Land Evidence Records Website

Unlike most states, Rhode Island maintains separate land evidence records for each of the 39 cities and towns. The Town Clerk’s Office is responsible for all land evidence recordings in accordance with RIGL §34-13-1 and RIGL §34-13-5. Land evidence records include: deeds, mortgages, discharge of mortgages, liens and maps, and others. These records are important to individuals who are financing, purchasing or selling properties and professionals performing title, legal and engineering work. Each land evidence document is recorded, indexed, proofed and scanned through an indexing and imaging system on a daily basis, which provides accurate, immediate information. Each land evidence record is microfilmed and stored off-site, as required by law, at a storage facility specifically designed for the protection and storage of such records in case there is a catastrophic event.

All land evidence documents presented for recording must be originals or certified copies. All recorded documents are considered public records and copies of these records can be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office. The cost per page for land evidence records is $.50 if made on the premises. If certified copies are required, the cost is $1.50 per page and $3.00 for certification per document. Land evidence recording is performed in the Town Clerk’s Office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.