Ohio Adoption Records
The world's largest adoption reunion registry for adoptees and families
Start Your Search Today
Access Adoption Records in Ohio
For years, the question of whether adoptees in Ohio could access their birth records depended on when the adoption took place. With the passage of a 2015 law, all adopted people born in Ohio can now get their original birth certificates and adoption files through the state.
While the state has made it easier for adoptees to get information about their family histories, the process of getting Ohio adoption records can still be difficult and time-consuming to navigate. It involves notarizing documents, providing multiple forms of identification, and mailing or submitting your application in person to the Ohio Department of Health in Columbus.
The 2015 law does not apply to adoptions handled through private agencies or attorneys. In these cases, the person searching for information would have to contact the agency or attorney for information, which will not include the names of the birth parents.
If you’re an Ohio adoptee, birth parent, or biological sibling looking for family members, there’s an easier way. Adopted.com cuts through the red tape by offering a voluntary adoption reunion registry, where adoptees and birth parents mutually consent to share their information and reconnect.
You can join the registry by answering ten simple questions that most people know about the adoption. As the largest voluntary adoption registry in the U.S., Adopted.com reaches people in all parts of Ohio, from Cleveland to Cincinnati and everywhere in between. Register today for a simple, secure way to search for answers and potentially reunite with your biological relatives.
Register Now Directory
11,341 Are Adoption Records Public in Ohio?
No, Ohio adoption records are not public. However, state law allows adoptees to access their original birth records and adoption files. If you were adopted in Ohio after 1996, you must be at least 21 years old to access your records through the state’s Department of Health.
Are Ohio Adoption Records Sealed?
Yes, Ohio adoption records are sealed, but you don’t need a court order to get them. Adoptees and their adult lineal descendants, such as children and grandchildren, can file requests to obtain adoption records. These records include original birth certificates. To get your records, you need to submit a notarized request form and provide two forms of identification.
What Year Did Ohio Open Adoption Records?
In 2015, Ohio enacted a law that opened records for adoptions that occurred between 1964 and 1996. The state had closed adoption records in 1964 but opened them again in 1996. However, the 1996 law did not retroactively apply to adoptions within the previous 32-year period. The 2015 law changed that, giving all Ohioans the right to access their original birth certificates and adoption files.
As part of the 2015 law, birth parents had one year to ask the state to remove their names from a child’s original birth certificate. The law also allows biological parents to submit a contact preference form stating if or how they wish to be contacted.
The 2015 law does not apply to adoptions handled by private agencies or attorneys. In this case, adoptees can contact the agency or attorney to get non-identifying information about the adoption. This will not include birth parents’ names.
What Happens to the Original Birth Certificate After Adoption in Ohio?
After an adoption in Ohio, the child’s original birth certificate is sealed. The state Department of Health issues an amended birth certificate that lists the child’s adopted name and adoptive parents.
An adoptee can request a copy of their original birth certificate from the state’s Bureau of Vital Statistics, part of the Department of Health. You must mail the forms to the bureau or drop them off in person in Columbus. You cannot request your original birth certificate online.
Search in nearby states to Ohio
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 1,189,522 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.
