To domesticate an out-of-state subpoena in Rhode Island, attorneys submit the foreign subpoena to the clerk of the Rhode Island court where discovery is sought for re-issuance under UIDDA. Rhode Island does not require local counsel for routine issuance, and clerk fees are $160.00 to $205.75.
Countrywide Process
December 29, 2025
When litigation is pending outside Rhode Island but discovery is required from a witness, business, or records custodian located within the state, the foreign subpoena must first be domesticated before it can be lawfully served. Rhode Island has adopted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act (UIDDA), which authorizes a foreign subpoena to be reissued by a Rhode Island clerk of court for service and compliance within Rhode Island.
UIDDA domestication in Rhode Island is a clerk-driven administrative process. In routine matters, no Rhode Island attorney is required to issue the subpoena, no Rhode Island civil case is opened solely for issuance, and no judge reviews the subpoena at the issuance stage.
| Question | Answer |
| Is UIDDA adopted in Rhode Island? | Yes |
| Who issues the subpoena? | Rhode Island Clerk of Court |
| Is local counsel required for issuance? | No (routine issuance only) |
| Uniform foreign subpoena form? | No statewide UIDDA form |
| Typical issuance fees | Vary by court ($160.00 to $205.75) |
| Where is it filed? | The court where the witness or records are located |
| Service governed by | Rhode Island Rules of Civil Procedure |
A subpoena issued by another state has no legal authority over a person or entity located in Rhode Island. Domestication is required to:
Without proper domestication, service within Rhode Island is invalid and unenforceable.
Under Rhode Island’s UIDDA procedures:
This framework simplifies interstate discovery while preserving Rhode Island’s authority over discovery conducted within its borders.
Rhode Island has enacted the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act, authorizing clerks to re-issue foreign subpoenas without judicial involvement.
These rules govern:
Rhode Island does not publish a single uniform UIDDA subpoena form. Clerks typically issue a Rhode Island subpoena based on the submitted foreign subpoena.
Secure a valid subpoena issued by the originating court, including:
Submit the foreign subpoena to the clerk of the Rhode Island court where the witness or records are located.
Key points:
The clerk issues a Rhode Island subpoena that:
The Rhode Island subpoena replaces the foreign subpoena for service purposes.
UIDDA domestication is designed to allow service within Rhode Island.
Service must:
If disputes arise:
Rhode Island does not impose a single statewide UIDDA issuance fee schedule.
Practice Tip: Always confirm current issuance fees with the clerk before submission.
| Topic | Rhode Island UIDDA Rule |
| Governing Law | Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act |
| Issuing Authority | Clerk of Court |
| Judicial Review for Issuance | Not required |
| Rhode Island Case Opened | No (routine UIDDA issuance) |
| Local Counsel Required | No (unless litigation arises) |
| Uniform UIDDA Form | No |
| Issuance Fees | Vary by court and range from $160.00 to $205.75 |
| Venue | The court where the witness or records are located |
| Service Rules | Rhode Island Rules of Civil Procedure |
UIDDA permits the domestication of subpoenas for:
UIDDA applies to discovery subpoenas, not trial subpoenas.
| Item | Rhode Island |
| Discovery subpoenas | Yes — UIDDA applies |
| Trial attendance (out-of-state non-parties) | Generally not enforceable |
| Common practice for trial testimony | Deposition for use at trial |
| Clerk involvement | Administrative issuance |
| Enforcement venue | Rhode Island court |
Countrywide Process supports attorneys handling Rhode Island UIDDA subpoenas by:
Attorneys stay focused on litigation—not procedural mechanics.
We handle the process efficiently and in full compliance with Rhode Island UIDDA procedures.
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Yes. Rhode Island has adopted UIDDA, allowing foreign subpoenas to be reissued by a Rhode Island clerk of court for service within the state.
No. Local Rhode Island counsel is not required for routine UIDDA subpoena issuance. Counsel is typically only needed if objections or enforcement proceedings arise.
No. Rhode Island does not publish a single uniform UIDDA subpoena form. Clerks issue a Rhode Island subpoena based on the submitted foreign subpoena.
The foreign subpoena is submitted to the Rhode Island Superior court clerk, where the witness or records are located.
Issuance fees vary by court, on average $185.00 according to R.I. Gen. Laws § 9-29-18 and should be confirmed directly with the clerk before submission.
The Rhode Island clerk of courts issues the subpoena based on the submitted foreign subpoena.
Service must comply with the Rhode Island Rules of Civil Procedure.
