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 1,185,521 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
496. Suehunley : Born in Olney, Maryland, adopted out by Frederick Co. adoption agency
497. Lunata94 : I was an infant I am Native and Thai.
498. Lost1218 : My moms name is tamara jean smith and i was born at redlands community hospital.
499. Mc2man : I was born at Cedars hospital in Los Angeles. The adoption agency that worked with my adoptive parents was based in Cheviot Hills on the west side of Los Angeles. The The Friedman family adopted me in Los Angeles. I was told that the birth mother was Jewish and the father was Scandinavian.
500. Owleyes : I am looking for my birth mother‚ Bonnie R Bateson and birth father Melvin R Bateson. They got married in 1966 after giving birth to me in 1965 in Anaheim CA. Looking for sister named Karen S Bateson She was born in the same hospital as me They gave her the same name as me. She was born 1967 two years after me. My name is Karen L Miller maiden name Telk.
501. Gigi7070 : Believe my birth daughter was raised in Alhambra, CA. Her name is Michelle Blanco. Adoptive father’s name is Michael, father was a lawyer, mother a dietician.
502. Papavinnie8 : My name is Vincent J. Schmitt My adoption was finalized july 18th 1961‚Born April 26‚1960.My adopted parents are Giles and Patricia Schmitt who still reside in SanDiego‚Ca.I have never had any reason to contact my birth parents untill now.In October of 2014 I had a heart attack‚thank God it was not a real bad one but it was one none the less.I am exsperiencing high colesteral and was told by my doctor that it may be hereditory.I would like to possiblly to find out about my birth parents and if there is health problems that I need to be aware of.
503. Michaelahimani : Davina Ruby Johnson
504. MickiWebb : Looking for my birth mother Adoptee’s name at birth: Michelle Bryant Born in Los Angeles‚ CA Birth father: Curtis Taylor Siblings: two on mother’s side prior to my birth‚ three on father’s side prior to my birth
505. Neonmoonx : Born in Daly City.
506. Blenneman05 : Debra Travels, Oakland Naval Hospital, adopted by Ron and Ruth Travels. Idk Debra’s birth last name only her adopted last name which was Travels
507. MirandaN : Born in San Francisco CA
508. SOCALSIBLING : I am looking for my half sister. Our birth mothers maiden name was Fulton. I do not know the name of the birth father. I do not know when the adoption took place, only that it was quick and from the hospital. My Mother lived in Glendale, California, at the time so I am looking in Los Angeles County however, it is possible she traveled to give birth.
509. SanJose77 : I was born in San Jose-?Birth mother left a note where she referred to me as Krista Lee- she also put x on top of her "I"s instead of The traditional dot on top of the I.
510. CarolynTurner : Looking for birth mother Cynthia Lynn Evans. Justin Derek Evans born 9-20-81 Presbyterian Hospital Hollywood, CA adopted April 1983 by Turner’s. She left baby with her aunt. Her father was UCLA Professor. Cynthia would be about 57. Friends Doug and Fern Collins from Long Beach knew the birth mother.
