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Texas Adoption Records

The world’s largest adoption reunion registry
for adoptees and families

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Accessing Adoption Records in Texas

In Texas, adoption records are sealed, making it difficult for adoptees to learn about their family history. Without knowing your birth parents’ names, you may never be able to access your Texas adoption records or get your original birth certificate.

While your official records may be sealed, Texas offers a voluntary adoption registry to make it easier for biological family members to reunite. However, the process comes with some state-mandated stipulations, and finding your relatives through this registry may take years, if it happens at all.

Adopted.com provides an easier, alternative way to find your adopted child, your birth parents, or your biological sibling if the adoption occurred in Texas. Our voluntary adoption reunion registry reaches all corners of the great state of Texas, from McAllen to Amarillo and everywhere in between.

It’s free to register, and all you need to do is answer ten simple questions about the adoption. If you’ve hit a wall in the search for your Texas adoption records, join Adopted.com today for another chance to reunite with your biological family.

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Currently, there are
21,314
members searching in Texas

Are Adoption Records Public in Texas?

No, Texas adoption records are not public. Under state law, they’re sealed after an adoption and can only be released under a court order.

However, once an adoptee turns 18, they can get a redacted copy of their adoption records. The redacted copy will not include the birth parents’ names or other identifying information. To get your redacted records, contact the state’s Department of Family and Protective Services or the private agency that handled the adoption.

How Can You Open Sealed Adoption Records in Texas?

Unsealing adoption records in Texas requires you to get a court order. You can petition the court that granted the adoption to unseal your records. If you don’t know the court, you can get this information by filing a request with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Section.

Once you have a court order, you can request your sealed adoption records by completing an application and paying a $10 fee. However, you must know the names of the birth parents listed on your original birth certificate. You cannot get your sealed adoption records if you don't know their names. 

What Happens to an Original Birth Certificate After Adoption in Texas?

After an adoption in Texas, a child’s original birth certificate is sealed, and an amended version is issued listing the child’s adoptive parents. The state allows adoptees to request their original birth certificate once they turn 18 if they know the names of their birth parents.

If you’re an adoptee who meets these requirements, you can request a non-certified copy of your original birth certificate from the DSHS Vital Statistics Section. You need to complete the application, pay a $10 fee, and submit a copy of a government-issued photo ID.

How Do You Find a Biological Parent in Texas?

If you don’t know your biological parents’ names, it’s difficult to get your adoption records in Texas. However, the state operates a voluntary Central Adoption Registry (CAR) for adoptees, birth parents, and biological siblings. If you can’t get a court order for your records, consider adding your name to this registry.

If there’s a match in the system, CAR will release identifying information once all parties:

  • Consent to the release of identifying information
  • Complete a one-hour counseling session to prepare for the reunion
  • Provide a written biography or history of their life with copies of photos

For those waiting to connect, the amount of time and bureaucracy can be frustrating. If you register, as with any search method, there’s no guarantee you will ever get a match. If there is a match, it’s going to take a high degree of investment on all sides to get everything done. 

Adopted.com offers an easier way to find biological relatives who are also looking for you. Join now to become part of the largest voluntary adoption registry in the world.

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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 1,256,147 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 Texas

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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.

Hollie
Northampton, Massachusetts

Took me about 2 hrs to find a match. I contacted him and he is my brother! Thank you so much!

KIM
MODESTO, California

Within 24 hours my siblings and I were on the phone with our long lost sister.  Without Adopted.com it would have never happened.  We are sincerely grateful as we are now all a part of each other's lives!

Kara
Springfield, Missouri

I filled out my profile and had a match to my birth parents that same day! We connected on Facebook and talked for a while to confirm that the match was accurate and it was! We are all very excited to get to know each other!

Kathy
Jacksonville, Florida

I have found my daughter!  I got on adopted.com on Friday about 8pm. I had 6 matches‚ I sent out 3 messages and my daughter Karen was the first one to reply. By 9pm we were emailing each other. She looks just like me. I can't believe this has happened. Thank you adopted.com for this successful reunion!

Tiffany
Aurora, Illinois

I am very excited to have found my half brother‚ John‚ on Adopted.com. A great friend assisted me in finding him since recently finding out about him, and our mother having recently passed. We have since met and so grateful to have him in all of the families life!

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