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Ontario Adoption Records

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Accessing Adoption Records in Ontario

In 2008, Ontario opened adoption records to allow adoptees and birth parents access to personal and family information. The province keeps records for all adopted children born in Ontario, even if the adoption was handled elsewhere.

While Ontario adoption records are open, the steps you need to complete to access the information you want can be overwhelming. Lengthy processing times may delay your search, and some information isn’t available to biological siblings, grandparents, or other relatives.

If you’re having trouble getting adoption records in Ontario, Adopted.com is here to help. Our voluntary reunion registry allows anyone impacted by an adoption to register and search for their family members. Reunions happen through mutual consent, whether you have official records or not. 

To begin your search, you just need to fill out a simple form with ten questions you likely know about your adoption. If there’s a potential match on the platform, you’ll be notified right away.

We have the largest voluntary adoption registry in the world, with people searching for family members in Toronto, Ottawa, and across the entire province. Register today to take the first step toward a potential reunion.

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Currently, there are
10,932
members searching in Ontario

Are Adoption Records Public in Ontario?

Yes, Ontario passed a law in 2008 to open adoption records, including birth registrations and adoption orders. Under this law, adoptees and birth parents can access information from sealed adoption records. The information includes an adoptee’s original name and their birth parents’ names. Birth parents can learn the name the child was given after the adoption.

By request, the Ontario government will release this information, as long as the adoptee or birth parent has not filed a disclosure veto to protect their privacy.

How to Find Adoption Records in Ontario

There are different steps to find adoption records in Ontario, depending on your involvement in the adoption and the information you want to access. You can request both identifying and non-identifying information through ServiceOntario.

Non-identifying information refers to details that don’t reveal the names or contact information of anyone involved in the adoption. This information can include the adoption date, the adoption agency, and the birth family’s medical history.

You can request non-identifying information in Ontario if you’re:

  • An adoptee who’s at least 18 years old
  • An adoptee under 18 with your adoptive parent’s consent
  • An adoptive parent
  • A biological parent, grandparent, or sibling of the adoptee
  • A child of a deceased adoptee
  • A birth parent’s sibling

You may also have access to identifying information from an original birth registration or an adoption order. This information can show you the identities of people involved in the adoption. It may include the adoptee’s name at birth or after adoption, the birth parents’ names, and the adoptive parents’ names.

You may be able to access this information if you’re:

  • An adoptee who’s at least 18 years old
  • A birth parent if the adoptee is at least 19 years old

There’s no fee to access adoption records in Ontario. You just need to complete the correct form and mail it to the address listed. You can’t fax, email, or deliver an application in person.

How Can I Find a Biological Parent in Ontario?

If you’re an adoptee, you can find your biological parents’ names by requesting post-adoption information through ServiceOntario. However, if one or both of your birth parents have asked to keep their identities private, you will not receive this information.

Birth parents can also agree to release information but ask not to be contacted. If your biological parent has completed a no-contact notice and you attempt to contact them anyway, you can be fined up to $50,000.

How Can I Find Someone Who Was Adopted in Ontario?

You can only request an adoptee’s identifying information if you’re the biological parent. The adoptee must also be at least 19 years old before you can search for them. This rule gives an adoptee one year after they turn 18 to file their privacy and contact preferences.

Just like birth parents, an adoptee has the right to keep their identity private or ask not to be contacted by their biological family. If the adoptee has a no-contact notice on file and you contact them anyway, you can be fined up to $50,000.

Other biological relatives, including grandparents and siblings, can’t access identifying information from adoption records, but they can join the Adoption Disclosure Register. If you register, you’ll be notified if or when a match occurs.

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 Ontario

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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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