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 1,205,101 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
751. Vicki43111 : Union Memorial Hospital. Eldorado, AR. DR. Frank Thibault. My name on paperwork was Mary Smith, fake name.
752. IzickThacker : My name is Izick Thacker and I am looking for my 4 biological siblings. Who were adopted the same time I was but by different families.
753. JamesonShack : Spark Hospital in Fort Smith Arkansas
754. Kraulston : I am searching for my biological grandparents. My mother, Kathy Brosius Wright was born March 30, 1963 in Little Rock, AR with the birth name Leslie Michelle Moore. She believed her birth mothers name was Michelle Moore. My mother passed away in 2017 and I am continuing the search she started shortly before her death.
755. Jamie212poe : I would like to find my mom and dad I was adopted bye Judith poe Edward poe
756. Izabellashort : I was adopted in 2005 with my older brother and younger brother. I have 2 older brothers I do not know of‚ and my birth mom had me at 23 in Fayetteville AR
757. Iyania : My name is Iyania Nakie Williams. I’m looking for my birth father. And if you are out there I want meet you. I met everybody but you and I just wanna know where I can from.
758. Sshowers89 : I am searching for my step-mothers birth parents or family. She was born June 8th 1955 in Waterloo Iowa. She was adopted by Wilbur and May Olson. Please contact me if this sounds familiar.
759. Lmosby1953 : My son was born March 5, 1970, at St. Vincent Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. The adoption was through Catholic adoption services.
760. Weberjos : I was given up for adoption in Salom Springs Arkansas. I was born December 29th 1977. I’m trying to find my birth mom
761. Jones123 : Barbara White
762. WhitneyFamily : Searching for a sister born in Dyersburg, TN to single mother. Mothers maiden name, Whitney. My sibling was born between 1962 and 1965.
763. S2smith2 : My sister (now deceased) was Carol Jean Furthmyer. She placed a baby girl for adoption in the late 1950s. I saw the birth certificate one time, approximately 40 years ago. The baby girl’s name may have been Mary Ethel or Ethel Mary. Both are family names. Alternate last names could be Carol Jean Eddins or Carol Jean Von ende.
764. Emilymae29 : I would love to find my older half-brother! Our father and your mother were both from Michigan and I think you were born in the late 70s / early 80s. I think your adoption took place in the southeastern US, and your moms name may have started with the letter V.
765. WhitneyFamily : Searching for biological sibling, brother, born in Dyersburg, TN. Birth mothers maiden name Whitney.