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 1,205,087 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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ChristalO75 2 minutes ago
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Never4getu 48 minutes ago
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Jackieklug 56 minutes ago
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Shelley828 1 hour ago
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LiselleH 1 hour ago
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
586. KDaniel : Was born sept 25, 1963 at Rogers memorial Hospital, Rogers ar to Samuel Lynn Henderson and Patricia Ann Pickering delivered by dr Grier d warren
587. Cari2959 : I was raised by my bio father & his wife
588. Epjewell : Searching for family member of Anthony ’31 and Joseph ’34, who were adopted to the US from Spain in about 1936. Brothers came to a family in Arkansas.
589. MiriamArkansas : I’m trying to help my friend to find her daughter her baby girl was given in adoption same day she was born my friend was 16 years old when she gave birth at Florence Crittenden Home for Unwed Mothers in Little Rock Arkansas on July 21, 1974 . She had a beautiful MULATTO ( mixed baby white and Black) baby girl And she do not know anything about Her.
590. Dannyspicer : Searching for my twin brother separated at 20 days old taken by DHS
591. KD0000 : Hello, I am searching for information about my birth family in regards to health and medical information. I would appreciate any information that would be provided. I do not know my crib name. I was born in Little Rock Arkansas at UAMC. Dr. Perdue was the physician. I have a cousin who I found on 23 and Me and she’s been trying to help. Surnames: Flood, George, Brown,Dillard, Cummings DNA has been uploaded to 23andme, FTDNA, MyHeritage and Gedmatch If you have any information please reach out. Thank you
592. Rthorn09 : I’m looking for my brother that I have never met. I am the youngest out of 5.
593. Jilmartin : only have a piece of paper with some information. Parent’s family name is supposed to be Collins.
594. Marie1982 : Eldorado, Arkansas 71730 Medical Center of South Arkansas Dr. Abioso Department of Children Family Services (DCFS) Sister Isbelle Pickles Brother William Eubanks III Sister Anastasia Sparks Sister Natasha Martin Biological Mother Dawn Pickles Maternal Grandmother Kathy Carr Uncle Clifton Carr Uncle Rodney Sargent Aunt Tiffany Pfeifer Biological Father Lee Dickerson
595. Bigman37 : Looking for my son born in July of 2002, in Texarkana Texas
596. Daltonsanders1312 : Shaylynn and maylynn I just want y’all to know that I miss y’all with all my heart and don’t ever forget that maybe one day I will be able to see y’all again I hope and pray that y’all are with a very good family
597. TimothyStMartin : Gailan Mae Crowley Lola Mae Crowley Lola Mae Haxton Donald Avery Crowley Don Avery Crowley Sebetha, Missouri Stockton, Missouri Stockton, Kansas
598. Victoria_holden : I was born in the Memphis med in Tennessee. My moms names might be karen Holden I’m for sure my last name use to be Holden. I really pray I find her I would love to meet her.
599. Murphy4450 : Moix
600. Erickwyatt : I a looking for my biological sister. She was born in Bentonville, AR on August 23, 1973. She was adopted in Benton County in either 1974 or 1975. Her last name at birth was Chisholm. I was also adopted out in 1979 and we have a half brother.