Are Rhode Island Marriage Records Public?
Marriage records are confidential in Rhode Island. This means that they are not publicly accessible. The state, however, allows eligible individuals to view and request certified copies of marriage certificates. These include the couples named on these records as well as their immediate family members and designated attorneys. A third-party may request Rhode Island marriage records only if they have a valid order authorizing access to these records.
Family court records can include marriage records and divorce records. These records contain personal information of those involved and their maintenance is critical should anyone involved wish to make changes. Because of this both marriage and divorce records can be considered more difficult to locate and obtain than other public records, and may not be available through government sources or third party public record websites.
How to Find Rhode Island Marriage Records
Rhode Island marriage records are official documents providing details of marital unions approved and solemnized in the state. The custodians of marriage records in the state are the offices of the city or town clerks, and the Center of Vital Records of the Rhode Island Department of Health.
What is Considered a Marriage Record in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island marriage records include marriage licenses and marriage certificates issued in the state. These documents validate marriages that occur in the state. They provide details such as the names of the couples getting married as well as when and where the marriage ceremonies took place.
Both government websites and organizations may offer divorce and marriage records. Similarly, third party public record websites can also provide these types of records. But because third party organizations are not operated or sponsored by the government, record availability may vary. Further, marriage and divorce records are considered highly private and are often sealed, meaning availability of these types of records cannot be guaranteed.
What is Considered a Marriage License in Rhode Island?
A marriage license is a legal document that provides authorization for an upcoming marriage ceremony. In Rhode Island, prospective couples need marriage licenses before proceeding with the solemnization of their unions. Licenses issued in the state are only valid for marriages contracted and held in the state.
Before issuing a marriage license to a couple, the office of the city or town clerk confirms that both parties meet the state’s requirement for marriage. While Rhode Island does not require those applying for its marriage licenses to be residents, applicants must hold their marriage ceremonies in the cities/towns where they obtained their licenses.
How to Change Your Name After Marriage in Rhode Island
Parties can perform a name change after marriage in Rhode Island at any time. The process starts with locating a marriage license. Parties should then contact the Social Security Administration after receiving their marriage certificate. Without this, the name change won't be made official. The party will fill out an application form and provide a copy of their marriage certificate and proof of identity before obtaining a new state security card with their new name. They'll also need to submit proof of citizenship, provided they have not done this in the past. This process may take up to three weeks.
Parties should also visit the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) upon officially changing their name after marriage. They can apply for a new driver's license in any Rhode Island DMV local office with the application for a license, ID card, or permit before visiting the office in person. The party must bring along their current Rhode Island driver's license, their new social security card, and a copy of their marriage certificate.
Rhode Island Formal Marriage Licenses
Formal marriage licenses in Rhode Island refer to those that are issued to intending couples after meeting the state’s marriage requirements. A formal marriage license allows a couple to proceed with their marriage solemnization and qualifies them for a marriage certificate.
Rhode Island Common Law Marriage Licenses
Rhode Island is one of the few states that allow and recognize common law marriages. While this type of union is not a formal marriage, it does allow those involved to enjoy some of the benefits of formal marriage. In Rhode Island, two people living together with the intention to be married and presenting themselves to the public as a couple are, for all intents and purposes, in a common law marriage. However, Rhode Island does not issue licenses for this type of union.
What is Considered a Marriage Certificate in Rhode Island?
A Rhode Island certificate is a vital record that confirms a state-approved union between two people contracted in the state. Couples with valid marriage licenses qualify for marriage certificates. To get a marriage certificate, the officiant at the marriage ceremony must register the signed and witnessed marriage license with the city/town clerk that issued it. This must be done within 72 hours of the ceremony. Thereafter, the clerk issues the marriage certificate and files a copy with the state’s Center of Vital Records.
A marriage certificate in Rhode Island contains the following information: the names of the persons joined in the marriage, the date and place of the ceremony, the name and contact address of the officiant. Also on the certificate are the signatures of the persons joined in matrimony as well as those of the officiant and two witnesses (no younger than 18 years of age).
How Do I Get a Marriage License in Rhode Island?
To obtain a marriage license in Rhode Island, visit the clerk’s office of the city/town where the marriage ceremony is planned to occur. Both parties must appear in person and fill out and sign the marriage worksheet and license to be provided by the clerk. They must also provide the following documents:
- Proof of age - certified copies of birth certificates are preferred
- Government-issued IDs
Rhode Island city/town clerks charge $24 for each marriage license issued.
Age is a key marriage requirement in Rhode Island. The legal age for marriage in the state is 18 years. Those applying for marriage licenses must present legal documents providing proof of their ages. Rhode Island does make exceptions for some underage applicants. Individuals younger than 18 years must provide notarized consent letters from parents/legal guardians when applying for marriage licenses. Those younger than 16 years must have valid court orders from Rhode Island family courts before they can get their marriage licenses.
If an applicant was previously married, they must present a copy of a divorce decree from the previous marriage or a death certificate of their former spouse. Marriage licenses in Rhode Island are processed without any waiting period and they remain valid for a period of 3 months. If the marriage is not contracted within the period, the intending couple must return the license to the office of the city/town clerk where it was issued.
How Do I Obtain a Copy of My Marriage Certificate in Rhode Island?
Copies of a marriage certificate in Rhode Island may be obtained in person or by mail. To request these vital records, download, print, and complete a marriage record copy request form. Provide the full names of parties named on the certificate and the date and city of the marriage event.
Rhode Island requires requesters to specify their relationship to the parties named on the records before they can obtain copies of marriage documents. They must also state the reasons for their requests.
After completing the request form, attach a copy of a valid government-issued ID and bring it to:
Center for Vital Records,
Department of Health,
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
This request can also be submitted in person at a Rhode Island city/town clerk’s office.
Rhode Island Vital Records charges $22 for the first certified copy of a marriage certificate and $18 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. It accepts cash payments for in-person requests. When paying with a check or money order, make it payable to the General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island.
Alternatively, mail the completed application along with the required documents and fee to the state’s Vital Records address provided above.
For mailed requests, Rhode Island Vital Records charges $25 for the first certified copy of a marriage and $18 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Only checks and money orders are accepted for payments for mail requests.
