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Ohio Adoption Records

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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.

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Currently, there are
12,521
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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.

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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 1,209,660 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 Ohio

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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

Robyn
MIDLAND, North Carolina

My sister and I found each other after 57 years. It was confirmed with DNA and she also met her biological Mother. She was raised and still lived in the Washington, D.C. area. Thank you for providing a search engine to track adopted relatives.

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.

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!

Kim
LAS VEGAS, Nevada

I had 2 connections on here. 1 responded to my email. When she emailed we talked for a few days. I had left 1 detail out of my post regarding a blanket my mom made. She knew about and still has it 31 years later! Thank you for helping me find my beautiful daughter!

Erik
Columbus, Ohio

I could have been matched with my daughter 4 years sooner had I used this site. So thankful for the modern technology and DNA A Happy Ending to our story!

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