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Town Clerk
The Town Clerk's Office supports the town council; handles land, birth, marriage, and death records, as well as probate and municipal courts; and also handles Open Records requests. Staff from the Clerk's office also handle the switchboard and direct residents to the appropriate departments.
Services
Online Land Evidence Records
Town of Cumberland Land Records are now available online via our Records Portal.
Recorded Land index and images are available from 1988 to the present. However, images from 1988 to 1990 are sporadic. Images before 1988 are being added as they become available.
Fees
A charge will be incurred for printing and/or downloading images. Access to the records may be provided by a subscription fee and/or a per-page fee.
The Town Clerk's Office also provides residents with free Notary Public Services. No appointment is required.
Please email the Town Clerk the below-required documents to start the marriage license application process:
- Complete the Marriage Worksheet (PDF). Please do not sign until you are here, and we witness your signature.
- Valid Driver’s License or valid passport. If the driver’s license shows an address other than your Cumberland address, you will be required to provide an alternative document showing your Cumberland address, such as a utility bill, bank statement, etc.
- Long form Birth Certificate (PDF), original no copies. If the birth certificate is in another language, we require a translated copy translated by an accredited translation company. View a list of accredited translation companies (PDF). If born in Rhode Island and a new birth certificate is required, please complete the Birth Certificate Request Form (PDF) and include it in your email, and we will process and have it ready when you come in for your appointment. $22 for a certified copy.
- A certified Final Divorce decree from the Court is required if either party has been divorced.
- The license is good for 90 days from the day you both sign here at Town Hall.
- $24 for the marriage license (cash, check, or charge)
Once we receive the required documents, we will review them and contact you to schedule an appointment for you both to come into Town Hall with all your original documents.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Town Clerk’s office at 401-728-2400, ext. 160
Marriage Licenses
- Marriage License - How To Apply (PDF)
- Marriage License Application (PDF)
- Marriage License - Certified Copy - Fillable Form (PDF)
Birth Certificates
Death Records
Dog License Requirements, per RIGL 4-13-4 and Chapter 4 of the Code of Ordinances:
(1) Every owner or keeper of a dog shall annually, in April, obtain a license effective May 1 through the office of the town clerk in which the owner or keeper resides.
(2) The fee for the license shall be six dollars ($6.00).
(3) Any person who fails to license his/her dog(s) on or before April 30 annually, in addition to the annual licensing fee, pays a late charge of $3. There is also a $1.00 fee for the replacement of lost dog tags.
(4) No license shall be issued unless a valid rabies certificate is provided.
(5) A license shall be obtained within thirty (30) days after becoming the owner or keeper of a dog.
(6) It shall be unlawful to keep more than 3 licensed dogs at the same residence, except as permitted by the Chief of Police. This does not apply to licensed kennels.
Residents may apply for the dog license through the online portal.
How to File a Claim
The Town of Cumberland accepts petitions for claims for damages resulting from Town negligence. The Town considers claims for damages to mailboxes caused by Town plows, to tires caused by potholes on Town-owned roads, and other similar damages.
The Finance Subcommittee reviews and approves claims on behalf of the Town. Relevant departments are asked to provide comments to the Finance Subcommittee, so they have as much information as possible.
The Town cannot accept petitions for damages that occur on state roads. Visit the Rhode Island Department of Transportation website or call them at 401-222-2450 to inquire about damages caused by potholes or state plows on state roads. There is a very limited time period within which you may file a claim; we encourage you to act quickly.
See the Petition for Claim of Property and/or Vehicle Damage (PDF) for further information and the claim form.
Public Records Requests:
Please be advised that the Town of Cumberland cannot require that a records request be on the Town of Cumberland’s form or otherwise be written if the request is readily identifiable as a public records request. This form is provided solely for your convenience.
NOTE: If you chose to pick up the records but did not include identifying information on this form (name, etc.), please inform the Town Clerk of the date you made the request, the records requested, and the request number. Thank you.