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The Center for Vital Records (birth, death, marriage, and adoption certificates) is now open at it's new location in Simpson Hall on the Pastore Campus (6 Harrington Rd., Cranston).

You can also request Vital Records at:

  • City or town halls
  • Certificates for births after 1960: any city/town hall
  • Certificates for deaths in 2022: any city/town hall
  • Certificates for deaths before 2022: city/town hall where death occurred
  • Marriage certificates: city/town hall where ceremony occurred
  • Online: health.ri.gov/records/about/copies
  • By US mail: 6 Harrington Rd., Cranston 02920
  • Drop box at Cranston or Providence office (Cranston drop box available May 2)
  • By appointment (Call 401-222-2812).

Changes to Birth, Death or Marriage Records

Who can request changes to birth, death, or marriage records

Vital records are confidential. Only people with a direct and tangible interest in the records can request changes be made to the record. Changes to records can only be requested by:

  • You;
  • Your mother, father, sibling, guardian, or authorized agent;
  • Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, or members of legally incorporated genealogical societies conducting official duties;
  • A person who needs information to determine or protect personal or property rights;
  • A person with a court order instructing the registrar to change the document.

The State of Rhode Island has amended the sex field on birth certificates, which allows people to make a change to reflect their sex or gender identity on their birth certificate. more

Firms, agencies, or individuals requesting information for commercial purposes are not considered to have a direct and tangible interest. It is illegal to inspect or disclose information contained in vital records, copy, or issue a copy of all or part of any vital record except as authorized above. more Anyone who uses false statements to obtain a vital record may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to a year, or both. more

Identification

To make a change to a birth, death, or marriage record, you must provide a valid, government-issued photo identification to prove you are entitled to make the request. Acceptable documents include:

  • Driver's license
  • Passport
  • Military identification
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Alien Registration Card

If you are requesting a change to a birth, death, or marriage record by mail, you must include a readable copy of an approved form of identification. If you submit a request without an approved form of identification, the request will not be processed and will be returned to the requestor.

Cost

  • Corrections to birth, death, or marriage licenses: Free within one year of the birth, death, or marriage; $10 if more than one year has passed since the birth, death, or marriage
  • Rush orders: $7 additional

Payment Methods

You can pay for changes to birth, death, and marriage records with check or money order made payble to the General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island.