Vital records in Rhode Island are handled at the municipal level. Birth, death, and marriage records are maintained by local city or town clerks. The state office (City/Town Clerk (local) / RIDOH (state)) keeps duplicate copies.
What this page covers: Rhode Island vital record ordering, eligibility requirements, and related databases. What it does not cover: Genealogy records older than the state vital records system (check the Genealogy Resources page for historical records).
Where to start: For certified copies of birth or death certificates, contact City/Town Clerk (local) / RIDOH (state). For marriage licenses, contact the City or Town Clerk in the municipality where the ceremony will occur. For divorce records, contact the court that granted the decree.
Common mistake: Birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees come from different offices. Do not assume one office handles all vital records.
Vital Records Databases
5 official Rhode Island vital records sources.
Vital 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.