Where can I find that Record?

All state and local agencies maintain public records. The compiled listed below includes public records that are frequently requested and where Rhode Islanders can research and receive copies.

Record Sought Who Can Provide the Information? Notes
RI State Archives Judicial Archives Department of Health Your City or Town Hall
Open Vital Records yes no no yes

You can research open Vital Records at the State Archives or your local city/town hall. Open records include the following years:

  • Births more than 100 years old
  • Marriages more than 100 years old
  • Deaths more than 50 years old
Closed Vital Records no no yes yes

You can research closed Vital Records at the Department of Health only. Closed Vital Records include the following years:

  • Births less than 100 years old
  • Marriages less than 100 years old
  • Deaths less than 50 years old
Census Records yes no no yes

To access census records schedule a research visit to the State Archives.

  • State Census from 1865-1935
  • Federal Census from 1850-1930
Land Evidence, Chain of Title, and Property Records no no yes yes
State Reports & Articles of Incorporation yes no no yes You can access current or active business entities’ Incorporation documents through the Business Services Division of the Department of State.
Probate Records no no yes yes
General Assembly (RI Legislature) Records yes no no yes

The General Assembly created many records. The most frequently researched records in this collection include:

  • Public Laws, Acts & Resolves
  • Private Acts
  • Committee Records
These records are transferred to the State Archives every two (2) years. For information on more current legislation contact the Public Information Office at: [email protected].
Occupational Licenses no no yes yes
Naturalization Records no yes no yes Naturalization records can also be accessed through the National Archives & Records Administration.
Burial Records no no yes yes Burial records may not be available at all City/Town Halls. The State Archives advises you contact your city/town hall previous to a research visit.
Divorce Records, 1671 - 1900 no yes no yes
Military Records yes no no yes To access a complete list of which wars, and the type of records for each that the State Archives holds, please contact the Reference Team at: [email protected].
Zoning, Permits, and Plans no no yes yes
Meeting Minutes yes no no yes

The State Archives maintains Meeting Minutes of some State Agencies and Commissions. Meeting Minutes and associated records may also be accessible at:

  • State Agencies
  • City/Town Clerk or City/Town Hall   
  • Public Information Office, RI Department of State, Open Meetings Website
Civil & Criminal Court Cases, 1671 - 1900 no yes no yes
Rules and Regulations yes no no yes
Student Permanent Records no no yes yes
Adoption Records no no yes yes
Records Retention Schedules yes no no yes The State Archives produces these documents to establish the legal process for destruction of non-permanent public records.

Researcher Tip: Most requests for the above records can be submitted directly to an agency through a general request or contact form. If you are seeking to submit an Access to Public Records (APRA) request, you can learn more about that process on the Attorney General's Website.

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