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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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Currently, there are
4,332
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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 1,205,917 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 Maryland

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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.

Kate
Fairfax, Virginia

My partner's birthmother was a match here, but she hadn't checked the site in so long, and initially we couldn't get a response. The site was diligent in trying to make contact using several different methods. Support staff were understanding and dedicated. Thank you Nikki and Katharine! Patrick met his Mom last Saturday!

Chris
King City, California

Hi we have found our biological family. We couldn't do this without all our searcher's help. We send our thanks. We also found that we have two sisters that found us. We are in contact with them. A reunion coming.

Trevor
Eden Prairie, Minnesota

I came on to the website just to do research for when I wanted to try and find my birth mother. I filled out the questionaire not thinking anything of it and boom. There she was. 34 years later. We are both excited to get to know each other and eventually meet!

Liz
Perkinsville, Vermont

Thank you for reuniting me with my birth mother after 30 years.

Mary Kay
Kissimmee, Florida

It turns out my birth mother passed away in 1987 but her family knew of my birth and adoption! I have spoken to several of them. Many of the biological extended family have shared photos and memories. This journey so far has been a very positive experience!

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