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Rhode Island: Local History & Genealogy Resource Guide

Vital Records

Based on the date of the vital event (birth, death, marriage, divorce), determine whether you are seeking a state, territory, county, or parish level record. If the record you are seeking has been digitized, you can access it online, through the projects described below. If it has not been digitized or if you need a certified copy, contact the appropriate state or county office to view the record.

Timeline of Vital Records

Birth Records
Death Records
  • State Level: 1853 to present

Note: The Rhode Island Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office responds to requests via their website.

Also Note: For earlier records contact the county where the event occurred. Generally maintained by the Probate Court. Some early records are digitized and available on subscription databases.

Marriage Records
  • State Level: 1853 to present, Rhode Island Department of Public Health
  • County Level: 1853 to present, generally maintained by the Probate Court

Note: Earlier records may be available at the county where the event occurred. Some early records are digitized and available on subscription databases.

Divorce Records
  • State Level: 1905 to present
  • County Level: Prior to 1905 are available at the Clerk of Superior Court

Online Resources for Vital Records

The subscription resources marked with a padlock are available to researchers on-site at the Library of Congress. If you are unable to visit the Library, you may be able to access these resources through your local public or academic library.

Using Ancestry Library Edition for Rhode Island

Begin your search through Ancestry's vast collections, by viewing the list designated as Rhode Island records External.

Using FamilySearch for Rhode Island

FamilySearch provides useful state and county wikis that make excellent starting points for research. The Rhode Island Wiki External includes links to each of its counties.

FamilySearch has digitized many of its microfilms containing county courthouse records including birth, death, and marriage. Not all records have been indexed yet, so search engine results may NOT show you the full range of FamilySearch data. You must browse the FamilySearch catalog External listings for each county to view the full set of records available. The vast amount of accessible original records is well worth your time to explore.

There is no fee to use FamilySearch, but you must create a free, personal account to access the databases and digital records.

Obtaining Copies of Vital Records

Contact the Rhode Island Department of Health Center for Vital Records to learn more about accessing state-level records and explore additional options for obtaining copies.

Published Vital Records

Below are selected print publications for statewide vital records. The following titles link to fuller bibliographic information in the Library of Congress Online Catalog. Links to additional online content are included when available.

To locate additional published materials, go to the Print Resources section of this guide for search tips on locating published county courthouse records, abstracts, and indexes that may aide you in locating original records at the county level.