General Information on the Recorder of Deeds + Land Evidence Records

John A. Murphy, Recorder of Deeds (acting)
Phone: 401-421-7740 ext. 547
Room: 508, City Hall

The recorder's office registers documents relating to land evidence (deeds, mortgages, liens, etc.) for the City of Providence.

You can search 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. Click HERE to access this web-based service.

Recording a document.

• Hours are from 8:30-3:30.
• Deeds must have the actual sale price noted on it in order to be recorded.
• Only original documents are accepted for filing. The document is returned to you.
• For a complete list of fees, click HERE

Payment for Recording or Copies.

• Copies cost $1.50 per page.
• We accept checks and money orders only. We will accept currency (exact change) for up to two copies (in other words, $3.00)
• A self service copy machine is available.

Researching a document.

• The research room is open from 8:30-4:25.
• Documents recorded from July 1984 to the present can be computer-searched in our research room.

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 on line at www.sec.state.ri.us/corps (look under Miscellaneous Filings).