Introduction to Rhode Island Death Certificates

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

Rhode Island Death certificates have been maintained by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Division of Vital Records for individuals that died in the state of Rhode Island since 1949.

Rhode Island Death Certificate Authorized Persons

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

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

Rhode Island Death Certificate for Genealogy Purpose

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

Rhode Island Death Certificate Ordering

Options Option 1 – Order Rhode Island Death Certificate Online

This option is the simplest and easiest way to get your Rhode Island Death Certificate.  Order online and you will get your Rhode Island Death 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 Death Certificate through the Mail

Follow the instructions below, if you are not ordering your Rhode Island Death 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 Death certificate:

• Full name of person at Death on the Rhode Island Death certificate
• Date of Death on the Rhode Island Death certificate
• Sex on the Rhode Island Death certificate
• County (or city) of Death on the Rhode Island Death certificate
• Your name 
• Your signature 
• Your relationship to the person whose Rhode Island Death certificate you are requesting 
• Address where the Rhode Island Death 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 Death certificate. Most Rhode Island Death certificates can be issued while you wait.

Rhode Island Death Certificate Ordering Cost

The fee to search for a Rhode Island Death certificate is $20.00, which includes one certified copy of the Rhode Island Death certificate or a "Certificate of Failure to Find." For each additional copy of the Rhode Island Death 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.