Below are questions that are frequently asked using our Email Reference service.
Where can I find a copy of my birth record, death record, civil union, marriage license, or divorce decree?
The Department of Health keeps track of these vital records.
Where can I get married/enter into a civil union?
Congratulations! Forms needed to get a marriage or civil union license can be found here.
What do I need to know about going to the beach?
Download the current beach pass fees .pdf. Also learn about season beach passes. Lastly, stay up to date with what’s happening on the beaches.
Your beach question still unanswered? Visit the Rhode Island Parks Department FAQ page for our state’s beaches.
What do I need to know about fishing in Rhode Island?
RI.gov has all the freshwater, saltwater,and general fishing information, as well as a Fishing FAQ page.
How do I get a handicapped placard for my car?
The DMV has that information and the requisite forms for you.
Where can I register my new vehicle?
You’ll find a Registration Application, the DMV’s fee table, and step-by-step instructions on this page.
Where can I get a veteran or vanity plate?
Find the veteran and vanity plates on the RI DMV. They even have special designs for charities.
Where do I get a criminal background check?
At the Bureau of Criminal Identification in Providence. There’s even a site to request a copy of your criminal record.+
I am a landlord of or a tenant in an apartment. Where can I find information about rules or laws?
The Landlord-Tenant Handbook is available online. Rhode Island General Laws describes laws relating to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Where can I find my tax forms?
Tax forms and instructions for Business and Individual filing as well as other miscellaneous tax information. If you need any of the forms mailed to you, please call (401) 574-8970.
Where can I apply for, renew or check on a professional license?
Rhode Island has many occupations that require state licensing. The DLT has a list of those occupations along with details regarding requirements, education, renewal and fees and other pertinent information about the license.
There are also several sites you can verify a license of a professional:
– Insurance Regulation Verification
– Health Professional VerificationWhere can I find a Bill Status, History or Text, Public Laws, House and Senate Rules, or other Legislative information?
All information for past and current Bill Information, The Rhode Island Constitution, Floor Votes, State Committee Information, Public Laws, General Laws, House, Senate and General Assembly Information and other state government Acts and Rules are hosted on their website.
I need more information about a business. Is it registered in Rhode Island, what filings have they submitted, what type of business are they, and what is their address?
- Corporate Search allows you to find out if a business is current, the address and type, the Officers on record and look though business filings.
Email A Librarian
Have a question that you need answered? Can't find the answer in our FAQ or through one of AskRI's resoruces? Email a Reference Librarian using the form below. We monitor the Email a Librarian service throughout the day, and will make every attempt to respond to your emails within 48 hours, but typically respond to emails within an hour or two.