Virginia Adoption Records
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What 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.
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5,911 How 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.
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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 1,201,335 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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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Virginia 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. Lovesy2j2005 : the adoption was through The Liberty Godparent Home in Williamsburg, Va
3. Sandraleigh : I am looking for my birth half brother. DOB 5-19-1959. He was born in a Salvation Army Home for unwed mothers in Richmond Va. Birthmothers name is Jane Anderson Mcghee. May have used the nickname Cookie Mcghee. Birthfathers name is Aubrey Lee Gholson. His birthname was Joseph Lee Mcghee
4. Thnwta06 : Robert E Noland‚ DOB 8/9/1957 Born in Alexandria VA
5. Bottecca : I am looking for my birth family!!!
6. 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
7. Lee2lee : I want to find my birth daughter. You were born in Nofolk General Hospital in Norfolk VA. I have thought of you every day since your birth. You have 3 sisters and we all want to give you a hug and let you know you do have a family and I never wanted to let you go.
8. Harrisgirl : I am looking for my aunt.
9. Kirby68 : Adopted through Catholic Charities Fairfax VA
10. Stmaryshospital : I want to find my birth parents. I was born in May of 1986 in Virginia and was put up for adoption at birth.
11. Beatricepannell : Looking for almost 20 years, are you out there? I am looking for a gentlemen with the birth name of Melvin Jennings. If you know of him or his whereabouts, please contact me.
12. Katdocnorf : I was born in March 1969 at Depaul Hospital in Norfolk Virginia. I was adopted. I had a great life growing up and have wonderful parents, but I have been curious over the years and have many people say they have come across someone that looks exactly like me. I would like to meet my birth family for multiple reasons. If you think you are my mother, my sister or my brother, I would love to talk to you.
13. Swilson2 : You were born December 13, 1974, at Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA and the adoption was through Catholic Charities!
14. Mta612 : Born at Catholic Charities‚ in Richmond Va. on February 14‚ 1979‚ to Karen Sharma. Adopted first name is Lisa. At least one adopting parent is from Czechoslovakia. Please contact me
15. GODISLOVE : You were born in 1965 ... your certificate probably says Nov or Dec. The birth certificate was changed by BF at time (month/day/ last names/ etc) to hide a later reconnect to him. The Birthmother Martha was 18 years old and gave birth at a woman’s home in Richmond VA (although certif may say a hospital name). She cared for you the next several days and became friends with the workers there. Your birth mom named you Tammy Ann. She asked that you please be placed into a Christian family, and was told by the workers that you definitely were (by a Presbyterian couple). The birth mom put her name Martha on the certificate, but says the BF didn’t want his name listed as he was married and a deacon in the church and didn’t want info getting back to his wife. BM thinks she put down the name Stevens / Stephens for the BF name instead but she’s not 100% sure. Some background on the birth mom is she is from a large family, she left school 8th - 9th grade year to take care of her mom who was dying of cancer. After her mom passed, she worked/lived in a church members home as a nanny caring for their children. The man took advantage, and many months later when the BM started to show, he drove her several miles away to woman’s home to stay and give birth (paying for it all) so his wife wouldn’t find out. The BM is a wonderful Christian lady who loves you VERY much. She has prayed for you EVERYDAY since. We’d love to find you!
