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 1,205,104 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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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
406. Ashleyross1943 : I’m the big sister trying to find my little sister she was adopted when she was 3 weeks old
407. Athenaparker : Katherine Velasco Miguel velasco
408. Elezabethjenkins : My name is Elizabeth. I was told that my name was changed. Ilearned that my biological mother name is Lisa Mullins. I was born at University Hospital January 15,1980 at 9:24am. I know that I wasplaced in DHS. That it was a private adoption agency. I learned very little about my bio family. I have been looking for years due to the fact. I have NO family. I have two children and I have some health issues and I want to know where I come from. I want to know if I have sisters and brothers This has been a void for most of my life.
409. Beckytrnr : I am searching for my son who was born in feb 1987. He was born in clarksville Arkansas. I miss you so bad. The adoption is closed.
410. Beckytrnr : My son was born in Clarksville Arkansas in 1987. He was born and sold on feb 21st. I have him the name Brandon Lee Campbell. I didn’t sign it receive any papers about his adoption. I have been searching for him. It wasn’t my decision to give him up.
411. Kelsieallison : Becky gaush is the mother I’m looking for my sister. Her name could be makenzi
412. Hess27 : Looking for a sister who was born September of 1992 in Gravette Arkansas
413. Newman5 : Mom was Connie Lavern Green dad is Johnny Jesse Newman
414. Newman6 : Connie Lavern Green mom Johnny Jesse Newman dad
415. Masoncarpenternich : My child was born at St. Edward Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith, AR.
416. WillWest0914 : I was born in St. Mary’s Hospital in Rogers,Ar. My birth mother is named Sandra Wallace. My birth father is named Frank Wallace. Sandra was about 20 years old when I was born.
417. Chadeliot : Adopted before or at birth. Born at Jefferson regional medical center in pine bluff, Arkansas. Biological father not named. Trying to find out my biological mothers name and location. Believe I have two biological sister’s or half sister’s I would like to find too. Along with my biological father.
418. Akgibbs415 : Birthmother - Lori, brown hair, blue green eyes, graduated 89 Birth father - Steve, blonde, graduated 88 Adopted through Bethany Christian Services Born on 4/15/1988 at Doctors Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas Closed adoption
419. Marandacason : Please help me find my little brother, I miss him so much.
420. AnastasiaNicole : His name prior to adoption was Brent David Jennings Jr.