Rhode Island State Archives

337 Westminster Street

Providence, Rhode Island 02903
(401) 222 – 2353
statearchives@sos.ri.gov
VITAL RECORDS ORDER FORM GUIDELINES
In order to provide for as rapid response time as possible the following guidelines have been established
regarding written requests for vital records:
1. All inquiries must be made on a Vital Records Order Form (see reverse).
2. Only one type of record (birth, marriage, or death) for one name may be requested on a Form.
3. To ensure equitable service and to expedite our response we ask that no more than two Vital
Records Order Forms be submitted at one time. Please wait for our response before sending
additional requests.
4. All requests for vital records must include an approximate date for the birth, marriage, or death
sought. If you are unsure of the date, we ask that you include a reasonable period for the
search as well as any information that will assist, such as parents' names, spouse, town/city of
residence, name of spouse, etc.
5. Requests for vital filings recorded prior to 1800 must include the name of the city or town as no
statewide index exist to facilitate a search of the early records.
6. Certified Copies of State records (births, marriage & deaths recorded from 1853), will be
provided at a cost of $2.00 per record. Photocopies of corresponding original manuscripts
as available / applicable will be provided at a cost of $0.15 per page.
****PLEASE DO NOT SEND MONEY****
**** YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED OF ANY CHARGES***
Note: Rhode Island General Laws stipulate that all records of birth and marriage are closed for a period of
one hundred (100) years. Death records are restricted for a period of fifty (50) years. Vital records
currently available at the Rhode Island State Archives are as follows:
Town Vitals: Prior to 1853 - microfilm copies only. Original manuscripts maintained at
the local level. Requests for certified copies should be directed to the
municipality of record
Births and Marriages: 1853 –1913 (statewide index available)
Deaths: 1853 –1963 (statewide index available)
 ****THIS FORM MAY BE COPIED****
VITAL RECORDS ORDER FORM
Type of Record Sought: Birth _____ Marriage _____ Death _____
(Select only one)
PLEASE PRINT
Name of Individual Sought:
First:______________ Middle: _____________ Last:__________________

Date of Birth / Marriage / Death Sought _____________________________

Place of event __________________________________________________

Parents' Names:_________________________________________________

Spouse: _______________________________________________________

Your Name: ________________________________

Address: ________________________________

________________________________

Phone / Email ________________________________

ARCHIVES STAFF USE

Request Date ____________________________

Charges ____________________________

Staff Member ____________________________

Response Date ____________________________