Advance Directive Form

Rhode Island’s Advance Directive form authorizes a healthcare proxy and specifies an individual’s living and last will. Signatures of the individual, proxy, and witnesses are required.

How to Order a Death Certificate

The following people are authorized to obtain a death certificate in Rhode Island:

• Deceased’s immediate family members or legal guardian
• A legal representative of the deceased or their family members
• Persons holding a documented proof of interest in obtaining the deceased’s property
• Persons holding a court order
• Title examiners
• Genealogists

The following information is required to apply for a certificate:

• Deceased’s name
• Date and place of death
• Names of deceased’s parents and spouse
• Applicant’s name, phone number, address
• Applicant’s relation to the deceased or another purpose for the request
• Copy of applicant’s government-issued photo ID

The certificate along with one certified copy costs $20 with each additional copy ordered at the same time coming at $15.

The application can be sent at or handed in-person to:

RI Department of Health

Office of Vital Records

3 Capitol Hill, Room 101

Providence, RI 02908

Digital Estate Planning Laws

HB 5778 Bill authorizes an individual’s legal representative who can access and control their digital assets and communications. This bill came into effect on July 15, 2019.

Death With Dignity or Aid-in-Dying or Physician-Assisted Death

Rhode Island’s House Judiciary Committee is currently reviewing the Lila Manfield Sapinsley Compassionate Care Act. The bill progress can be tracked here.

Organ Donation Registry

Rhode Island’s organ donation registry can be accessed here.

Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (MOLST)

Rhode Island’s MOLST form should be completed only after a conversation with a patient or their representative. It’s necessary for patients who are at risk of a life-threatening clinical event due to a life-limiting medical condition.

Probate Laws

Information on Rhode Island’s legislation on a decedent’s will regarding their estate and other assets can be found in Title 33: Probate Practice and Procedure.

Estate and Inheritance Tax

Rhode Island has an estate tax of up to 16%. More information can be found in the Rhode Island Department of Revenue official brochure.