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 1,192,796 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
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within California Who Chose To Be Featured
571. Aramsey : Adopted right after birth, I believe his birth mother knew his adoptive mother. Adopted mothers name was Gladys "Pat" Ramsey. Name given, Michael Stephen Ramsey.
572. Rcchica : I don’t want to meet my parents I just want to know the ethnicity and possible medical issues. I am told my birth mother was approximately 19 years old. I was born in San Bernadino California. She kept me for 3 or 4 months. I am told my mother was HIspanic and my father was a Caucasion with European descent.
573. Cpscava : I am trying to help my brother to obtain medical information about his birth parents. He was born in San Mateo County. We were told that his mother was 16 when she gave birth to him.
574. Dgw : I am looking for the daughter that I gave up for adoption. I gave birth at Highland Hospital (I think). My daughter was born January 5, 1985.
575. Tahoegirl : I was adopted through Children’s Home Society‚ born in Oakland‚ California at Samuel Merritt Hospital
576. Alondra : I am looking for my son that was adopted in 1998. He was born on June 8 1996. At Camp Pendleton hospital. I gave him the name of Christian Alexander Swanson. He was adopted out of San Diego social services in Escondido CA. His social worker’s name was Lisa Guthrie. Christian was adopted when he was 3 years old. My (mother) maiden name Alondra Charmayne Swanson
577. Jimmymorris : I was born at Booth Memorial Hospital in Los Angeles, CA on 10/27/1957. I believe I was given up for adoption at birth but my birth Mom came back to get me11/30/56 with her boyfriend. In April 1957 my birth Mom brought me back because of her circumstances. She didn’t get married and didn’t feel she could take care of me along with my half brother who was older. I went into foster care on 5/1/57. On 05/29/57 I went home with my adoptive parents Jim & Margaret Morris and sister Peggy. My adoption was finalized on 3/11/58. I had a good life with my adoptive parents but they have both passed on. I feel that this is the right time to try and find my birth Mom. I believe she came from the Midwest.
578. Aprilfranks : April Franks my birth name birth mother from colorado
579. Michael198035 : I was born at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, CA. Mother and Father were both 20. Mother worked in food industry and father in construction. Mother is 5’7" Father 6’0’. Mother wanted a catholic family to adopt. Doctor was T. Hirota and Nurse was T. Starkenburg.
580. Debj : Trent is the mothers maiden name Marocco is father
581. Sweets0098 : I am African American and looking to find out more about my biological roots. Thank you :)
582. Peelfam : Santa Monica‚ CA Saint John’s hospital.
583. Bushj7 : Baby boy born in Los Angeles county California.
584. Jacelynm : Looking for my birth father all I know i was born in San Diego California not to long after that moved to Colorado.
585. Sharonlg3 : Looking for biological grandparents or other close relations my mother was: Baby girl Shelton born to Linda Jones October 9‚ 1961 in Orange County‚ CA and taken right home from the hospital 2 to 3 days later by adoptive Father. Adopted family was in Arizona.