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Rhode Island Birth Certificate

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Rhode Island Birth Certificates

Learn how to order a Rhode Island birth certificate from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). The state fee for in-person orders is $22.00 and $25.00 for mail-in certificate requests, while additional copies can be obtained for $18.00 each. The current processing time is 2 to 4 weeks. Replacements can be requested by the person on record and authorized individuals, such as family members and legal representatives.

How to Order State of Rhode Island Birth Certificates

You can now order Rhode Island birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the RIDOH by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Before proceeding, verify the cost, eligibility, requirements, and processing times to ensure that the RIDOH approves your application.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Rhode Island birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order State of Rhode Island Birth Certificates?

All applicants must provide proof of identity with their application. The necessary documents and information may vary based on how the birth certificate replacement application is submitted and who files the request. Refer to the table below for the information and documents the RIDOH-OVRR outlines.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Driver's License
Passport
US Military ID
US Certificate of Naturalization
Alien Registration Receipt

Utility Bill
Bank Statement
Vehicle Registration
Income Tax Return

How to Get a Rhode Island Birth Certificate Without ID

When applying for a Rhode Island birth certificate without a valid ID, you may utilize two alternative forms of identification: a bank statement, income tax return, utility bill, or vehicle registration. Both documents must show your name and current address. Refer to the table above.

Alternatively, if you do not possess any secondary documents to verify your identity, an authorized third party can submit the request on your behalf, with proof of their identity and relationship to you.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Rhode Island?

The total costs for replacing a birth certificate in Rhode Island will vary depending on the method of application submission, whether in person, by mail, or online. The RIDOH charges a fee of $22.00 for a certified copy ($25.00 for mail-in requests) and $18.00 for additional copies when ordered simultaneously. RIDOH’s rush processing fee is an additional $7.00. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus state fees. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.


State Fee

$25.00 (mail-in)
$22.00 (in person)


Rush Processing

$7.00


Additional Copy

1 x $18.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Rhode Island?

Standard processing takes 2 to 4 weeks. The total time to receive a replacement birth certificate in Rhode Island is contingent upon the submission method and the current processing time stipulated by the RIDOH-OVR. Rush processing time is 5 to 7 business days. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors.

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

Rush Processing Time

5-7 business days




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Rhode Island Birth Certificate?

Access to Rhode Island birth certificates is restricted for 100 years to maintain confidentiality. Only the person named on the record and eligible third parties may request a certified copy. If requesting on behalf of the person named on the record, please review the list below to confirm eligibility prior to making the request. Proof of your identity and relationship to the record holder is required for all applicants.



Authorized People


  • Attorneys
  • Authorized Agent
  • Children
  • Genealogists
  • Grandparents
  • Legal Guardian
  • Other Person by Court Order
  • Other person of interest (personal and property rights)
  • Parents
  • Person on Record
  • Siblings
  • Spouse
  • Title Examiners

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

You do not need to notarize your Rhode Island birth certificate application. However, you must provide photocopies of acceptable identification when submitting your application.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor the progress of your application to the state health department.

If you manually mail your birth certificate request, purchasing first-class mail with tracking is recommended to know when your application is delivered to the RIDOH. Check the state website for specific mailing instructions. Once your certificate is sent to you from the state office, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a Rhode Island Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base, the birth would have been recorded with the U.S. Department of State. You must request a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or form FS-240) from the U.S. Department of State, as there will not be a birth record with the state of Rhode Island. The CRBA serves as evidence of U.S. citizenship and is equivalent to a U.S. birth certificate, which is legally accepted for purposes such as proving birth and citizenship, applying for a passport, and accessing social services.

    If you are seeking original copies of your birth record, you can contact the hospital in the country where the birth occurred.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Rhode Island Birth Certificate?

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    It's important to have certified copies of your Rhode Island birth certificate for life's significant events. A certified birth record demonstrates your legal name, place, date of birth, and parents' names, which help verify your identity and citizenship. Government and commercial entities also mandate certified birth certificates for legal proceedings and family matters.

    A certified birth certificate is also necessary for enrolling in school, employment, apostilles, and obtaining a passport.

