Rhode Island · How-To Guide
How do I get a copy of a death certificate?
Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), Center for Vital Records (state level - Cranston) / City or Town Clerk (municipal level)
Details
What you need to know
Processing Time
In-person (appointment): same/next day; mail: several weeks
Online Option
VitalChek
Where to Go
RIDOH (Cranston - appointment required); city/town clerk; VitalChek
Rhode Island Notes
Important state-specific details
- RIDOH office in Cranston - appointment required.
- Death records public after 50 years (State Archives).
- Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need one.
Official Source
State office contact
State Office
RIDOH Center for Vital Records - health.ri.gov/vital-records | (401) 222-2812 | Simpson Hall, 6 Harrington Rd., Cranston, RI 02920