California Adoption Records
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About Adoption Records in California
California adoption records are sealed, and you can’t access an original birth certificate or other documents without a court order. For some adoptions, the state will release names and contact information if both the adoptee and the birth parents consent.
Even with this option, accessing adoption records in California is difficult. Fortunately, there’s another pathway available to you. Adopted.com is a voluntary adoption reunion registry where adoptees, birth parents, and relatives can find one another very quickly.
When you register with Adopted.com, you can begin looking for your relatives, whether you’re in San Diego, Sacramento, or anywhere else in California. To join, you just need to answer ten easy questions about the adoption. These questions focus on the adoption details that most people know, even without access to official state records.
Bureaucratic red tape shouldn’t keep you from getting the answers you’ve spent a lifetime not knowing. Register with Adopted.com today for the chance to reunite with your birth family.
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27,010 Are Adoption Records Public in California?
No, adoption records are not public in California. You need a court order to access adoption records, which include an adoptee’s original birth certificate. This document usually contains the birth parents’ names.
How Do I Obtain Adoption Records in California?
You’ll need to file a petition to access adoption records in California. In the petition, you must show that you have a good reason for accessing the records, such as a medical necessity. Contact the clerk’s office in the county superior court that handled the adoption. The clerk can provide more information on how to file your petition.
While California has closed adoption records, the state can provide identifying information to adoptees in some circumstances. You can ask for your birth parents’ names if you meet these conditions:
- You’re 21 or older.
- Your adoption was finalized after Jan. 1, 1984.
- Your birth parent(s) signed a form granting permission to disclose their name(s).
- You submit a statement requesting your birth parents’ names and addresses.
You should send your form to the agency that handled the adoption or the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). CDSS doesn’t charge a fee, but licensed adoption agencies may require payment.
If you cannot obtain any information this way, you can also register with California’s Mutual Consent Program. The registry will release contact information for adult adoptees and birth parents if both sides consent. This information will include names, email addresses, and/or phone numbers. Siblings can also join the registry if they’re at least 18 years old.
To join the registry, complete the Consent for Arranging Contact (AD 902) form if you’re an adoptee or a birth parent. Siblings should complete the Waiver of Rights to Confidentiality for Siblings (AD 904A) form. Return the form to CDSS or the agency that handled the adoption.
Does California Have Open Adoption Records?
No, adoption records in California are closed. However, California allows open adoptions to take place. An open adoption means the birth parents and adoptive parents arrange to have contact with each other.
While open adoptions allow families to share information, they don’t change the legal status of adoptions. Open adoption records in California are sealed once an adoption is finalized.
Are Adoption Records Sealed in California?
Yes, California seals all adoption records to keep birth parents’ identities private. If you’re an adoptee, however, you can get some non-identifying information about your birth parents. This information may include general facts about your birth parents and their medical histories. It will not include their names or contact information.
You can request access to non-identifying information by writing a letter. In the letter, include your name, date and place of birth, and your adoptive parents’ names. You’ll need to have your signature notarized. Mail your letter to the adoption agency or the CDSS. You cannot email or fax your letter.
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 1,185,527 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.
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within California Who Chose To Be Featured
331. Scr013 : My brother was born in the Los Angeles area. My mother’s name was Rosemary (nee: Carpenteri) Rivera she’s Sicilian and lived in the Los Angeles area My father is Sigfredo Rivera from Arecibo Puerto Rico unfortunately i have no information on him. I have recently found my father’s family and they told me that my brother’s first name at birth was Edwin. I know there was some kind of contact in the early 1980’s when I learned that I had another brother 2 years older then me.
332. Cangelena : Looking for adoptee from Stockton, Ca. Biracial male.
333. Ukiah1983 : My birth mother did not want contact but I am very interested in finding out about my genetic background and health history. I would like to find my birth father because I have discovered that my birth mother died at the age of 57. I have half-sisters and have met them but no one seems to know who my father was.
