Office of Vital Records

Mission

The Office of Vital Records is responsible for the statewide vital records system developed to protect public health, welfare, and safety. This involves the registration and permanent filing of all vital records related to births, deaths, marriages, and civil unions for the 39 cities and towns in Rhode Island. The office is also responsible for the periodic publication of statistical data derived from the records.

What We Do

In addition to registering and filing vital records and publishing data, the Office of Vital Records can also:

• Correct birth, death, marriage, and/or civil union records.
• Update records following legal name changes.
• Create new certificates of birth following court orders of adoption and paternity.
• Issue a "Certificate of Foreign Birth" for children born in a foreign country and adopted by a Rhode Island resident. This service is provided by appointment only. (more)
• Meet with parents to complete voluntary affidavits of paternity or legitimations. This service is provided by appointment only. (more)
• Provide aggregate data and information to data users and researchers upon approval.