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 1,205,102 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
-
Bridgetth
8 minutes ago
-
Anyacruzlm1
8 minutes ago
-
Clairpearl
9 minutes ago
-
Ghostlygrey
23 minutes ago
-
Denzor66
24 minutes ago
-
Merandadold
51 minutes ago
-
NicoleLuna090
51 minutes ago
-
Baileymt5252
52 minutes ago
-
ChristalO75
1 hour ago
-
Never4getu
1 hour ago
-
Jackieklug
1 hour ago
-
Shelley828
2 hours ago
-
LiselleH
2 hours ago
-
Twin45
2 hours ago
-
Kekeispansexual
2 hours ago
-
Jsbeaslp
2 hours ago
-
Moonifa
2 hours ago
-
Packerman123
3 hours ago
-
Cimmyjo
3 hours ago
-
Jp11784
3 hours ago
A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
856. Vanessa30 : Boone county Arkansas My nickname for bailey is mi
857. Mamaof2 : My brother was born michael aaron sabatini. Our moms name is christinia sabatini. He was born at a hospital in Nevada.
858. Dmayer83 : I was born in Little Rock, Arkansas April 20, 1983. My birth certificate has the name Carol Goff as birth mother. I don’t have my adoption papers.
859. Mimi2005a : I am looking for my grandson Benjamin Campbell. His last name has changed but the family kept Benjamim. He was born August 30, 2006, in Magnolia, AR at Magnolia Hospital. I was there when he was born and got to hold him and take him to the nursery. I met his adoptive parents and they were great, It was a closed adoption between my daughter, Katerine Annette Campbell, 4/28/1987. HIs adoptive family have two other sons. They live somewhere in the or near the Little Rock area. His parents are both youth ministers at a church.
860. MDJenkins : I’m beginning this Journey with trying to locate my birthmother and father if possible.. Im 51 as of April 12th and have longed for the answers all my life but slighted myself due to my adoptive mother not embracing my need to know.... Its now MY time.... Some of the details were not told in complete truth detouring me along the way... I guess she had her reasons.... I do know that I was born in Little Rock Arkansas April 12th 1970 at the Old Baptist Hospital.. My adoptive parents are Johnny and Wanda Wilson.... .My mother was a nurse there and worked closely with a Dr James Murphy in trying to Adopt a child.... My birthmother was already a mother to possibly 1- 2 daughters .... and she had her reasons at the time as well....... Life went on for All of Us.... It was a private adoption.... but my father said there’s never been any traces paper wise of its details anywhere... other than the birth certificate they signed and brought me home...... I’ve always always wondered why such secrecy around it .... why go to some great lengths to detour me in its landing.... evolving into what could soothe my mind... I’m 51 with 27 yr old son of my own and 3 grandchildren. I wanna as well know my medical side of hereditary footnotes.... So much I wanna know.... I’ve always longed to see her face.... eyes... do I favor Her.... Is she sentimental.... does she love dragonflies... whats her favorite color.... Is her laugh loud and infectious.... Is she a lover of water.... fishing..cooking....? So many things and nothing in particular.... and with no judgment ever to be passed..... #Believe
861. Brittanyqt : My mom and dad are the only parents I’ve ever known- I went straight into their arms after I was delivered. I never met the lady who carried me and I dont even know my biological father’s name! Who knows if he knows I even exist. The only one who knew his identity, my biological mother, passed away ( ’12 ) of ovarian cancer. I’m dealing with some pretty serious health issues, one being a pretty recent 《genetic 》 diagnosis, so its pretty terrifying going through this not having ANY genetic medical history on either side. I was born in Little Rock, AR and to be able to find out I have siblings (&other loving bio family) would literally be lifesaver for me. Its very scary going through health issues at a young age (I have had chronic health struggles since I was a teen) but it’s even harder going through them all alone.
862. Robbiemccarter : My adoption was a private closed adoption with no a fancy involved only an attorney and an intermediary for my birth mother. I was told my birth mother was in the navy and that my father was a professional baseball player from California. My birth mother lived behind an Volkswagen automotive repair shop and the person who set my parents up with adopting me was an old lady she rented from. She arranged the adoption to the automotive shop parents my adopted father was in the Air Force as well as working in the shop.
863. Momlookingforchild : This was a private adoption through Sanford Law Firm in Russellvile Arkansas. Adopted Parents took child from St. Mary’s Hospital after birth in June 1992. My name was Kathy Ledbetter.
864. JB9763 : Looking for birth parents or family members. I was born July 6 1982 at Little Rock Children’s Hospital in Arkansas. I believe birth mother’s name is Lezlie Crook.
865. Jordanself : I am a biological half-sibling looking for an adoptee believed to be male born between 1999-2000 I have very little information besides birth mother’s name, Carol Teague, and that she possibly was in jail at this time and did a private adoption.
866. Momma1982 : Dr.pappas was the Doctor. Know that it went through a lawyer can’t remember if the lawyer or adpoted parents last name started with the letter B . It was at the Old Quaitcha Hospital in Hot Springs Ark.
867. Aforen : I am searching for family members that I am not aware of. I was adopted in FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas and I believe I was born in FAYETTEVILLE as well. My biological family last name is Turner.
868. Ctjp : Lezlie Crook born in 1963. Had child in Little Rock Arkansas on August 17,1986 and named him Steven Edward Crook
869. Pilarpatronmonjaraz : I am searching on behalf of the adopted person. The name her adoptive parents gave to her is Pilar Patrón Monjaraz. She was adopted at birth by a mexican couple in Fort Smith Arkansas. She is mixed race (half black - half white). Apparently the birth mother is white.
870. AreMyGrandchildrenOK : My oldest son had his 3 children taken away when they were babies. He and his wife were declared unfit parents. I know the children’s names and DOB’s. It was my understanding they were adopted in Conway, AR. Ashlynn Rose 5-14-01 Jonathan Jordan Rayne 12-28-02 Rianne Renae 10-19-04
