- Vital Records
Simpson Hall, 6 Harrington Rd. Cranston, RI 02920 - 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM, Weekdays
- Recorded Message 401-222-2811
State of Rhode Island
Department of Health
The Center for Vital Records (birth, death, marriage, and adoption certificates) is now open at it's new location in Simpson Hall on the Pastore Campus (6 Harrington Rd., Cranston).
You can also request Vital Records at:
- City or town halls
- Certificates for births after 1960: any city/town hall
- Certificates for deaths in 2022: any city/town hall
- Certificates for deaths before 2022: city/town hall where death occurred
- Marriage certificates: city/town hall where ceremony occurred
- Online: health.ri.gov/records/about/copies
- By US mail: 6 Harrington Rd., Cranston 02920
- Drop box at Cranston or Providence office (Cranston drop box available May 2)
- By appointment (Call 401-222-2812).
Two people who are eligible to marry get a marriage license. Same-sex marriage became legal in Rhode Island as of August 1, 2013, so couples are no longer allowed to enter into a civil union. Any couple who entered into a civil union before August 1, 2013, has three choices.
If two people live in Rhode Island and have a legal union, other than a marriage, that provides substantially the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as a marriage and the union is legal, valid, and not prohibited, they will have the same rights, benefits, and responsibilities as a valid marriage in Rhode Island. more
There is no deadline on your ability to merge a Rhode Island civil union into a marriage. If a couple decides to do nothing, the Rhode Island civil union will remain a legal document and is subject to all the rules and regulations governing a vital record.
Other questions or clarifications can be directed to the clerk�s office in the city or town where you will obtain your marriage license or have your civil union merged into a marriage. If your question is legal in nature, consult your lawyer.