    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license

  • What Does a Rhode Island Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) issues official birth certificates with distinct features to validate authenticity. Although the appearance of birth certificates may differ by the year of issue, official copies will display crucial details that verify your identity and citizenship. State guidelines stipulate standard features such as the state seal, individual's name, registrar's signature, and secure paper to prevent illegal duplication.

    Note that official (long-form) birth certificates are government-issued documents accepted for legal purposes. They differ from informational (short-form) copies, which are generally used for personal or commemorative purposes.

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Rhode Island Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH).
      a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to RIDOH's Center for Vital Records or any city or town clerk's office.
      b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the RIDOH at:
      Rhode Island Department of Health - Office of Vital Records
      6 Harrington Rd. Cranston, RI 02920
      c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    2. The RIDOH will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
  • How to Correct or Amend a Rhode Island Birth Certificate

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    The process for correcting or amending a Rhode Island birth certificate varies depending on the specific changes required. An addendum (supplement) is issued to correct or amend a birth certificate to ensure the original record remains intact.

    Amendment or Corrections to a Rhode Island Birth Certificate Types:

    1. Court-Ordered or Court-Approved Legal Name Change:

    To change the legal name on a Rhode Island birth certificate, you need to provide certain documents and pay specific fees. Required documents include:

    • Certified court order for the legal name change.
    • An amended birth certificate.
    • Government-issued photo ID.

    For Rhode Island Residents:

    • A Probate Court order from the probate court in the city or town of residence.
    • A Family Court order is acceptable for children younger than 18 (Contact Family Court at 401-458-3100 for information).

    For Out-of-State Residents: Contact your family court for assistance.

    Fees: $10.00 to change the birth record. For a copy of the changed record the fee is $22.00 for in-person requests and $25.00 by mail.

    1. Change the Sex Field on a Rhode Island Birth Certificate

    To change the sex field on a birth certificate, a personal visit to the Office of Vital Records is required. The individual must self-attest in person so that staff can create an affidavit.

    1. Correcting Clerical Errors for a Child Younger Than 1

    If there are clerical errors in a birth record for a child younger than one, corrections can be made without a fee. The Office of Vital Records will request the Birth Worksheet completed at the time of birth from the birthing facility.

    Examples of Clerical Errors: misspelling of a parent’s name, incorrect date or place of birth, misspelled address.

    Fees: There is no fee to change the birth record. For a copy of the changed record the fee is $22.00 for in-person requests and $25.00 by mail.

    1. Minor Corrections for a Child Older Than 1

    For children older than one, minor corrections can be made, such as name misspellings.

    Required Documents:

    • At least one document proving the child’s full name, date of birth, and parents’ names, created before the child turns 7. Examples include: baptismal certificate, school entrance record, pediatrician’s record.
    • Government-issued photo ID of the parent.

    Fees: $10.00 to change the birth record. For a copy of the changed record the fee is $22.00 for in-person requests and $25.00 by mail.

    Before requesting an amendment to a birth certificate, follow the instructions on the Rhode Island Requirements for Changing Vital Records document.

  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Rhode Island Birth Certificate

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    To obtain an apostille for a Rhode Island birth certificate, you can request one directly through the Rhode Island Secretary of State or online through VRO's Express Apostille Service. The Rhode Island Department of State is the issuing authority for apostilles, which are typically required for birth certificate submissions to foreign governments as part of the 1961 Hague Convention.

    To manually obtain an apostille for a Rhode Island birth certificate, complete the following steps:

    1. Obtain a Certified Copy of the Birth Certificate: First, ensure you have a certified copy of the birth certificate from the Rhode Island Department of Health - Office of Vital Records (RIDOH).
    2. Complete the Apostille Request Form: Complete the apostille request form available on the Rhode Island Department of State’s website.
    3. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, which typically include the certified birth certificate and the completed apostille request form.
    4. Prepare Payment: Prepare the appropriate fee for the apostille service. The cost is $5.00 per document and can be paid by check or money order payable to the RI Department of State.
    5. Submit the Request: Submit your completed request form, certified birth certificate, and payment to the Rhode Island Department of State’s office at the following address: