California Adoption Records
The world's largest adoption reunion registry for adoptees and families
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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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26,845 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 1,189,525 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
616. Vannibean : Mother was divorced at time of my birth. She was married in Nevada then divorced in Modesto around 1957. She had two other children‚ a girl 6 and a boy 8. Mother came from Arkansas or parts near there.
617. Espirational1 : Was born in Oakland and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Looking for birth parents or siblings. At birth my middle name was LaVerne and I was born at Highland Hospital.
618. Janecarmichael : My mom passed away in March 2015 from lung cancer. I am trying to find her birth mother.
619. Johnscott : Johnny Scott,laura lorraine Hernandez born 5oct1961 in Kern county California
620. Emilyirene820 : born at san gorgonio memorial hospital in banning CA.
621. Danalynn66 : I was born Ramona Wright in 1966. I found my birth mom three years ago but am searching for my birth father and siblings. My birth mom was Kathy Wright Godfrey of Pennsylvania. My birth dad was born around 1941, was from Pennsylvania, and was in the military. Possibly Air Force. Possible last names of my birth father could be Peters, McDermott, Vennebush, and Furrh.
622. Susquehanna : UPDATE: my adopted mom just told me that my mother was from oregon and her parent contacted the delivering doctor and was moved to los angeles to give birth to me. So with thst being said hello mom or and family members i am the girl that was born 7/31/1964 @sierra madre community hospital. I am told that my mom n dad met somewhere in oregon. He had kids already and my mom was still very young. And i was told that i have atleast 2 or 3 half siblings from my fathers side, and my adopted mom thinks that she seen her at the adoption final hearing. Possibly preg again. I just want to know my history and would love nothing more thar to meet my blood but if not atleast medical history would be awesome. am looking to find my birth family I was born 7.31/1964 at the community hospital of Sierra .adre Calif. My adoptive parents had planned to adopt either myself or a boy bofn the same day.they chose me... I was blessed to have them as my parents they gave me all that could ever be expected and then some. The reason for me searching for my parents and siblings is that I want to find my identity.anx to find out medical history. I am supposed to be half Japanese and half Swedish. My adopted mom thinks that my birthmoms name was Ann Suzuki. But I’m not certain. Also to if my birth family doesn’t want any contact illl understand I don’t want to waltz in andvruin anyone’s life. And if you are whom I’m looking for please except my thank you for giving me up to my adopted parents whom gave me. It all. But I miss you in my life. No hard feelings at all just trying to find myself...
623. Laurastar : I was adopted nov 8th 1993 by my two days john and gregg in lancaster California. I know my birth mom had a twin sister and her name was her first name evelyn her middle name is Antoinette her madin name is yucilex I’m not sure if her first and madin name are spelled right?
624. SerenaStyles3 : Father, Benton B Caldwell, born 09/16/1922 Mother, Elizabeth L Caldwell, (can’t find birthdate) Would’ve been born in San Clemente, CA, most likely between 1959-1960
625. Jamice : Jamice Shanielle Young was my birth name name of mother is possibly Dorothy Young or Doreen Young. I may also have an older brother named Jason. I was told at some point that my mother has a sister possibly a twin and I was often left with her. Also my mother is African American. Im obviously mixed. Im registered with 23& me as well as ancestry.com. Hoping that could take away some of the guessing and get straight to finding out if we are indeed related.
626. Airmaverick : born in San Diego mercy hospital
627. Imakittycat : I was born in Long Beach.
628. VickiOrear : I was born in Oakland and adopted at birth. My birth mother is Japanese. She named me Tomi Michelle.
629. Monique1970 : I’m looking for my birth mother named Judy Silman I think .. Adopted out of Santa Ana court system at the age of 2.
630. Cjeph : Looking for birth parents, white, born 11/25/69. Born in Lake Arrowhead, San Bernardino County. Adopted as two day old and picked up from hospital in Lake Arrowhead, CA. Had very serious asthma as a child. Doctor involved in birth/adoption last name was Black. Mother’s maiden name Howe.
