Northeast · RI
The Ocean State
How to get an apostille in Rhode Island
In Rhode Island, apostilles are issued by the Rhode Island Department of State — Notary & Apostille Services. Here is the process, the state fee, how long it takes, and what a Rhode Island apostille looks like.
- Capital
- Providence
- Governor (2026)
- Dan McKee
- State flower
- Violet
- State bird
- Rhode Island Red
Apostille signed by Rhode Island Department of State — Notary & Apostille Services
Step-by-step: an apostille in Rhode Island
- 01
Confirm the document is Rhode Island-issued or notarized by a Rhode Island notary public.
- 02
If your document is a private document (power of attorney, affidavit, diploma, corporate paperwork), have it notarized first — the Rhode Island Department of State authenticates the notary's commission, not your signature directly. Vital records and court documents skip this step (they are certified by the issuing office instead).
- 03
For vital records, obtain a certified copy from the Rhode Island Department of Health (Center for Vital Records) or the city/town clerk.
- 04
Complete the apostille request and identify the destination country.
- 05
Submit by mail or in person with the fee and a prepaid return envelope.
- 06
Receive your apostille or certificate of authentication.
Rhode Island apostille fees & processing time
| Competent authority | Rhode Island Department of State — Notary & Apostille Services |
|---|---|
| State fee | $5 per document (verify current fee) |
| Processing time | Mail-in is typically 1–2 weeks; in-person service is available in Providence. |
| Mailing / submission | Mail to the Rhode Island Department of State, Notary & Apostille Services, in Providence (verify the current address online). Include the fee, destination country, and prepaid return postage. |
Documents commonly apostilled in Rhode Island
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates (certified copies from the state vital-records office)
- Divorce decrees and court orders (certified by the clerk of court)
- Powers of attorney and affidavits (signed before a notary)
- Single-status / no-record affidavits for marriage abroad
- Diplomas, transcripts, and degree certificates
- Corporate documents — articles of incorporation, good-standing certificates, board resolutions
- Commercial and export documents
Federal documents (such as an FBI background check) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not by Rhode Island.
Specimen
What a Rhode Island apostille looks like
A Rhode Island apostille contains the standard 10 fields required by the Hague Convention, naming the Rhode Island Department of State — Notary & Apostille Services as the issuing authority. Below is an illustrative specimen — it is not a valid document and contains no real data.
See specimens for all states →- 1.Country United States of America
- 2.has been signed by [NAME OF SIGNER]
- 3.acting in the capacity of [CAPACITY — e.g. Notary Public]
- 4.bears the seal / stamp of [ISSUING OFFICIAL / SEAL]
- 5.at [CITY / PLACE]
- 6.the [DATE]
- 7.by Rhode Island Department of State — Notary & Apostille Services
- 8.No. 0000000
- 9.Seal / Stamp [OFFICIAL SEAL]
- 10.Signature [SIGNATURE]
Rhode Island apostille FAQ
- Who issues apostilles in Rhode Island?
- Apostilles are issued by the Rhode Island Department of State's Notary & Apostille Services in Providence.
- How do I apostille a Rhode Island marriage certificate?
- Get a certified copy from the Department of Health or the city/town clerk, then submit it to the Department of State for the apostille.
Not legal advice. This guide is general information about the Rhode Island apostille process and may not reflect the latest fees, addresses, or procedures — always confirm with the Rhode Island Department of State — Notary & Apostille Services via the official source above. The specimen shown is an illustrative example, not an official document.
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