Virginia Adoption Records
The world's largest adoption reunion registry for adoptees and families
Start Your Search TodayWhat You Need to Know About Virginia Adoption Records
Virginia adoption records are sealed and unavailable to the public without a court order. However, adoptees can get information about their birth families once they turn 18. Birth parents and biological siblings can also search for adoptees, but only if the adoption occurred after 1994.
In closed states like Virginia, it’s often difficult and time-consuming to access information about an adoption — and in some cases, it’s legally impossible.
Adopted.com offers an alternative route for adoptees, birth parents, and other family members who want to reunite. We provide the largest voluntary adoption reunion registry in the U.S., opening the door to potential connections for family members who consent to sharing information.
You don’t need to fill out a confusing form or get a court order. You just need to answer ten simple questions that most people know about their adoption. Register today to get started with your search. A reunion is possible, whether you’re in Norfolk, Roanoke, or any other part of Virginia.
If you want to try accessing your adoption records via the state, there are a few things to know.
The process of adoption disclosure looks slightly different depending on whether you’re the adoptee, the birth parent, or another family member. Here’s how to access adoption records in Virginia through the VDSS:
- Adoptees who are at least 18 years old can submit an Adoptee Application for Disclosure to search for their birth parents and adult birth siblings.
- Adoptive parents of a minor child can submit an Adoptive Parent Application for Disclosure to search for birth parents and adult birth siblings. However, this only applies if the adoption occurred after July 1, 1994.
- Birth parents can submit a Birth Parent Application for Disclosure if the adoptee is at least 21 years old and the adoption took place after July 1, 1994.
- Adult birth siblings can submit an Adult Birth Sibling Application for Disclosure if the adoptee is at least 21 years old and the adoption took place after July 1, 1994.
Unfortunately, biological family members cannot search for the adoptee if the adoption was finalized before July 1, 1994. However, they can send letters and submit their contact information to the VDSS. If the adoptee requests this information, it will be provided to them.
Register Now DirectoryHow Do I Get My Adoption Records Unsealed in Virginia?
You need a court order to unseal your adoption records, which include the permanent court record and the official adoption file. However, if you’re looking for non-identifying or identifying information from the adoption file, you can apply to access it through the VDSS.
How Do I Get My Original Birth Certificate If I Was Adopted in Virginia?
If you were born and adopted in Virginia, you’ll need a court order to obtain your original birth record through the state Department of Health Vital Records office.
If you were adopted in Virginia but born in another state, you’ll need to contact that state’s vital records office for information.
Are Adoption Records Public in Virginia?
No, adoption records are sealed in Virginia and kept confidential by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). You cannot get Virginia public adoption records without a court order. However, birth families and adoptive families can access some information under certain conditions.
If you’re an adult adoptee or an adoptive parent, you can request to view non-identifying information through the VDSS. This information may include the birth parents’ medical histories and the circumstances of the adoption. It doesn’t include the birth parents’ names or any other details that may reveal their identities.
Virginia law also allows some family members to request identifying information. This may include names, dates of birth, or contact information. While you can apply to obtain this information, the other party must consent to release it. If they don’t, your application will be denied.
If you’re the spouse, child, or grandchild of an adoptee, you cannot access their adoption records in Virginia.
Are Adoptions in Virginia Open?
Virginia is considered a “closed” adoption state because it seals adoption records. However, Virginia law allows for open adoptions. In an open adoption, the birth parents and the adoptive family agree to share information or stay in contact after the adoption.
An open adoption arrangement may include letters, phone calls, or face-to-face visits. However, the official adoption records and the adoptee’s original birth certificate are sealed even in an open adoption.
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 1,181,834 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 Virginia
- Blwray05 7 minutes ago
- Landry 3 hours ago
- HaleyR99 4 hours ago
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- Cassandrad1972 5 hours ago
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Virginia Who Chose To Be Featured
1. Alanecanoes : My mother gave birth to a boy on Thanksgiving day she beleives it was 1973 possibly 72. He was adopted at birth and given to a family who possibly lived in Maryland at the time. She has never told anyone but me not even my stepdad. We always think of him on Thanksgiving day and she would love to know that hes ok and has had a meningful happy life. I would love to find him for her and reveal this secret to our family.
2. Vintongal : Il was born on 8/23/1966 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke Virginia. My birth mother gave me the name of Crystal Denise Green. My birth mother was in her 30’s when she had me. I have two half brothers that are older than me.
3. Muffintin : . MUFFIN WAS USED AS A PASSWORD FOR HER NOT TO GO OFF WITH STRANGER. PORTSMOUTHgeneral hospital on 09 30 1986 doctor jaynetti . sabrina mae townsley mother Charlene ann townsley DOB 08 23 1961. FRIENDS THAT MAY HAVE ADOPTED HER INCLUDE JEAN SHOUP AND JACK AND PATRICIA SHEETS OR HER ADOPTED SISTER JENNIFER SHEETS HARRISON.
4. Bpendle55 : Hospital Jefferson?, Birth Name Norma Jean Pratt. I think it was Jan.1, 1952, could be 1951. Adopted from hospital.
5. Onyne427 : Caucasian female born 8/7/1958 in Theodora Snow Memorial Hospital. Name at birth was either Pamela Jones or Pamela Jackson. Mother also gave up child approximately a year before me whose name was apparently Victoria. Father was possibly distant relative of mother. Mother lived in a rural part of Maryland.
6. Kacinaja : I was born in St. Joseph Michigan... My birth parents may have named me Diana
7. Scbysnack1 : FOUND - AUGUST 2022 Michigan‚ Muskegon‚ Grant‚ Washburn‚ Constance‚ Jerry‚ Loretta‚ Lima‚ Newaygo‚ Ken‚ Larry‚ Orville‚ Ravenna‚ White Cloud‚ Westbrook
8. NYmartinez : Born late May/early June, 1970 at Flower Fifth Ave Hospital, Manhattan
9. Threelabs : Born in Newport News, Virginia. Born on July Fourth 1951. Father possibly in the Navy.
10. Ginny425 : born edward micheal mae on aprox April 13th 1967 to a 21 yr old jeanette faulk in va or md.
11. Walrus75 : Hey .. I know you are out there.. Why can’t we talk? I’ve been seaching high.. and low.. Who am I? That’s all I want to know. Thanks, Love Jay
12. Nichoalsallen : my name is nicholas allen sparrow and at the age of 21 i have started me search for my birth mother thats my main focus. my birth mother goes by the name of Cheryl Ann Maiden name Smith last name Jones
13. Billowens2479 : August 1964, Washington DC/Northern Virginia. First name Owen may be important.
14. Slycollins : Am sly from New York city am 50years old
15. Markjulie : I was born on the way to the hospital in the ambuliance at 10:30a.m. Norfolk General was the hospital. My mother named me "Ricky" as far as I know. I was 8lb. 1oz and 19 1/2". My birth date is July 1st, 1969. My mother was 15 or 16, and my father was 17 or 18.