Obtaining a Certified Copy of Birth Records

Persons born at Newport Hospital or the Newport Naval Hospital can obtain a certified copy of their birth record at the Newport City Clerk’s office. One may apply in person, at which time he or she will be required to complete a state mandated form and present an official picture ID (such as a driver’s license or military ID.) A certified birth certificate is issued immediately.

A Certified birth certificate can also be requested by mail. Information to include is the individual’s birth name, date of birth, mother’s maiden name and father’s name. A Xerox copy of a picture ID (such as a driver’s license or military ID) must be included with the request.

The fee is $20.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy requested at the same time. Please enclose a money order made payable to City of Newport.

A self-addressed, stamped envelope should also be included for a speedy response. A contact name and number is also suggested in the event additional information is needed or questions arise. Every attempt is made to respond to the request within 24 to 48 hours of receipt.

Requests should be mailed to:

City Clerk’s office
City Hall
43 Broadway
Newport, Rhode Island 02840

Pursuant to Rhode Island State Law, one may only obtain a birth certificate for oneself, one's parent, one's children, brother, sister, grandchild or grandparent. One must be able to prove relationship if the last names are different. A social worker or attorney may also obtain a birth certificate for his/her client. In some instances, the birth record may only be on file in the State of Rhode Island Vital Records Office. The City Clerk’s office will inform you if that is the case.

Obtaining a Marriage License

Marriage licenses are issued by the Newport City Clerk’s office to couples:

Marriage licenses are issued by the Newport City Clerk’s office to couples:

1. when Newport is the official residence of the bride and the wedding is to take place in Rhode Island;
2. when Newport is the official residence of the groom, the bride is from out of state and the marriage is to take place in Rhode Island;
3. when both the bride and groom are from out of state and the marriage is to take place in the City of Newport.

The licensing process takes approximately thirty (30) minutes. The bride and groom must appear together in the City Clerk’s office between the hours of 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday and complete an official license application.

Each is to present a certified copy of his/her birth record from the city, town or state of birth as well as an official picture ID (such as a driver’s license or military ID). Persons born out of the country who do not have birth certificates may present passports.

If either party has been married before, a certified copy of a death certificate or certified copy of a final divorce decree must be presented. A decree that states the divorce is granted “Nisi”, that is, that the divorce will become final or absolute after a certain number of days has elapsed, cannot be accepted. The document must have a court entry date of the final/absolute decree of divorce.

The fee for a marriage license is $24.00 and is valid for 90 days. Note: City Clerks in Rhode Island cannot officiate at marriages. Couples must make arrangements with a person in Rhode Island who, by Rhode Island State Law, qualifies to join couples in marriage in a civil ceremony.

(Ordained clergy and elders in good standing need not be Rhode Island residents, nor are they required to register in order to unite couples in marriage.) In addition to the officiant, two witnesses age 18 or over must be present at the marriage.