offender registry is maintained by the state law-enforcement agency under the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. The registry is searchable by name, ZIP code, or address.