OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Rhode Island Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Rhode Island. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 5 counties in a unified state court system
  • Federal courts: 1 U.S. District Court (District of Rhode Island)
  • Background checks: Rhode Island AG — Criminal Background Check
  • Records law: Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through RI Attorney General
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Rhode Island has 5 counties in a unified state court system. Court records can be searched through the Rhode Island Judiciary website. The state court system includes the Superior Court, District Court, Family Court, and Traffic Tribunal.

Online case search is available for many case types.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Rhode Island are handled by one U.S. District Court:

  • District of Rhode Island — Providence

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Rhode Island Judiciary — Court Records 🏛️ Rhode Island Judiciary Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Rhode Island are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office provides criminal background checks through the BCI unit.

🔍 RI Attorney General — BCI Background Check 📋 Rhode Island Attorney General Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Rhode Island operates under the Access to Public Records Act (RIGL §38-2-1). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within 10 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Rhode Island

Court records are maintained by the Rhode Island Judiciary in a unified state court system. Criminal history is centralized through the RI Attorney General's BCI unit. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Rhode Island

Rhode Island has 5 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Rhode Island state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Rhode Island for free?
Visit the Rhode Island Judiciary website for court records access.
Are arrest records public in Rhode Island?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Rhode Island?
The RI Attorney General's BCI unit provides criminal background checks. Visit riag.ri.gov for details.
What is the Rhode Island Access to Public Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. Agencies must respond within 10 business days.
How many court systems does Rhode Island have?
Rhode Island has a unified court system: District Court, Superior Court, Family Court, Workers' Compensation Court, Traffic Tribunal, and the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026