334. JanelS1978 : Looking to say thank you
335. Vindisney : I was born in Riverside, CA at Riverside Community Hospital and the attending physician was Dr. Donavon Byer, MD. I was 6 pounds 7 ounces at birth. My father was 24 years old and my mother was 22 years old. My adoption was finalized in Riverside, CA on April 3, 1963.
336. Sherry1965 : My name is Sherry Elaine (Daniels) O’Connor & I am looking for my birth mother, Janice L. Butcher, she was from the State of Oregon at the time of my birth - 11/13/1965 @ 7:08 a.m. While pregnant, my birth mother stayed at the Home for Unwed Mothers in LA, CA. I was born at the Santa Ana Community Hospital in Santa Ana, CA. The adoption attorney in CA was named F. Gordon Chytraus. The adoption was finalized in Idaho. I have absolutely no information on my birth father as it was not required for both parents to consent to the adoption process in 1965. I have 3 children: A son Casey Lynn 31, a daughter Megan Rae 29 and a daughter Mikhayla Jane 19. I also have a grandson Dominic T.R. 5. There was no family medical history given to adoptive parents back in the day. I find it disconcerting, that such important information was left out of my life and now out of my own childrens lives. I am all for adoption, it gives children a chance at a good life, but they sure over-looked some of the important background that could be needed back then. The picture of me is with my son on the day he deployed to Iraq 2010, it was so hard to watch him get on that plane, thank God he came home safe and sound! I hope I can find some answers...Just so you know, I have a great family and grew up well. I lost my dad 11 years ago in April at the age of 67 & miss him every day. My mother passed away Oct. 1, 2014 at age 80, and is missed as well. It is a lonely feeling to no longer have parents. I had the best grandparents EVER, lots of aunts & uncles and a boat load of cousins! Thank you, Janice, for knowing you couldn’t do right by me at your young age and giving me to my wonderful family! I am also on Facebook.
337. MsDeeezy : I had contact with my biological mother (who is now deceased) however, she refused to inform me of who my father is/was. I found out I was adopted when I was (I am now 58). I am searching to complete who I am. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
338. Kmomo : My name is Kristen and i am looking for my half brother, he was born in Montclair, California in the Physicians Hospital on April 5th 1990. Birth mothers name is Branden Lancaster
339. Nomoreorphans : Born at Roseville Hospital in Roseville, CA Birth name may have been Spencer Fowler
340. Maryjafif : I was born in LA California on March 1987 I don’t have much info since it was a close adoption and may be illegal .... I know there was a man doing the prosses (he was a lawyer I think) and the adoption took place in between 2 rooms with a door on a hotel
341. JG1944 : The best I can do is tell what was told to me . The mother was a WAC pilot during WWII and would fly to Europe and bring back war brides. My understanding was she was posted in Northern California close to Reno. I have no clue weather I am looking for a male or female. The child would have been born between 1944 - 1947 in OR, NV or CA . The birth father was in law I’m sorry I don’t have more information.
342. Lauracurtin67 : I was adopted to an older couple with the name Haas in 1967 in California. I was born in San Francisco (don’t know what hospital) and I know my birth mom was young and brunette. Closed adoption.
343. Cacathcart : I’m not looking to intrude in anyone’s life. It would be nice to connect. Curious to see if we have similar interest.
344. Jdevgor : I am a female‚ born at Natividad Hospital‚ Salinas‚ Monterey County‚ CA‚ on August 27‚ 1980. I am searching for my birth mother‚ her name is Antonia Martinez‚ she married a man whose last name was Aceves. My birth mother was about 15 years old when she gave birth to me. I was placed in foster care when I was two days old‚ and with my adoptive family when I was one month old. Thank you for your help.
345. SusannC : I found her! Thank you for helping in the search. She was the one you sent to me. We are in close contact‚ now I just need to find my mother’s two sets of twins she adopted out. I found my twin also‚ living near my mothers home state. A set of twin girls born approximately 1944 and a set of twin boys born approximately 1948 both in Los Angeles area. Thanks!
