How to Find Rhode Island Birth Records

State wide registration of births in Rhode Island began in 1853. Earlier birth records dating back to 1636 were kept by the towns.

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

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Next Step: When did the birth occur?

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 * Birth Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Births 1636 to present
 * Birth year unknown


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Births 1636 to present
Towns began keeping birth 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 births began in 1853 and was generally complied with by the 1900s.

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

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

Record Restrictions
There are no restrictions for obtaining a certificate for a birth that occurred 100 or more years ago.

To obtain a record for a birth that occurred less than 100 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 birth record, you can search other records with birth information. Return to top: Choose another birth year

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