Register NowRECENT MEMBERS IN Ohio
-
Vfdelery
1 minute ago
-
Qwedanu
29 minutes ago
-
EngleHeather1
32 minutes ago
-
AlizeJor1220
39 minutes ago
-
Crystalsadvoc
58 minutes ago
-
Craighartung67
1 hour ago
-
Gardnerfamily
2 hours ago
-
Victoriakay013
2 hours ago
-
Treasuregrimes
2 hours ago
-
Chinedu
4 hours ago
-
JenWise1
5 hours ago
-
Ravyn143
6 hours ago
-
Vanyla22
7 hours ago
-
Uniqueaaliyah
8 hours ago
-
Lgallegos
9 hours ago
-
61333Lindy
9 hours ago
-
AlyssaAnn
9 hours ago
-
Juanlookingfo
10 hours ago
-
Strawberry767
10 hours ago
-
Alli_2008
10 hours ago
A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Ohio Who Chose To Be Featured
1. Scbysnack1 : FOUND - AUGUST 2022 Michigan‚ Muskegon‚ Grant‚ Washburn‚ Constance‚ Jerry‚ Loretta‚ Lima‚ Newaygo‚ Ken‚ Larry‚ Orville‚ Ravenna‚ White Cloud‚ Westbrook
2. Glenboltz : I was born 1/11/69 in cleveland, ohio at St. Ann’s hospital then sent to the DePaul infant home where I stayed until placed with my adoptive parents in apr. of 69. I am searching for father andor siblings. I learned that birthmother named me after her father and my birthfathers name was josephjoe......thats all i know.
3. Margif : Cincinnati‚ OH
4. Malialynn : Birth Parents and/or siblings. I was born November 6‚ 1968 at 10:47 AM. Doctor’s North Hospital on Dennison Ave. (Franklin County Columbus Ohio Dr. L.S. Shaffer‚ D.O. delivered me. I was 6 lbs. 15oz and 20 inches long. I was adopted at birth. I was told my birth mother and birth father possibly were in college at Franklin University? I was told they were not married at the time? I was also told my birth mother names was ELIZABETH ANN WHITE she was 19yrs old and was from Pennsylvania lived on 480 S. James St ‚ (not sure of the city or county‚ Ohio. I was adopted into a great family. My adopted Father had ties with the Hospital.
5. Jkern72 : Born November 29th, 1972 @ Greene Memorial Hospital in Xenia, OH. Adoption was handled by Catholic Services. My primary reason for contact is Medical History.
6. Tracyrick : Mercy Hospital- Toledo, Ohio I know the name of my birth mother
7. Agetty : I was born july 18, 1964. Adopted Jan 1965 from the cincinnati childrens home, cincinnati Oh. My mothers name was/is Nancy Dee Smith. She was 18 in 1964. I just need health information. I am getting older and getting surprised at the health issues surfacing.
8. Tracyrick : Mercy Hospital -Toledo Ohio. I have a copy of my original birth certificate and know the name of my birth mother
9. Shawnee09 : Biological mother name is Cynthia Rae Walters. Her adopted name may be Mary. Most likely adopted through Catholic charities in northeast Ohio.
10. TheresaLopezSymonds : I hope you had great parents and a great upbringing. I miss you every day! You mean the world to me! I hope some day soon I will meet you. You have two brothers name Christian and Steven and they can not wait to meet you. I am here for you in any way and everyway you want me to be. I love you and respect your wishes but I hope and pray you will come looking for us soon. Love Mom
11. Stephskor : baby girl was born on 5-1-1990. Named Constance Marie Maloney-Gesell. Born in Dayton Ohio. She was born to my sister so she would be my niece. Believe she may have been adopted to a family on east coast? She was born at Miami Valley Hospital and adopted through Gentle Care Adoption Agency. Her adoptive parents names may have been Cathy and Scott.
12. Nikkiware2 : I ’m looking for my sisiter Lillian whom I just found out I had. I want to meet and get to know her and let her know she has another family who loves her.
13. Harlan326 : I am looking for my birth father I was adopted in Ohio. I have found my birth mother and I am now seeking my birth father. I know that his name is Albert Russ and that last she had heard was that he was either living in Virginia or West Virginia and that and that at on time he has a sister that lived in Toledo,Ohio and she things that her name is Denise but is not sure. Can any one help??
14. Robertullery : My adopted name is Robert Ullery. I was adopted in Dayton Ohio. I believe my birthmother last name was Ryman. My adopted parents were also from Ohio but moved to CA in fear of my birth parents trying to contact me.
15. Watsonajw : If you have any imformation it would be great. I think moms name was patti godfrey. i was born may 31 1984. any info will help.
