Rhode Island Affidavit of Paternity for Legitimation (VS 138A)
Official state formParentage and paternityForm VS 138AFree downloadLast verified November 10, 2026
A sworn statement by a father and mother who married after the child's birth that they are the natural parents, so the child is legitimated and a new birth certificate can be made. It goes to the Rhode Island Division of Vital Records.
Who can use this form
- The father and the mother of the child, who were later married to each other
- Both parents sign before a notary public
What to send with it
- The affidavit signed by both parents and notarized
- A long-form certified copy of the marriage record
- Affidavit form VS 138B if married outside Rhode Island and the state of marriage cannot give the bride's number of marriage
- Picture ID number and type shown by the father and the mother
Where to send it
- Mail to
- Division of Vital Records 6 Harrington Rd Cranston, RI 02920
- State fee
- Not provided
- Typical processing
- Not provided
- Form revision
- Rev. 5/98
- Source
- Not provided