Kent County, Rhode Island Public Records

Mugshots and booking photos in Kent County, Rhode Island, can be obtained from the Rhode Island State Police. They may provide access to these records through their office or an online portal. It's advisable to contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about the availability and process for obtaining these photos.

To obtain a criminal background check in Kent County, Rhode Island, you need to contact the Rhode Island Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI). The BCI provides background checks for people and requires you to submit a request form along with a fee. You can visit the BCI office in person or access their services online through the Rhode Island Attorney General's website.

You can look up sex offenders in Kent County, Rhode Island, by accessing the Rhode Island Sex Offender Community Notification Unit's online registry. This registry provides detailed information about registered sex offenders, including their names, addresses, and offense details. The registry is publicly accessible and regularly updated to ensure community safety and awareness.

Voters in Kent County can register through their municipal Board of Canvassers, online at vote.sos.ri.gov, at any Rhode Island DMV office, or by mail using the National Mail Voter Registration Form. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election, though Rhode Island offers same-day registration during the early voting period beginning 20 days before Election Day. Registered voters can apply for mail ballots (absentee ballots) without providing an excuse through their municipal canvassers or online, with applications accepted beginning 21 days before the election.

Property records in Kent County are maintained by individual city and town clerks in each municipality (Warwick, Coventry, East Greenwich, West Greenwich, and West Warwick). The Rhode Island Statewide MLS Land Evidence system at landrecords.risos.ri.gov provides free online access to search and view recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents across most Kent County municipalities. Property tax assessment information is available through municipal tax assessor offices, with many towns providing online property cards and GIS mapping. Certified copies must be requested from the town clerk where the property is located, with fees typically around $5 for the first page.

Birth and death certificates for Kent County residents can be obtained from the city or town clerk where the event occurred or from the Rhode Island Department of Health, Office of Vital Records (401) 222-2811), located at 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908. Certified copies cost $25 for the first copy and $15 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Requests can be made in person, by mail with proper identification and documentation of eligibility, or online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com with additional fees. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days for online orders and 2-3 weeks for mail requests.

Business entity information for Kent County companies can be searched free online through the Rhode Island Secretary of State's Business Services Division at business.sos.ri.gov, which maintains records for corporations, LLCs, and partnerships. Local business registration certificates and DBA (doing business as) filings are maintained by city and town clerks in each municipality, such as the Warwick City Clerk (401) 738-2000) for businesses operating in Warwick. Professional licenses are available through the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, and sales tax permits are registered with the Division of Taxation. Municipal building and zoning permits are maintained by local building departments.