Vital Records

Vital records are confidential. Therefore, only those individuals who have a "Direct and Tangible Interest" in the records may have access to records. The following individuals and/or groups make up those having direct and tangible interests:

1. The person named on the certificate, a member of his/her immediate family, his guardian, or an authorized agent of these individuals; or

2. Attorneys-at-law, title examiners, or members of legally incorporated genealogical societies, in the conduct of their official duties; or

3. Persons requiring information for the determination or protection of a personal or property right; or

4. A person who has been granted a court order instructing the registrar to provide disclosure.

Note: A direct and tangible interest shall not be demonstrated by firms, agencies, or individuals requesting information to be used for commercial purposes.

  

FEE SCHEDULE

Mail-In First Copy:                  $25

Mail-In Additional Copy          $18

Walk-In First Copy:                 $22

Walk-In Additional Copy:       $18

 

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

The Town Clerk’s office maintains copies of births, which occurred in Charlestown or for residents of Charlestown who were living here at the time of the birth. In addition, any person born in Rhode Island after 1960 may obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate in any City or Town. Certified copies may be requested online by clicking here, in person, or via mail, by completing a request form. The request must include a copy of your driver’s license and a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a check made payable to the Town of Charlestown. If further information is needed, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at (401) 364-1200.

 

DEATH CERTIFICATES

The Town Clerk’s office only issues certified copies of death certificates of individuals who died within Charlestown or who were residents of Charlestown at the time of their death. Certified copies of death certificates will only be issued to the next of kin or to persons with a legal right to the information. Certified copies may be requested online by clicking here, in person, or via mail by completing a request form. The request must include a copy of your driver’s license and a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a check made payable to the Town of Charlestown. If further information is needed, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at (401) 364-1200.

 

APPLICATION FOR MARRIAGE LICENSE

Marriage licenses are obtained in the Town where either party is a resident. If one of the parties is from out of state, the license is obtained where the other party is a resident. If both parties are from out of state, the license is obtained in the town where they are going to be married. The cost of a marriage license is $24. There are no blood work requirements in the State of Rhode Island. The license is valid for 90 days.

 

The parties must show proof of ID. This office accepts a valid driver’s license or current passport. We also require a certified copy (not the hospital copy) of each party's birth certificate. If this is not the first marriage, the parties must also present a certified copy of divorce papers or death certificate, whichever applies. 

 

When the parties come to the Town Clerk’s office, they will be given a worksheet to fill out. Please click below to obtain the worksheet. Please print when completing this form, as the actual license will be typed from the information provided on the worksheet. Marriage licenses are issued Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

CERTIFIED COPY OF MARRIAGE LICENSE

The Town Clerk’s office maintains copies of marriage licenses that occurred in Charlestown or marriages of residents of Charlestown that occurred in another city or town within Rhode Island. Certified copies will only be issued to the parties on the marriage certificate or persons with a legal right to the record. Certified copies may be requested online by clicking here, in person, or via mail by completing a request form. The request must a copy of the requestor's driver’s license and a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a check made payable to the Town of Charlestown. If further information is needed, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at (401) 364-1200.

  

RHODE ISLAND'S MARRIAGE EQUALITY LAW

As of August 1, 2013, same-sex marriage is legal in Rhode Island. Also, as of August 1, Rhode Island will no longer allow couples to enter into a civil union. Any person who otherwise meets the marriage eligibility requirements of R.I.G.L. Chapters 15-1 and 15-2 may marry any other marriage-eligible person. Full marriage eligibility requirements may be found in R.I.G.L. Chapters 15-1 and 15-2, as amended by Public Law 2013-005.

 
For further information, please visit the State of Rhode Island Department of Health website.