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
Minus
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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
- CDC W2W (Where to Write) page: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/rhode_island.htm
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.
Related procedural information
- Consulate of your country in the US — your home country’s transcription/legalization of US records
- Translate documents for USCIS — certified-translation standard
- Apostille (document legalization) — for use abroad
- USCIS Form I-130 — family petition — uses vital records as evidence
- USCIS Form N-400 — naturalization — vital records for marriage-based 3-year rule
Last verified: 2026-05-27. General procedural information — not legal advice. Fees and processing times change; verify with the Rhode Island office.
Order vital records in Rhode Island
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued by each state. Use your state's official guide:
- Rhode Island — how to order birth, death & marriage certificates (official CDC guide)
Birth certificate copy: about $25.00 (verify current fee)
Frequently asked questions
Where do I get a US birth certificate from Rhode Island?
How do I get a marriage certificate from Rhode Island?
What if my certificate is in Spanish or another language?
Can I order vital records for someone else?
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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.