Introduction to Rhode Island Birth Certificates

This article is designed to help you get a Rhode Island birth certificate.  Counter to common belief, not everything is on the Internet.  Personal birth certificates are one of the items that are not readily available online, and that is probably a good thing.  You do not want your birth certificate in the public domain, where it can be seen by anyone.  However, this does not mean that you can’t easily get your birth certificate.  

Rhode Island birth certificates have been maintained by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Vital Records for individuals born in the state of Rhode Island since 1899.

Rhode Island Birth Certificate Authorized Persons

By Rhode Island state law, Rhode Island birth certificates are confidential records and can only be obtained by the following authorized individuals:

• Person Named on the Rhode Island Birth Certificate
• Mother/Father (or Legal Guardian) of Person Named on the Rhode Island Birth Certificate
• Grandparents and Great Grandparents of Person Named on the Rhode Island Birth Certificate
• Adult Son/Daughter of Person Named on the Rhode Island Birth Certificate
• Sister/Brother of individual named on the Rhode Island birth certificat
• Legal Representative of an Authorized Person of Person Named on the Rhode Island Birth Certificate

Rhode Island Birth Certificate for Genealogy Purpose

Anyone can obtain a Rhode Island Birth Certificate, 100 years or later from the date of the birth for genealogy or other reasons.

Rhode Island Birth Certificate Ordering

Options Option 1 – Order Rhode Island Birth Certificate Online

This option is the simplest and easiest way to get your Rhode Island Birth Certificate.  Order online and you will get your Rhode Island Birth Certificate usually in less than a week.  Many times you will have the option of receiving your vital record by next-day or second-day service.

Order Birth and Death Records Online!  

Option 2 – Order Rhode Island Birth Certificate through the Mail

Follow the instructions below, if you are not ordering your Rhode Island birth certificate online.  It usually takes 4-6 weeks upon receipt of request to be sent to you:

Step 1: Download Mail-In Application

Step 2: Please provide as much of the following information as possible to locate the Rhode Island birth certificate:

• Full name of person at birth on the Rhode Island birth certificate
• Date of birth on the Rhode Island birth certificate
• Sex on the Rhode Island birth certificate
• County (or city) of birth on the Rhode Island birth certificate
• Hospital of birth - if not in a hospital state "home" 
• Full maiden name of mother on the Rhode Island birth certificate
• Full name of father on the Rhode Island birth certificate
• Your name 
• Your signature 
• Your relationship to the person whose Rhode Island birth certificate you are requesting 
• Address where the Rhode Island birth certificate is to be mailed 
• Self addressed stamped envelope
• Your daytime phone number
• By Mail: Send the above information and the appropriate fee to:

 

Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Vital Records

3 Capitol Hill, Rm. 101

Providence, RI 02908-5097

Option 3 – In Person

In Person in Rhode Island: You may go to any county health department in the State of Rhode Island to obtain a certified copy of a Rhode Island birth certificate. Most Rhode Island birth certificates can be issued while you wait.

Rhode Island Birth Certificate Ordering Cost

The fee to search for a Rhode Island birth certificate is $20.00, which includes one certified copy of the Rhode Island birth certificate or a "Certificate of Failure to Find." For each additional copy of the Rhode Island birth certificate ordered at the same time, the fee is $15.00. Checks or Money Orders should be made payable to "General Treasurer of Rhode Island." Please do not send cash. Fees are not refundable. Additional fees are required for expedited service.