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 1,205,105 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
-
Child64
5 minutes ago
-
DennisCrosse
15 minutes ago
-
Carbonfootpri
26 minutes ago
-
Bridgetth
38 minutes ago
-
Anyacruzlm1
38 minutes ago
-
Clairpearl
39 minutes ago
-
Ghostlygrey
53 minutes ago
-
Denzor66
54 minutes 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
-
Moonifa
3 hours ago
A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Arkansas Who Chose To Be Featured
76. Jacquebrewer : Baby may have been born with medical condition or an issue with her eye, could be a result of abuse to mother during pregnancy and possibly adopted by a couple who ran a mission or outreach program. They may have funded medical expenses for necessary treatment at time of birth. Likely the Northern Arkansas area. May have changed given name in late 80s. Adopted father may be James mother may be Shirley or Lavelle.
77. Tami69 : Im trying to find my sister who was adopted around 1961 or 1962 or 1963...mother born january 1942..I just found out that my mother was 19 when she put my sister up for adoption....her father was in service ....she was adopted from women place in little rock Arkansas and she has other siblings who love to find her.......her birth mom would love to find her as well as her sisters...her mother name is shirley Oliver at time....we would love to meet you and our mom would love explain things...please reach out to us.
78. ShimmiwasCatherine : I am looking for my biological mother, Katherine C Robinson. My name was Paula Catherine, and I have since changed it entirely. I was adopted by Paula Sue McDowell Taylor and her husband, Doug. I was born in Springdale/ Fayetteville, AK and the adoption was arranged before my birth. I would be overjoyed to meet my mother or any relatives!
79. Ethrasher : I’m adopted but I found that my bio mom, Amiee Thompson was also adopted. DNA results are muddy because that complicates things. I’m searching for my bio grandparents.
80. Marguerita1394 : Im looking for my daughter she was born june 7th 1999 in mountain home arkansas we lived in marshall arkansas at the time she was takin away and placed in clinton arkansas her brother is andy wayne baker jr her grandparents are pete and winona jackson she has an uncle named scott chaisson been lookin for my daughter for the last 5 years she would be 18 now her bith name is melissa ann manchester adams her birth mother is marguerita gloria adams also goes by last name baker or jackson
81. Heather1977Vaughan : I am looking for my two beloved sons whom I miss terribly. Their birth names are Chandler Kendrick Ray Hume & David Robert Owen Hume.
82. Crystalsenteney90 : His birth father is Anthony Senteney, he was stationed in North Carolina at the time
83. Teen9464 : I am searching for my biological cousin. I was told by "our" grandparents that his name is Billy Raymond Thomas‚ Jr. My mother and father were asked to adopt this child but already having three children of their own‚ they were afraid of the severe financial obligation it would add to a lower middle class family of 5. I was told that there was also a younger sister to Billy Raymond Thomas‚ Jr. but am unsure of the name. I have often thought and continue to pray for you my cousins.
84. Wdydwintexas : Hello‚ I am searching for a male baby born in FEB of 1965. The baby was given up for adoption by the birth mother whose last name was Matthews (her maiden name). She is from South Carolina. She traveled to have the child and give him up in El Dorado‚ Arkansas at the Warner Brown Catholic Hospital under Dr. Rainwater with the help of her older sister. We have been told the adopted parents may have had the last name of MURPHY but we are not sure... that could have been the attorney’s name that Dr. Rainwater used for the paperwork. My husband was born in 1970 and we know his older brother was born 5 years before him. We understand she became pregnant while she was young and had to give the child up for adoption. It has been many years now and we would like to find this missing relative. My husband and I live in the Houston area of Texas even though we are from the East Coast originally Georgia and South Carolina. If you think you may know this person‚ please contact us. Thank you‚ Dawn
85. Alawson48 : I was born as Stacy Lynn Strange in Little Rock AR at St. Vincents Infirmary on July 15‚ 1967 and was placed in foster care Aug. 30th 1967. I was placed in my temporary adoption home on Oct. 6th 1967 with final adoption on April 8‚ 1968. Would love to know anything about my bio family.
86. Katsoo : My son would have red hair or at least a reddish tint, and light skin that easily burns, and freckles, because his siblings both do. Chances of facial hair being red is strong.
87. Joanna1414 : Born in Fayettevllle, arkansas. My first name was donna. Mother’s first name was edith. Father first name was James.
88. Neverstop311 : your baby picture is my profile picture I am your aunt !
89. Neverstop311 : Searching for my nephew Austin Taylor Hill born in Abliene‚ tx Black and white‚ was adopted through Baptist childrens home in Monroe‚la. Your birth father was captain of air force. Your mother was also adopted as a child and I was also. I would love to be a part of your life. I really hope you see this me and your mother want to see you
90. Howle : I am looking for my brother. He was born in the 60’s. Our father is Lany Albert Howle.
