Rhode Island Department of Health - Center for Vital Records
Rhode Island · Vital Records
health.ri.gov/vital-recordsState Vital Records in Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Health - Center for Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Rhode Island. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •Online: Order through VitalChek
- •By mail: Mail request (or use the drop box at Simpson Hall) with completed application, copy of ID, and check or money order. Takes 4-6 weeks ($25 first copy)
- •In person: Visit Center for Vital Records at Simpson Hall ($22 first copy). Rush orders +$7. Appointment suggested
- •In person: Any Rhode Island city or town hall for deaths in 2022 to present; for earlier deaths, the city or town hall where the person lived or died
- •Valid government-issued photo ID
- •OR two documents with name and current address if no photo ID
- •Completed Application for a Certified Copy of a Death Record
State Vital Records in Rhode Island: key facts
What Rhode Island says9
- Administering office
Rhode Island Department of Health - Center for Vital Records.1
- Office location and hours
Center for Vital Records, Simpson Hall, 6 Harrington Rd., Cranston, RI 02920. 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Weekdays.1
- Mail orders
Center for Vital Records, Simpson Hall, 6 Harrington Rd., Cranston, RI 02920.1
- Certificate fee
$22 for the first certified copy; $18 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; expedited processing adds $7.1
- Processing time
4-6 weeks for mail. Expedited: 5-7 business days with rush service.1
- Who may order
Registrant (name on the record), if 18 or older; Issue (child, grandchild, etc.); Spouse or legally registered partner; Parent, sibling, or legal guardian (guardianship papers required); Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, or members of legally incorporated genealogical societies.1
Anyone with a court order (copy required); Funeral directors; Persons requiring the record to determine or protect a personal or property right.1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 7 days.2
- Public record
Death records become public 50 years after the death.1
- Records available from
1853.1
Governing law: R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-3-16
Rhode Island vital records offices
Rhode Island Department of Health - Center for Vital Records
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Rhode Island
Free tools for settling an estate in Rhode Island: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Rhode Island, certified death certificates come from the Rhode Island Department of Health - Center for Vital RecordsRhode Island Department of Health - Center for Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $22Rhode Island Department of Health - Center for Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $18Rhode Island Department of Health - Center for Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Rhode Island: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysR.I. Gen. Laws §§ 33-9-1, 33-9-4Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsR.I. Gen. Laws §§ 33-11-4, 33-11-5, 33-11-5.1, 33-11-5.2, 33-12-11, 33-18-1Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 12 months.
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