Maryland Adoption Records
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Accessing Maryland Adoption Records
For decades, Maryland has had sealed adoption records, making them inaccessible without a court order. Some adoptees can access their original birth certificates, but not everyone has this option.
While Maryland prohibits access to adoption records, the state offers two alternative pathways for people looking for their biological relatives. However, both programs have their limitations. If you’re searching for Maryland adoption records, Adopted.com offers an easier solution.
We provide a voluntary adoption reunion registry where anyone impacted by an adoption can search for information. It doesn’t matter when the adoption occurred, and there’s no need to file a court petition. You just need to answer ten simple questions about the adoption that most people know – even without access to state records.
The Adopted.com registry spans the state of Maryland, from Hagerstown to Baltimore and everywhere in between. If you’ve hit a roadblock looking for adoption records in Maryland, register with Adopted.com. Join a community where reunions happen every day.
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4,333 Are Maryland Adoption Records Public?
No. Maryland adoption records have been sealed since July 1, 1947. You cannot access adoption records in Maryland without a court order.
If you were adopted in Maryland in 2000 or later, you can obtain your original birth certificate once you turn 21. However, if the adoption occurred between 1947 and 2000, you cannot get this document without petitioning the court.
How to Access Adoption Records in Maryland?
While accessing adoption records in Maryland is difficult, the state offers a confidential intermediary program for post-adoption reunion services. Confidential intermediaries can access sealed adoption records to search for adoptees or their biological relatives.
You can request a search through Maryland’s confidential intermediary program if you’re:
- An adult adoptee (21 or older)
- A birth parent who voluntarily terminated your parental rights
- A birth sibling or half-sibling (21 or older) if you were also adopted
To request a search, you need to complete several forms from the Maryland Department of Human Services. Complete Application Form 2062 with as much information as you can provide, though you can leave questions blank if you don’t know the answers. You also need to complete a notarized consent form and a statistical survey. Return the forms to the department with a copy of your driver’s license or other photo ID.
Once you request a search, you’ll be assigned an intermediary and sign a service agreement. While the intermediary cannot give you copies of your adoption records, they’ll attempt to locate your relatives. If successful, the intermediary will ask if they want to have contact with you. If they do, the intermediary will arrange a reunion.
In addition to the confidential intermediary program, Maryland also has a Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry. You can join this registry if you’re an adult adoptee, a birth parent, or a biological sibling. If one of your family members also registers, the state will alert you to the match so you can connect. However, the registry has not resulted in many matches, according to the state.
How Do I Get My Adoption Records Unsealed in Maryland?
You’ll need to petition the court to get adoption records unsealed. If you were adopted between 1947 and 1999, you can file a request for your original birth certificate. Petition the court to authorize the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to release the record to you.
You can get a copy of your original birth certificate if you’re at least 21 and were adopted after 2000. This document will list your birth parents’ names, unless they’ve submitted a disclosure veto to remain anonymous.
Birth parents can also request amended birth certificates for adoptions that occurred in 2000 or later, as long as the adoptee is over 21 years old. Adoptees can file a disclosure veto if they don’t want identifying information released.
What Happens to the Original Birth Certificate After Adoption in Maryland?
After an adoption, the adoptee’s birth certificate is changed to list their adoptive parents. The original birth certificate, which has the birth parents’ names, is sealed as part of the adoption record.
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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 1,205,522 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 Maryland Who Chose To Be Featured
151. Lateannie : I was born in Washington DC and adopted in MD.
152. Bobnoisy167 : My name is Tiffani Garrett, I am Kelli Garrett’s biological sister. Our mother name is Lynn Garrett. Kelli’s new last name is Lolendo. Kelli may have been adopted by Theresa R Johnson. I believe Kelli resides in District Heights, Maryland.
153. Beanczymom : Still searching for 1/2 sister who was born and given up for adoption in December 1969 at birth in Baltimore, MD. Given name at birth - Crysral Birth mother - 19 Birth mother was living with her aunt and uncle in MD as result of getting pregnant while at college in WV. Her mother forced her to give up baby and sent her to aunt and uncles to take care of situation. Mom was only allowed to hold you 1x right after giving birth and had to give you first name. She remembered you having blue eyes and reddish hair. Mom doesnt know why, but she was led to believe the couple adopting you both were somehow in the medical field. If you believe this may be you I have taken a dna test and have results uploaded hoping to find you. Just so you know, we have been searching for you for at least 24 years.
