California Adoption Records
The world's largest adoption reunion registry for adoptees and families
Start Your Search TodayAbout 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.
Register Now DirectoryAre 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 1,192,930 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
421. Jamiez1212 : I am searching for my son that was adopted at birth December 24‚ 1987 name Benjamin Elliot last name unknown
422. AliciaCastelan : I am having trouble searching for biological parents and hoping the search for siblings may be an easier route. I was born in Orange‚ CA. My mother‚ Jean‚ had three daughters (I’ve been told) prior to myself. I believe by a different father than my own. I was born with the name "Baby Clinton." My biological mother was born in Brooklyn‚ NY and grew up in Georgia. She was 5ft. 4in.‚ fair complexion‚ with brown hair and blue eyes. My father is Kenneth. He was 6’2”‚ 200 lbs‚ black hair‚ brown eyes and worked construction. They were both Marines at the El Toro Marine base in CA. I’m hoping I just described someone’s mother or father who gave up a baby girl for adoption. Looking forward to meeting siblings!
423. Jodyet88 : Looking for biologicalfather. I have found my birth mother. I know he was in the military and worked in hvac‚ he lived somewhere around Ontario‚ Ca. UPDATE: Birth Mother FOUND 6/11/14. Thanks to a search angel named Chris!
424. Eliizzy : 47% Ashkenazy Jewish
425. KathleenAS : Searching for birth parent/parents and siblings. I was told there were at least two other children at the time of my birth. Shasta County, Ca. at Shasta hospital. Underhill was on my "gray area" adoption paper.
426. LaurieA : Searching for: my mother, last name Sanchez ? born apx 1938 and 20 y/o when I was born she was Irish, French and Mexican she was apx 5’ tall and weighed 110lbs apx brown eyes,light brown hair, med olive complexion and round face. She was Catholic , in good health 10th grade education, employed as a full time babysitter, she enjoyed reading and sewing. My maternal grandmother had a 12th grade education, light brown hair, brown eyes and light olive complexion. My father was 29 y/o when I was born, 1929 year of birth apx, Mexican descent, he was 5’2" and 120lbs, brown eyes, black hair dark olive complexion and round face, he was employed as a Real Estate Salesman and enjoyed fishing. I have 2 half siblings one brother and one sister both older, ( will update with years of birth ) I also have an Uncle who was 12 when I was born, 1946 year of birth appx. I was adopted out of the law office of Lind and Schmitz ( located in Wilmington, ca) The docs read as follows: In the matter of the adoption of Mary Alice Jimenez aka Sanchez. All of the information I have was taken from documents I have and this is all I have.
427. Jdarbuckle : My mom adopted out a brother in San Diego California to a Jehovah’s Witness family in 1981. Her name is Roxanne. There was a plate and a letter given to him to be gifted to him when he was 18 years old. My mother would have been about 20/21 at the time of his birth. I don’t know his month or day of birth.
428. Kevina : Born at General Hospital in Los Angeles. My mother was 19 and working as a legal secretary and my father was 21 and in the army. Both were Latino.
429. Tyghestorm : Born in San Francisco CA....I think my birthmothers name is "Gross", my fathers name is D. Schwartz.
430. Eq9Porter : Contact me. It may help also that My birth name was Sabrina Lee Mendoza‚ My mothers name is Thagard‚ thats all I know.
431. Aneubauer : I was adopted through Children’s Home Society and born at UCSF Hospital in San Francisco. I was given up at birth. Birth was Kara Louise Hallion
432. Malyshamarkley : Birth name was Ann M. McCoy‚ mothers name was Susan McCoy.
433. TerriEllison : I was born 12-20-61 in Oakland, Alameda County CA at Civic Center Hospital Foundation. I just found out I was adopted within the last 5 years at the age of 48. I was told that my birth mothers name was Dorothy Craven and that she already had 5 or 6 children and could not keep me. When she gave birth to me I was given right to my adoptive parents Bob (Robert) and Evelyn Ellison. It was not a legal adoption so my birth cert has no indication of an adoption. The doctor was a friend apparently and let the whole thing happen.
434. Miner-Mayville : My Birth Name was Albert T Mayville, JR. / Birth Mothers last name I believe was Kilmer.
435. Christineamartineza : My adopted mom said my real mothers name was Teresa. I am white‚ blue eyes‚ dirty blond hair. I was born probably in san diego. I was taken away because my mom was an addict but I know I have other siblings out there