Town Clerk

The Town Clerk's Office is responsible for recording, filing and securing of all land evidence records and vital statistics. In addition to filing and recording all land evidence, it also is responsible for the collection of all municipal fees and state conveyance taxes with property transfers.

The Town Clerk’s purview over vital statistics includes issuing marriage licenses and recording marriage, birth and death certificates. The office also issues state and local permits, including dog licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, yard sales, trade name certificates and business licenses.

The Town Clerk's Office and the Board of Canvassers are responsible for the administration and direction of all elections and referenda. Town residents may register to vote through the Clerk’s office or with the Secretary of the State.

The Town Clerk is the clerk for the Town Council, Probate Court, Board of Canvassers, and Municipal Court.

Individuals obtaining copies of vital records documents (birth, marriage, death) must request them no less than 30 minutes prior to the office closing time. Marriage Licenses are processed Monday thru Friday from 8:30AM - 2:30PM.

The Town Clerk's Office is responsible for all of the areas described within. Please contact this office if you have questions or requests involving these services and responsibilities.

Town of West Warwick Launches Fraud Alert to Notify Property Owners of New Transactions

The West Warwick Town Clerk is providing a free new tool to help property owners protect one of their most valuable assets. With Fraud Alert, you can sign up to receive alerts whenever a document, such as a deed or mortgage, is recorded under your name. Documents can be viewed online or at the Clerk’s Office. Please note there may be other property owners in the town that share the same name.

“This is an easy way for homeowners to have peace of mind,” said Town Clerk Sarah Rapose.
You can sign up now at https://searchiqs.com/fraudalert/?CC=RIWWA.

Non-resident Landlord Registration

Licenses & Records

Access to Public Records

Rhode Island Residents are entitled to access to public records pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Access To Public Records Act (R.I. General Laws 38-2 et. seq. “APRA”). The purpose of this procedure is to facilitate public access and inspection of public records in a prompt and efficient manner and to provide access to public records within a reasonable period of time. It should be noted that under APRA certain documents or information are not public where disclosure is exempt, is unlawful or constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy.

Access to Public Records request form

New & Renewal Business Licenses

Written application is required for all licenses with a one month lead time for Town Council approval. Annual business registrations/licenses require Building & Fire Inspections and Tax Collector approval for clearance of all taxes. Contact Town Clerk's office for fee amounts.

Business License Application

Trade Name Application

The Town Clerk's Office is responsible for issuance of the following licenses:

Liquor License Application

Licenses, Fees & Approvals list

Dog License Information

Marriage License guidelines & Marriage License Worksheet

Boards - Commissions - Committees Application Contact your Councilperson

Vital Records

In person requests: Individuals requesting copies of vital records (marriage, birth, and death certificates) must fill out a form and present a valid photo id prior to the certificate being issued.

Online requests:

https://westwarwickrivitals.permitium.com/rod

Land Evidence Records Look-up

(Recorder of Deeds)

All land evidence records in the Town of West Warwick are recorded in this office. Individuals seeking information about various pieces of real estate must do so in person and not over the phone. You must first present yourself to the Tax Assessor's Office to obtain the plat and lot, then come in to this office to view the related documents. All recorded documents are deemed to be public record. Recording fees vary depending on the document and the number of pages to be recorded. The fee for copies of recorded documents (as set by the State of Rhode Island): $1.50 per page and $3.00 for certification of any document.

It is recommended that you obtain legal council for any legal questions you may have as this office is prohibited by law from giving legal advice on the recording of documents.