California Adoption Records
The world's largest adoption reunion registry for adoptees and families
Start Your Search Today
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.
Register Now Directory
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 1,185,517 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 California
-
Abbylynn70
2 minutes ago
-
Cindyschweiss
1 hour ago
-
Megansdad
1 hour ago
-
Rachietect
2 hours ago
-
Pclark
2 hours ago
-
EugeniaW
2 hours ago
-
Sum85
3 hours ago
-
Lestaylor13
3 hours ago
-
VinokurovaM2003
4 hours ago
-
Isak123
5 hours ago
-
Katgod
5 hours ago
-
Juanlandi
5 hours ago
-
KLFreeman
5 hours ago
-
TheodoreSavicky
6 hours ago
-
Cassie1988
6 hours ago
-
ChefCadyC
6 hours ago
-
Jamesblalock
6 hours ago
-
Cbooker
7 hours ago
-
Alirae76
7 hours ago
-
Maxplsek
7 hours ago
A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within California Who Chose To Be Featured
541. Robone16 : Born at USC medical center on April 12‚ 1978....my biological family was German if I remember correctly and already had approx 5 children and couldn’t take on another child at that time. My adoption went through social services smoothly was adopted to Judy and Bob Hall and grew up in Sherman Oaks.
542. Tinarutter : All I know is that I was born in San Jose, California on May 20, 1964. I was adopted when I was 2 days old.
543. Jwfettis : my birthname was william charles rada. i was born at glendale hospital in L.A. county.
544. Hopeloki : His adoption first name Joseph. He was adopted out of riverside county. Born in Los Angeles on April 26 1975.
545. 661shopper : last name Klohr Mother or Father
546. WENDYSPENCER : Was given the name Girl Moberg at birth. Found my mother Nancy Moberg from Omaha Nebraska.
547. Mayte1875 : I was born on November 18‚ 1975 at 1:05am in los angles to a single mother‚ last name Estrada who already had two boys‚ born 03/26/1970 and 10/20/1972‚ she relinquish her rights on 01/22/1976‚ she was single and unemployed‚ her birth year is 1948‚ height 5’2 drk brown eyes/drk brown hair/Olive Skin‚ and her last name is Estrada. she likes to cook‚ draw‚ and most sport. my birthfather was a gas station attendant. from what I know she did not know she was pregnant until her 8th month and my father never new she gave birth to me. I also believe they live in California.
548. Chrisblack : Was born in San Mateo at Mills Memorial Hospital
549. Leslie98765 : Born at Queen of Angels hospital in Los Angeles. 50% Great Britain, 30% Norway, 10% Scottish or Irish
550. Lauraruniyon : Jeannie reitterer is the adopted mother and I was told that my son died and I need to find out what is going on.
551. RozeRed : My father claims to have at least one possibly two children some time in the late 70s but before 1984 when my brother was born. He refuses to help me locate them as he doesn’t know what they’ve been told but believes they were given up for adoption. Based on his life at that time I know he lived in Cali and Oregon‚ and that both he and the mother would have been under 18. I know it’s not a lot to go on.
552. Weathertonaudrey : I am Audrey Weatherton born in 1996 my mothers name is Jerri Davis my brother and sister were taken away from her in 1997 or 1998 they were born Amanda Rose Lenhardt and James Earl Lenhardt please help me reunite with my siblings
553. Jaztaz : Donna jean birth mother married a man name john in 1977 had a son named James December 4th 1977 he was taken for her care and placed in foster care years later I was born from the same mother different father he was 13 years older than me
554. NancyDakaKate : I am a 53 year old female looking for my birth mother and/or father. I was born at Kingsburg Hospital CA on May 20th 1970. My bio mother did not finalize the adoption until October 1970‚ I was in foster care in Fresno CA for my first 5 months of life‚ where I was called "Kate" or "Katie" from May to Oct 1970. I know that my birth mother was white ( of Welch / Dutch decent ) and my birth father was of Spanish/Portugese decent‚ they were married at one time but I think they might have divorced by the time I was born?‚ I know that I have two brothers older than me and that my birth parents were going thru a separation when my birth mother conceived me. She didn’t want to raise a little girl being single. She was a cosmetologist. She had light brown hair and green eyes. I don’t know much about my father‚ he had brown hair and brown eyes. This is the first attempt at a search‚ I hope I can find parent(s) and I would be so blessed if I could be reunited with my 2 older brothers and any other family I can find. My husband (32years now married) and I just lost our 1st born & only son‚ he was 30 & died from a blood clot in his lung in 2021. Im trying to find my family because Im loosing all of my adopted family.
555. Looking66 : I was born at Mary’s Help Hospital in Daly City, Ca on 9/8/1966.
