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Rhode Island · How-To Guide

How do I access court records?

Rhode Island Judiciary (state level) / Superior Court Clerks / District Court Clerks / Family Court Clerk / Probate Court Clerk (city/town level for probate matters)
Step by Step

How to do it

  1. Identify what type of record you need:
  2. SUPERIOR COURT: Felonies, major civil cases, appeals; statewide (4 court locations - Providence/Bristol, Newport, Washington/Kent)
  3. DISTRICT COURT: Misdemeanors, civil cases up to $10,000, traffic; statewide (6 courthouses)
  4. FAMILY COURT: Divorce, domestic, juvenile; Providence location (statewide jurisdiction)
  5. MUNICIPAL/TRAFFIC COURT: Minor traffic matters
  6. PROBATE COURT: Estates, guardianship - handled at CITY/TOWN level by each municipality's Probate Court
  7. Search online:
  8. RHODE ISLAND JUDICIARY (eCourts Portal): courts.ri.gov - Rhode Island's court website; case search available for Superior Court, District Court, Family Court cases
  9. RI COURTS CASE LOOKUP: courts.ri.gov (click "Case Lookup" or similar) - covers both civil and criminal dockets
  10. For full case documents or certified copies: contact the Clerk of the appropriate court
  11. In-person access: visit the courthouse; bring photo ID and case details
Details

What you need to know

Required Docs
  • Valid photo ID (for in-person requests)
  • Case number or full legal name of parties
Fee
Online case search: free for basic information; certified copies: varies by court; contact specific court clerk for current schedule
Processing Time
Online: immediate where available; same day or by mail for certified copies
Online Option
Yes - courts.ri.gov (Rhode Island Judiciary case search)
Where to Go
RI Superior Court Clerk; RI District Court Clerk; RI Family Court Clerk; City/Town Probate Court (for estate/probate matters - municipal level)
Rhode Island Notes

Important state-specific details

  • RI courts are statewide - no county court structure.
  • RI Superior Court has locations in Providence/Bristol, Newport, and Washington (Kingston), covering all of Rhode Island.
  • Marriage records: held at city/town clerk (not courts).
  • Divorce records: RI Family Court (state level), not county courts.
  • Criminal history background checks: RI Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) - attorney.general.ri.gov | (401) 274-4400; fee-based.
  • RI Sex Offender Registry - searchable online: sor.ri.gov.
  • Juvenile records: sealed; special access rules.
  • Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act (APRA): public records presumed open; agencies must respond within 10 business days.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
Rhode Island Judiciary - courts.ri.gov | (401) 222-3272; RI BCI (criminal records) - attorney.general.ri.gov | (401) 274-4400