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City of Providence exact answer

What prior-marriage documents are required in City of Providence?

This answer belongs to the issuing office and task named above. It does not substitute a statewide summary or infer a rule the office does not publish.

Direct answer

In City of Providence, an applicant whose previous marriage, civil union or registered domestic partnership has ended must bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or dissolution, or a certified copy of the death certificate. It must be an original or certified copy with a raised seal; photocopies are not accepted. No waiting period after a divorce is published. State law makes this a condition of issuing the license at all: the clerk must be given an authenticated copy of the decree before a license can be issued.

Published rule and conditions

Prior-marriage documents
An applicant whose previous marriage, civil union or registered domestic partnership has ended must bring a certified copy of the final divorce decree or dissolution, or a certified copy of the death certificate. It must be an original or certified copy with a raised seal; photocopies are not accepted. No waiting period after a divorce is published.

State law makes this a condition of issuing the license at all: the clerk must be given an authenticated copy of the decree before a license can be issued.

Applies in some cases

If applicable, a certified copy of a final divorce decree/dissolution or death certificate

Issuing office

City of Providence Department of Vital Statistics (Vital Records)

Open the issuing office

Official sources for this answer

  • Marriage License in ProvidenceCity of Providence Department of Vital Statistics - checked July 30, 2026

    A marriage license is required to get married in the City of Providence. Both applicants must appear in person and provide all of the required documents listed here. Marriage license applications must be submitted in person with BOTH parties present and all required documents must be presented at the time of the application. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (3:00 PM during July and August) NO APPOINTMENT REQUIRED. The completed and signed marriage license (use black ink) must be returned within 72 hours of the ceremony to the local registrar. Providence resident(s) – ceremony may be performed in any city or town in the State of Rhode Island. Out-of-state residents – ceremony must be performed within the City of Providence. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older. License expiration – license expires within three months from the date of issuance. Marriage License fees may be remitted via Check, Money Order, Debit Card (service fee applies for Debit or Credit card transactions). No Cash is accepted in the office under any circumstances.

  • Marriage License Requirements — Marriage License Application ChecklistCity of Providence Department of Vital Statistics - checked July 30, 2026

    CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE — Must list parent name(s); Photocopies are not accepted. VALID GOVERNMENT-ISSUED FORM OF ID WITH PHOTO — Driver’s license; Passport; State ID; PVD Municipal ID. PROOF OF RESIDENCY (SHOWING CURRENT ADDRESS). IF PREVIOUSLY MARRIED: Certified final divorce decree or Certified death certificate. FEE AND ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF PAYMENT: $24.00 (check or money order); $25.00 (debit or credit card); Cash is not accepted. APPLICATION HOURS: Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM; July & August: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM; No appointment necessary. Marriage License expiration – the marriage license expires within three months from the date of issuance. All documents must be certified copies or originals. No photocopies will be accepted.

  • R.I. Gen. Laws § 15-2-1. License required — Proof of divorce — Obligation of clerk to issue licenseState of Rhode Island General Assembly - checked July 30, 2026

    (a) Persons intending to be joined together in marriage in this state must first obtain a license from the clerk of the town or city in which: (1) Either party to the proposed marriage resides; or (2) The proposed marriage is to be performed, if both parties are nonresidents of this state. (b) Before any license shall be issued to any person who, having been previously married or a party to another relationship that provides substantially the same rights, benefits and responsibilities as a marriage, has been divorced, the person shall present to the town or city clerk an authenticated copy of the decree granting the divorce or an authenticated copy of the final dissolution of the previous relationship.

Answer boundary

MarriageLicenseCheck is an independent reference, not the issuing office or legal advice. Applicant facts, timing, prior marriages, and document type can change the result. The official office decides what it will accept.

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