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.
Rhode Island Vital Records — Key Facts (2026)
What Changed in 2026 — Rhode Island Vital Records
The 4-Step Rhode Island Vital Records Pathway
Five Things People Get Wrong About Rhode Island Vital Records
Primary Sources and Official Record Portals
- health.ri.gov — Official Rhode Island Vital Records — State portal for Rhode Island vital records
- CDC National Vital Statistics System — National Vital Statistics System
- CDC — Where to Write for Records — CDC state-by-state directory
- National Archives — Vital Records — Federal genealogy & vital guide
- Social Security Death Master File — Social Security death records
- Census — Births and Deaths — Census Bureau vital statistics
- VA — Veterans Records — Veterans Administration records
Related Vital Records Resources
- Rhode Island Court Records →
- Rhode Island Criminal Records →
- Rhode Island Property Records →
- Rhode Island Voter Records →
- Rhode Island Wants & Warrants →
- Rhode Island Licenses →
- Rhode Island Recorded Documents →
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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
Where do I order a Rhode Island birth certificate?▼
Certified birth certificates for events in Rhode Island are issued by the Official Rhode Island Vital Records at health.ri.gov. Requests can be made by mail, in person, or (in most cases) online through the state's authorized vendor. The county of registration may also be able to issue certified copies for recent local events.
How do I get a Rhode Island death certificate?▼
Rhode Island death certificates are issued by the Official Rhode Island Vital Records; eligibility (next of kin, executor, legal representative) and ID documentation requirements are listed at health.ri.gov. For deaths within the last year, the county clerk or local registrar where the death occurred can often issue a copy more quickly.
Can I look up a Rhode Island marriage or divorce record online?▼
Rhode Island marriage and divorce records are not generally available in a free, name-searchable online index. The Official Rhode Island Vital Records (health.ri.gov) handles certified copies; the underlying license/decree is filed with the county clerk or court that issued it, which is also a primary search point.
How long does it take to get a Rhode Island vital record?▼
Standard Rhode Island vital-record processing times vary from a few business days (in-person same-day at some county clerks) to several weeks for mailed requests. The Official Rhode Island Vital Records publishes current turnaround times at health.ri.gov. Expedited processing is usually available for an additional fee.
What ID do I need to order a Rhode Island certified vital record?▼
The Official Rhode Island Vital Records requires government-issued photo identification (driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID) and proof of your relationship to the record holder, if applicable. The full list of acceptable ID and supporting documents is published at health.ri.gov.