How to Find Rhode Island Death Records

United States US Vital Records  How to Find United States Deaths  Rhode Island  Vital Records  Rhode Island Deaths

Finding Rhode Island Death Records
State wide registration of deaths in Rhode Island began in 1853. Earlier death records dating back to 1636 were kept by the towns.

If you cannot locate your ancestor in the databases below, try searching for death information in other records with death information.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Death Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Deaths 1636 to present
 * Death year unknown


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Deaths 1636 to present
Towns began keeping death records as early as 1636. In 1700 the laws concerning vital records registration were made more specific and the records after that time are more complete. State wide registration of deaths began in 1853 and was generally complied with by the 1900s.

For deaths that occurred in this time period try the following databases:

Obtain the Record
With the approximate death date and place, you can locate death records available through the city or town where the death occurred or from the Rhode Island State Archives.

Record Restrictions
There are no restrictions for obtaining a certificate for a death that occurred 50 or more years ago.

To obtain a record for a death that occurred less than 50 year ago you must be:


 * person named on the certificate
 * a member of his/her immediate family
 * his/her guardian, or an authorized agent of these individuals
 * Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, or members of legally incorporated genealogical societies conducting their official duties
 * person requiring information to determine or protect a personal or property right
 * person who has been granted a court order instructing the registrar to provide the document

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

Return to top: Choose another death year

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 * Rhode Island Historical Cemetery Commission, index, incomplete.
 * Rhode Island, Deaths, 1630-1930($)
 * Online Rhode Island Death Records and Indexes
 * Vital record of Rhode Island, 1636-1850 : a family register for the people Links Vol. 1-21
 * American Ancestors Rhode Island Vital Records, 1636–1850 ($)
 * Rhode Island Vital Records, index