The recorder’s office registers documents relating to land evidence (deeds, mortgages, liens, etc.) for the City of Providence. The office maintains the paper and digital holdings of the City’s non-archived land evidence records. We provide accurate and courteous service to customers requiring land document assistance and recording as well as execute the state law to monitor foreclosure mediation compliance to protect the City’s homeowners.
RECORDER OF DEEDS PROCEDURES DURING COVID-19
- City Hall will open to the public at 8:30 am Monday, June 22.
- You will not be able to sit with a recorder or enter the Recorder’s Office.
- Instead of sitting with a recorder, an in-person recording will be done as follows: drop your documents to be recorded in the box outside the office. Once recorded, the documents will be returned to the table. If there are questions, you can speak with the recorder via phone.
- The staff is on half shifts, so waiting for a document to be recorded may take some time, and we suggest mail or electronic recording as alternatives.
- A sheet for other assistance from this office is available, we will research your request as we are able.
- Access to the research room is by appointment. Please see below.
Electronic Recording
Providence accepts electronic document recording (eRecording) through CSC and Simplifile. Due to staff furloughs, your document may be queued but not recorded until the following business day. For fees and set up contact the provider.
Payment for Recording or Copies
- We accept checks and money orders only. We will accept currency (exact change) for up to two copies (in other words, $3.00)
Recorded maps and drawings
- As of November 12, 2019, previously available only in City Hall in the Docuware terminals, are now merged with all other recordings and are available online.
Researching a document
- You can access the vault by reservation for title searches. A two-hour slot can be reserved by clicking the link below. (The 2:30 slot runs till 3:45 only) Don’t book consecutive slots or you may be asked to leave.
- Admission is through the rear door of City Hall (handicap entrance). Print off a copy of your confirmation email.
- Maximum capacity is 6 people, you must wear latex gloves and a mask when working in the vault.
- Please structure your work so you can complete your research within the time slot you reserve.
- The staff is not available to provide personal assistance or take recordings while the building is closed. We will have a form to assist with questions.
Non-resident Landlord filing
Non-resident landlords must comply with RIGL sections 34-18-22.3 (designation of agent) and 34-18-57 (absentee landlord enforcement act) by registering with the RI Secretary of State and filing information with this office.
In complying, we recommend recording the Secretary of State’s form with us and annotating on the form the absentee landlord’s phone number.
The Secretary of State’s form (“Designation of Agent for Non-resident Landlord” form 34-18-22) is available online at www.sec.state.ri.us/corps (look under Miscellaneous Filings).
During the COVID emergency, only half of our staff is working at any given time. As always, you can use the “Contact Us” link to request assistance.
The City’s on-line database of land evidence documents from August 1, 2004, to the present. There is no cost to view these documents, although a charge will apply to print copies.
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Search Land Records Document Database Statewide Recording Fees Foreclosure Ordinance