Arkansas Adoption Records
The world's largest adoption reunion registry for adoptees and families
Start Your Search TodayAccessing Arkansas Adoption Records
In 2018, Arkansas implemented a new law that allows adoptees to unseal their adoption records once they turn 21. While the law provides a way to access Arkansas adoption records, it also comes with red tape, including notary requirements and a fee.
If you want an easier way to reunite with your biological relatives, Adopted.com can help. We offer a voluntary adoption reunion registry where adoptees, birth parents, and others impacted by adoption can connect very quickly.
To join our registry, you don’t need to get a form notarized or pay a fee. All you need to do is answer ten simple questions that most people know about the adoption.
Our registry spans the state of Arkansas, from Fayetteville to Little Rock and everywhere in between. We offer a safe, secure way to reconnect with your birth family. Register for free today to join a community where reunions happen every day.
Register Now DirectoryAre Adoptions in Arkansas Open?
Yes, Arkansas allows families to arrange open adoptions. In an open adoption, the adoptive family knows the birth parents’ identities. One or both birth parents may even have ongoing communication with the adopted child, such as phone calls or face-to-face visits.
However, the official adoption files are sealed even in an open adoption. You cannot access the adoption records unless you’re an adoptee over 21 years old.
How Do I Get My Original Birth Certificate if I Was Adopted in Arkansas?
Your original birth certificate is part of your adoption file. You can get this document by submitting a written request to the Arkansas Department of Health if you’re over 21. When you receive your original birth certificate, it will be marked “not intended for official use.”
Arkansas allows birth parents to redact their names from an adoptee’s original birth certificate. If one or both of your birth parents have asked to keep their identities confidential, their names will be removed from the copy you receive.
How to Unseal Adoption Records in Arkansas
Adoptees in Arkansas can request their adoption files once they’re 21 years old. You must complete a form from the Arkansas Department of Health to unseal your adoption records. You’ll need to provide proof of your identity, such as a driver’s license. You’ll also need to have the form notarized.
If an adoptee has passed away, their surviving spouse, child, or child’s guardian can also request their adoption records. You’ll need to complete the same form and include proof of your identity. You’ll also need to submit your own birth certificate and notarized documentation of your relationship to the adoptee. A marriage or birth certificate can satisfy this requirement.
For all requests, there’s a $100 fee to access adoption files. You can submit a check or money order to the Arkansas Department of Health with your mailed application.
How Do You Access Arkansas Public Adoption Records?
Arkansas adoption records aren’t public, and you can only access them if you’re an adoptee or the spouse, child, or child’s guardian of an adoptee who has passed away. If you don’t fall into one of those categories, you’ll need a court order to unseal adoption records in Arkansas.
While the state limits who can access adoption records, you may be able to access some information through the Arkansas Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry (MCVAR). This voluntary registry can connect birth relatives if they both consent to having contact.
You can register to identify your birth relatives if you’re:
- An adoptee who’s at least 18
- A birth parent
- A birth grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or sibling
To register with the MCVAR, you must complete an affidavit form, attend a one-hour counseling session, and pay $20. Once you complete these steps, you will be notified if one of your biological relatives joins the registry.
Additionally, the MCVAR can provide non-identifying information about an adoption, including genetic, health, and social histories. This information doesn’t include the names of the adoptee, the adoptive parents, or the birth parents.
You can register to access this information if you’re:
- An adoptee who’s at least 18
- A birth parent
- A spouse, child, or child’s guardian of a deceased adoptee
- An adoptive parent or a legal guardian
- A child welfare agency with custody of an adoptee
To obtain this report, you must complete an affidavit form and pay $5.
Search in nearby states to Arkansas
Let Adopted.com help you find your lost family today!
Adopted.com is a powerful adoption reunion registry designed to help you reconnect with your birth parents. By registering, you gain access to a growing database of over 1,205,095 profiles, increasing your chances of finding your biological relatives. The platform respects your privacy and allows you to update your profile anytime.
Registration is free, and the unique search tool ensures measurable match results. When you find your birth parents, remember to approach the reunion with an open heart and understanding, as it can be an emotionally significant experience for everyone involved.
Register NowRECENT MEMBERS IN Arkansas
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Merandadold 25 minutes ago
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NicoleLuna090 26 minutes ago
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Baileymt5252 26 minutes ago
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ChristalO75 34 minutes ago
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
136. Mykole1027 : Hello, my name is Michael. I’m a 40 year old Black male that was adopted from Little Rock, AR in 1974. I’m just searching for any information on my biological parent, ’s. would like to verify if any heredity diseases I should be aware of or preventative information that could be of assistance.
137. Bettygrayson : My son birth name was Christian Burgess in looking for you my name is Betty Thompson-Smith-Grayson
138. Ellisfive : I used LDS Family Services to arrange the adoption.
139. ISOmybrother : He was born when I was 4 years old, private adoption through a lawfirm lawyers name was David Menz, Mommas last name was Hardin, momma had a tubal ligation after he was born, birth at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock Arkansas Doctor at hospital had friends in Florida was who adopted? I found a post on adoption registry that his adopted Momma posted trying to help him find our Momma but the post was 17 years ago. ☹️
140. Addiewomack380 : Hope, Arkansas
141. NilaJames : I’m looking for my birth mother. All I know is she is between 55-60. Her maiden name, I was told, is Bonnie Joan Hodges. Please help me find her. I need to know my health history and would like to meet my brother. All I know is his name is Johnathan and he would be around 37-41.
142. TammysMom : Youre name was Vincent. You have a aunt named Tammy. You lived in Arkansas. Time to know .
143. Jaudon07 : I am trying to find my father’s birth parents. His birth name was Carey Burke and he was born in little rock Arkansas in 1959
144. Ldigby86 : I know my mother Janie Reddin and was adopted by Allen Reddin. I’m trying to find my biological father Charles Auther Harvey. I was born in Missouri on December 3rd 1986. The adoption took place in El Dorado Arkansas. That’s all I know. I’m not exactly sure of the adoption month.
145. Carrihowe2488 : kelly diane berry born sept 1981at the doctors hospital in little rock arkansas please help me find my sister
146. JessicA29 : Its my daughter kaylyn nicole Johnson she got adopted from the dhs system i really love and miss her
147. SSchexnayder : I am searching for twins born 14 January 1959 at St Vincent Hospital ArKansas. They were named Jimmy Wayne Parrish and Janice Elaine Parrish at birth. We do not know if they were adopted together or not. We know that JImmy was living in the Easter Seals Rehabilitation Center near Fayetteville AR during 1965 .
148. Amandathomas123987 : I am looking for Isaac Thomas.
149. Kathykm : My mother was born in Missouri but she moved to fort smith when she was little. My moms name is Kathy moss and the her mothers name is Agnes Arlene beach which is her maiden name. She might go by Agnes Arlene long.
150. Shelbyhinsh2 : My boyfriend Josiah his real name is Cody Albert Abelman and he wants to know who his birth parents are he is from Arkansas.