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Illinois Adoption Records

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Accessing Illinois Adoption Records

Illinois adoption records are sealed, though adoptees have access to their original birth certificates once they turn 21. However, birth parents can remove their names from these records if they want to remain anonymous.

Illinois offers other options for finding your birth relatives, but the process can be long and overwhelming. At Adopted.com, we know there’s a better way to learn about an adoption.

Our voluntary adoption reunion registry allows you to search for birth relatives quickly, without the red tape. We don’t make you fill out complicated forms or file a court order. You just need to answer ten easy questions that most people know about the adoption.

As the largest adoption reunion registry in the United States, Adopted.com can reconnect you with your biological family in Rockford, Marion, Chicago, or any other part of Illinois. Join Adopted.com today to make a reunion possible.

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Currently, there are
14,471
members searching in Illinois

Does Illinois Have Open Adoption Records?

No, Illinois has closed adoption records. In a closed state, records are confidential and inaccessible to the public. You need a court order to view adoption records or obtain copies of documents, with some exceptions.

How Long Are Adoption Records Sealed in Illinois?

Illinois seals adoption records permanently after an adoption is finalized. These records include the child’s original birth certificate and all related adoption documents. While these documents are not public record, some people can have Illinois adoption records unsealed in specific situations, including adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents.

How Do I Find Adoption Records in Illinois?

If you’re an adoptee or an adoptive parent in Illinois, you can obtain a court order to view your adoption records without showing good cause. In other words, you don’t need to prove you have a good reason to see the records. However, when you obtain the copy of the final adoption order, the birth parents’ names will be redacted or removed.

As an adoptee, you also have the option of obtaining your original birth certificate, which usually shows the birth parents’ names. However, if you were born after Jan. 1, 1946, your birth parents have the option to remove their names from this document. They can also remove other identifying information, such as their last known address and/or your last name at the time of your birth (if it’s the same as their name).

If you’re an adoptee in Illinois over age 21, you can request your original birth certificate by completing the form Request for a Non-Certified Copy of Original Birth Certificate. You will need to complete the form and provide a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID. There’s a fee to obtain this record. Mail the form and payment to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) in Springfield.

You can follow this same process to obtain an original birth certificate if you're the spouse, child, or grandchild of a deceased adoptee. The only difference is you need to have the form notarized. If you’re a birth parent, you can obtain a copy of your child’s original birth certificate by completing the form Birth Parent Request for a Non-Certified Copy of an Original Birth Certificate.

Does Illinois Have an Adoption Reunion Registry?

Yes, you can join the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange (IARMIE) if you want to learn more about an adoption. You can register with IARMIE if you’re:

  • An adoptee who’s 21 or older
  • An adoptive parent of a child younger than 21
  • A birth parent
  • The surviving relative of a deceased adoptee, such as an adult child or grandchild
  • The surviving relative of a deceased birth parent, such as an adult child or sibling
  • A legal guardian of an adopted child

To join, complete the IARMIE Application form and provide the required documentation. You also need to include a $15 registration fee payable to IDPH. 

Once you join, you may receive contact information for a birth relative if they’ve also registered. You can also obtain medical information from biological relatives if they’ve voluntarily submitted it.

If you don’t find a family member through IARMIE, you can request a search through the Confidential Intermediary Service of Illinois. This program assigns you a confidential intermediary who can access Illinois adoption records to search for your birth relatives.

An intermediary can ask your relative if they want to have contact with you. If your relative agrees, the intermediary will arrange contact between you. However, an intermediary cannot give out names or contact information without a person’s written consent.

Search in nearby states to Illinois

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 1,257,095 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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RECENT MEMBERS IN Illinois

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Reunions

Erin
Augusta, United States of America

I was matched with my birth mother just minutes after setting up my profile. It turns out that she had been searching for me for years. It's been a joy to connect with her and the rest of my biological family.

Sarah
Buffalo, New York

I found my children after 30 years, not long after I joined! I'm glad to say it's been a happy ending to my search

Cheryl
San Diego, California

54 years it took us until we found each other. We did a DNA test to confirm! Perfect match. We spent two weeks together and have a blessed, wonderful relationship! We even look alike in so many ways. She is more than I was expecting! Thank you for your website, Adopted.com!

Rosezetta
Wadesboro, North Carolina

I was looking for the mother of my daughter in law, and found both her mother and also grandmother in only 3 days. They are planning a reunion soon. Thank you soooooo much!

Amy
Tracy, California

I found all 3 of my siblings and met them in a week. My life has changed forever! One lives in Tracy and the other two are in North Dakota.

Hollie
Northampton, Massachusetts

Took me about 2 hrs to find a match. I contacted him and he is my brother! Thank you so much!

KIM
MODESTO, California

Within 24 hours my siblings and I were on the phone with our long lost sister.  Without Adopted.com it would have never happened.  We are sincerely grateful as we are now all a part of each other's lives!

Kara
Springfield, Missouri

I filled out my profile and had a match to my birth parents that same day! We connected on Facebook and talked for a while to confirm that the match was accurate and it was! We are all very excited to get to know each other!

Patricia
Enid, Oklahoma

This web site made my dream come true! I subscribed and not even 20 minutes later I found my family.

Kathy
Jacksonville, Florida

I have found my daughter!  I got on adopted.com on Friday about 8pm. I had 6 matches‚ I sent out 3 messages and my daughter Karen was the first one to reply. By 9pm we were emailing each other. She looks just like me. I can't believe this has happened. Thank you adopted.com for this successful reunion!

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