154. Mekko71 : Would love to know something about my family. I am Afro-American. I remember seeing someone named Teresa Bates. I had something to do with Baltimore. Please contact
155. AlessandraMesa : My biological mother passed away almost 10 years ago, on June 26th, 2009, her father(who adopted her) passed away the same year on Christmas Eve. I would like to find her biological family, to find out anything about hers and my life. Her adoptive father’s last name "Mesa", she is said to have been born July 31st, 1965 but could be different. Possibly adopted in California (Florida comes to mind), but not sure where she was born. Her adoptive mother died in 1989 and adoptive fathers name was Anthony Mesa, born in 1937. The woman pictured is my birth mother and I am trying to find her biological family. Possible name before adoption is "Betty"
156. Emilyanne29 : I am searching for my father’s birth family. He was adopted in Maryland (Baltimore I believe). His adoptive parents are were from Richmond, VA from Richmond Virginia. We think his birth mother was college age and the father was a farmer. My dad is caucasian, 6ft with dark hair and green eyes. Adoptive mother will not provide any information.
157. Scottnfamily : Hello! I was adopted through Catholic Charities and was very fortunate to have two wonderful parents. Although I had a happy life‚ I have always felt something was missing. If there is anyone who thinks they might be related to me sibling‚ parent‚ relative of any type‚ and you would like to reach out‚ I am extremely open to connect with my biological family. I look forward to the opportunity to finish the rest of my story.
158. Emilyanne29 : I am searching for my father’s birth family. He was adopted in Maryland (Baltimore I believe) by his adopted mother from Richmond Virginia. We think his birth mother was college age and the father was a farmer. My dad is caucasian, 6ft with dark hair and green eyes. Adoptive mother will not provide any information.
159. Emilyanne29 : I am searching for my father’s birth family. He was adopted in Maryland (Baltimore I believe) by his adopted mother from Richmond Virginia. We think his birth mother was college age and the father was a farmer. My dad is caucasian, 6ft with dark hair and green eyes. Adoptive mother will not provide any information.
160. DaynaCyr-Parker : I was born in Baltimore, we know that I have a half brother that should be 26 or 27 by now, his last name is thought to be McLendon or Mclandon. My birth mothers maiden name as we know is Kenya Tashana Sinkler, Evans, Robinson or Mclandon, she was 27 when I was born and was putting herself through nursing school. That being said we don’t know how much of that holds true today but I would really like to find her.
161. Djtf : Looking for birth parents
162. Suzspicc : Born in Baltimore county hospital fostered and adopted by Kenneth N Ellis and Alice Ellis of Fulton MD in 1972. "Code name" in paperwork prior to being given the name Suzanne Stuart Ellis was "Sheila Bennett"
163. LisaRecords : I was born in Baltimore City Baltimore Maryland on July 2, 1967 at 6:30 p.m. and adopted 3 months later to a family in Laurel, Delaware. The attorney’s office who handled the adoption was Niles, Barton, and Wilmer. The agency who handled the adoption was Maryland Children’s Aid Society, Inc.- Eastern Shore District Office. The District supervisor may have been Mildred E. Scheafer. Ms. Schaefer was definitely the district supervisor in 1971 at the time of my brother’s adoption.
164. Kwajlyn : Hi, I found out my half-brother contacted our Mom in Albuquerque the fall of 2014 but had not heard back from her before she passed away July 2015. I thought I might have found him, a PO box for David M and his sister Toby but the mail was returned.
165. CelesteChristian2 : I am searching for my biological mom. I have recently found my biological dad side of the family. Unfortunately, i didn’t find him in time to get to know him. He left the world in 2004. I really hope i will have the opportunity to find my mom before she is gone. I know my biological brother his name is Eugene Christian he was born on December 4. He’s 35 years old now. My biological name is Celeste Pamela Christian I was born January 3rd, 1986. I believe it was in Maryland because my adopted mom said my dad had a garage downtown in Baltimore. It was called the Christian garage. I am unsure about my mom’s last name but, I believe her first name is Pandora. I was told she was pregnant when she gave us up. So, I have a sibling if not more that I don’t know of. I now have three baby girls. And it would be nice to know my DNA that comes from my mother’s side. I know that my father’s side has cancer in all areas. I am the one that was adopted I am unsure how to search for my biological mother on here. I found my dad’s family from taking a DNA ancestry test. And it linked me to close relatives. That helped me solve that puzzle. I am ready to complete the entire puzzle that makes me who I am.
