Vital records office in Rhode Island

How to obtain certified copies of birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates from Rhode Island for immigration filings, USCIS evidence, school enrollment, or any other purpose.

Rhode Island

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Birth Event: Birth Cost of copy in-person:  $22.00 Cost of copy mail-in: $25.00 Address: RI Department of Health Center for Vital Records Simpson Hall 6 Harrington Rd Cranston, RI 02920 Remarks: In June, 2011 the State of Rhode Island passed a law allowing adult adoptees born in Rhode Island access to a non-certified copy of their unaltered, original birth certificate. If you are an adoptee who was born in Rhode Island and you are age 25 or older, you can request a non-certified copy of your original, pre-adoption birth record from the State Office of Vital Records. According to state law, we can only release your record to you, the adoptee. Relatives cannot request copies of your record on your behalf. Please visit the web-site at www.health.ri.govExternal under Adult Adoptees for further information on applications, ID requirements and access. Personal check or money order should be made payable to General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island . To verify current fees after office hours, the telephone number is (401) 222-2811. This will be a recorded message. To verify current fees and general information during office hours, please call the Health Hot Line at (401) 222-5960. Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the Rhode Island Department of Health website . All requests must be accompanied by a photocopy of the applicant’s valid government-issued picture identification, e.g., driver’s license. In lieu of a valid government-issued picture identification, two pieces of mail are accepted showing the correct name and address of the individual requesting the record. Event: Pre-Adoption Non-Certified Birth Cost of Copy: $20.00 Address: RI Department of Health Office of Vital Records, Room 101 3 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908-5097 In June, 2011 the State of Rhode Island passed a law allowing adult adoptees born in Rhode Island access to a non-certified copy of their unaltered, original birth certificate. If you are an adoptee who was born in Rhode Island and you are age 25 or older, you can request a non-certified copy of your original, pre-adoption birth record from the State Office of Vital Records. According to state law, we can only release your record to you, the adoptee. Relatives cannot request copies of your record on your behalf. Please visit the web-site at www.health.ri.gov under Adult Adoptees for further information on applications, ID requirements and access. Personal check or money order should be made payable to General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island. All requests must be accompanied by a photocopy of the applicant’s valid government-issued picture identification, e.g., driver’s license. In lieu of valid government-issued picture identification, two pieces of mail are accepted showing the correct name and address of the individual requesting the record. Death Event: Death Cost of copy in-person:  $22.00 C

Rhode Island vital records office details

Why immigrants need certified vital records

USCIS, courts, schools, and many other US agencies require certified vital records (not photocopies) for:

  • I-130 family petition — birth certificate proves family relationship
  • I-485 adjustment of status — birth certificate of applicant and beneficiaries
  • N-400 naturalization — marriage certificate if applying under spouse-of-USC 3-year rule
  • Apostille — for use of US documents in foreign countries (your home country may require US apostille)
  • School enrollment — proof of date of birth
  • Real ID applications — proof of identity

Apostille and authentication

If you need to use a Rhode Island vital record OUTSIDE the United States (e.g., for use at your home country’s consulate), you typically need an apostille from the Rhode Island Secretary of State’s office. See /procedures/apostille-document/ for the process.

Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; verify with the Rhode Island office.