Get your certified Rhode Island Divorce Certificate

A certified copy of your Rhode Island divorce certificate serves as official proof of your marital status change. Whether you’re updating legal documents or handling financial matters, a certified record is often required.

Here are common reasons you may need one:

• Legal Name Change – Required for updating identification, passports, and Social Security records.
• Remarriage – Some states or countries require proof of divorce before issuing a marriage license.
• Child Custody & Support – Courts and government agencies may request certified copies for custody, visitation, or financial support modifications.
• Property & Asset Division – Used in real estate transactions, retirement account settlements, or dividing shared assets.
• Government Benefits & Insurance – Needed for Social Security, military benefits, and updating life insurance policies.
• Immigration & Travel – Some visa or citizenship applications require proof of marital history.

The design and security elements of these certificates can differ significantly from state to state.

• Full Name of the Person: The full legal names of the spouses.
• Date of Divorce: The exact date of divorce of the spouses.
• 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 divorce certificate.
• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

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

If your Rhode Island divorce certificate is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must request a replacement from the county where the divorce was recorded.

If you lose your divorce 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 COUNTY.
2. 1. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the county health department. Some counties may accept walk-ins; check with the specific county where the divorce record is filed.
   2. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the County.
   3. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
2. The county will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.

Corrections and amendments are usually handled by the county clerk’s office that issued the certificate. Divorce certificates can be amended if information was entered incorrectly at the time the certificate was created. You must follow county law requirements and provide documentation to support any changes. Some amendments may also require court orders.

Common errors that may need correction include:

• Misspelled names
• Incorrect dates
• Wrong location information

The County may require you to provide legal documentation to verify changes and obtain court orders for specific amendments, along with original or certified copies of supporting documents.

When filing a vital record with a foreign government, an apostille certification is often required. An apostille for Rhode Island ****vital records can be acquired through the Secretary of State or Vital Records Online (VRO).

VRO offers online apostille services that are accepted by governments and organizations in over 100 countries. Their service includes professional assistance for obtaining apostilles for divorce certificates in all 50 states, starting at $149, plus government fees.

Once the apostille is issued, it will be sent to you by FedEx or DHL for global delivery. This ensures that your documents arrive at your doorstep regardless of location, whether in the US or internationally.

If you request by mail, you’ll need to provide the following:

1. Certified copy of vital record. Must be obtained through Vital Records at the Rhode Island Department of Health. To be authenticated, documents can only be certified the State Registrar of Vital Records or the Deputy State Registrar of Vital Records. Documents from the City or Town Clerk cannot be authenticated
2. Completed request form.
3. Fee of $5.00 per document.
4. A check or money order payable to RI Department of State. Do not send cash by mail.
5. For expedited or international shipping, enclose a pre-paid shipping label from an international carrier such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS.

• By default, all orders are returned by USPS first class mail.
• Note only pre-paid shipping labels are accepted . You may not submit a label that asks the carrier to bill you later or include your credit card information on the label.

Standard Mail Submissions:

State of Rhode Island
Department of State
148 West River Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615

Express Courier Submissions:

State of Rhode Island
Department of State Business Services Division/Notary
148 W. River Street
Providence, Rhode Island 02904-2615

In-Person Submissions:

Division of Business Services,
Office of the Secretary of State
148 West River Street
Providence, RI 02904