Arkansas Adoption Records
The world's largest adoption reunion registry for adoptees and families
Start Your Search Today
Accessing 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 Directory
3,229 Are 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 1,205,107 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
-
Gabriella1230
13 minutes ago
-
Child64
22 minutes ago
-
DennisCrosse
32 minutes ago
-
Carbonfootpri
43 minutes ago
-
Bridgetth
55 minutes ago
-
Anyacruzlm1
55 minutes ago
-
Clairpearl
56 minutes ago
-
Ghostlygrey
1 hour ago
-
Denzor66
1 hour ago
-
Merandadold
1 hour ago
-
NicoleLuna090922
1 hour ago
-
Baileymt5252
1 hour ago
-
ChristalO75
1 hour ago
-
Never4getu
2 hours ago
-
Jackieklug
2 hours ago
-
Shelley828
2 hours ago
-
LiselleH
2 hours ago
-
Twin45
2 hours ago
-
Kekeispansexual
3 hours ago
-
Jsbeaslp
3 hours ago
A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
571. DavidAllen1985 : Hi I just received my OBC and am in search of my birth parents . On my OBC it only had my mother’s name and my given name at birth no father listed . My mother’s name it says is Diane Susan Diehl and she gave me the name David Allen Diehl . Says she was born in Pennsylvania and 27 at the time of my birth with one previous live birth (which just means I have a sibling somewhere also) any information would be greatly helpful .
572. Mbastel : Looking for my birth parents
573. Jimhul63 : My name is Jimmy Hulsey. My mother, Betty Lou Hulsey gave birth to a boy in the beginning of 1961 (January, February, or March). I know she stayed in the Florence Crittenton Home in Little Rock, Arkansas before giving birth. I have been searching for him and really would like find him. If anyone could help, I would really appreciate it. Thank you.
574. Calvin97 : I am the birth father searching for my child. The birth name that was given was Alexis Nicole McNabb. Her name then changed to Kaylee nicole. This was an open adoption, but the birth mother kept me out of the loop about everything. I only got pics and information on her time, or with the help of friends. My information was never put on the adoption papers. I didn’t find this out until years later. I recently found out that my child now goes by the name Austin.
575. MonicaMarieHenson6 : James millwood serenity millwood caitlin millwood Morgan Henson Kylie Henson Devin Henson
576. Member330959 : Memorial Hospital NLR, AR NLR Pediatricians Group Dr Gosser, Stroupe, Nurse Trish Private adoption thru OB. NLR Womens Clinic
577. Dreamer80427 : Shannon Duerr-Clemings birth mother. Patrick Duffy father. I’m Patrick’s mom Carol Brown. Heard rumors of the birth years after. Pulled up Shannons Facebook page and there she was a pic of my granddaughter. It was her! I contacted Shannon she pulled down the pic which confirmed it. She denies she had a daughter but I saw her! We lived in Fayetteville Arkansas my husband had a stroke we moved back to Colorado 1998,99. Shannons lived in Fort Smith Arkansas and Fayetteville she’s in Fort Smith now. If you know anything please contact me. Not sure of date of birth.
578. Dreamer80427 : Shannon Duerr-clemings birth mother. My son is the father. I’m looking for my only grandchild. Rumors are born in 1999 in Fayetteville Arkansas or Fort Smith Arkansas. Was given up for adoption. Shannon won’t tell me anything. I saw her pic on Facebook till Shannon took it down. I don’t want to change her life just want her to know we are out here looking for her. Please God guide us to her.
579. Zabbiegirl78 : Looking for my half brother (related through my dad). My half brother was named Steven David (after our father) and his mother was Debbie or Deborah Mann. I was told that he was given up for adoption around the age of 2 years old‚ possibly to a distant family member. Deborah Mann has a sister named Deanna Mann. I was told that my half brother’s birth date would be around Sept 1976. I think my half brother was born in Utah but could be wrong. I have no other siblings and would love to find you!
580. Nationnd11 : My name is Jeremy Robinson from Hot Springs Arkansas My mom’s name is Misty Anne (Robinson - maiden name) Martin I am the oldest brother of three my Brother name is John David Martin or goes by J.D.
581. Glendarfreeman123 : I’m looking for my son June 1965, born in Ocenside Ca, My name is Glenda Freeman I live in Arkansas, I have done a DNA
582. Tgannon1423 : My name is Tierney Gannon. I am looking for my half-sister who was born in April 1995. Her parents are Patrick M. Gannon and Abigail L. Haw (now Phelps), who met at Morehead Staate University. I do not know my sister’s name since all documents that I have access to only list her as "Baby Girl Haw" or "Haw."
583. Mbrownlee14 : I am looking for my niece that was adopted out of foster care. Her birth name is Jamie Rolland.
584. Ashleylinker1 : My sons name was braxton alexzander linker beck he was born on november 6th of 2006 the ambulance was called to take me and my son to the new premature center at st edwards mercy hospital fort smith, arkansas. he was born at 7 months and had to stay in the hospital for a few weeks before i could take him home. Dhs and casa got involved. Dhs out of vanburen, arkansas soon took him away from me because they said i was not able to take care of him properly. Karen stites whom is my aunt was signed over temporary custody. karen and my family soon decided to adopt him to a family it might have been private adoption im not really sure i i was only 18 and was really confused about the whole thing. on his original birth certificate i his mother ashley c linker and his father roger g. beck. as far as the adopted parents i have no clue who they are?
585. AngelK527 : Little Rock AR
