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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5,901 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 1,204,964 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
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Virginia Who Chose To Be Featured
136. WendyMarieEdward : Hello, I was Born August 10th 1965. I was born in Washington Dc Womans Hospital but adopted out of Richmond , va Childrens Home Society I think about my biological Mother often, I want you to know I am not upset, mad,or disapointed ..I am very thankful for what you did for me and I have had a wonderful life with just a little void not being able to know who you were or much of any Medical Information . I Hope to be able to have much luck here and be able to reunite with You ! or any other family member who could help me :) Thank you...Happy Searching !
137. Sheenagriffin32 : Nafis amir griffin
138. Armentrout1960 : I was born in Harrisonburg VA ... I was adopted as an infant ... Believe I have an older brother and two older sisters
139. JennJeffrey : Raven Domunique Maynard you have a twin brother and where in the hospital before and after birth for quite some time The name of the hospital was Fairfax regional Your brother and you were almost a year the last time I held you Both . You have 2 half blood sisters that are twins and a full blooded sister which is a year younger .I do hope to hear from you and that you are well and happy I never stopped loving you or praying for you and your brother XOXO‚ JJ
140. Kristine1983 : I’m looking for my fiancé . She has been trying for some years and would love for her Mom/father to get in touch with her. We have a beautiful daughter now and would love to thank the special people who brought her into this world. Born at fairfax hospital Virginia and they do not have record of time of birth which seems weird, But who knows. Feel free to reach out
141. Animallover1972 : I was adopted and am looking for my biological siblings, I am Looking for Lee Roy Harrell ( name given at birth ) our Mothers name is Doris Harrell ( Davis ) . I don’t know much about the circumstances of your birth or adoption. We have a younger brother whose name given at birth was Billly Lee Harrell. we all have different fathers, I know that much but nothing else. I just hope you are interested in meeting me.
142. Vickietheaunt2 : My sister gave up her daughter due to what was best for her daughter at the time. She was adopted in Richmond VA, my sister pinned a medallion to her little girls t-shirt. My sister held and fed her baby for 2 days.
143. Eclipse12107 : Linda Rae Zajechouski/ Baby Roper Mary Roper
144. CFLucas : I was born in Richmond VA, Johnson Willis Hospital.
145. Missymagenta : I am searching for my adopted sister. I was also adopted. My sister was born in either late 1992 or early 1993 in Virginia, adopted through UMFS.
146. PepsiLover : Looking for children born to Shirlane (Shirley) Luciano. They were born between 1953 and 19. Mom was raised in a Catholic orphanage so I think she would have used Catholic Charities for the adoption, but thats just a guess.
147. Kimmclaurin90 : I was born at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Va. My birth mother was born May 28, 1969. I was adopted from Bethany Christian Services.
148. Pdwoodbridge61 : Searching for my little brother, he was born with last name, mc dyer or green in Washington d.c. around june. 1965. Birth parent Marcella Mc dyer and william green. Bin searching for 35 years. Mother was born in pa, Lancaster area..mother was in early 20’spring and married to a man with last name worner. But went back to Mc dyer. If anyone knows anything please contact me.
149. JodiMuir : My name is Mary Jo Muir. I was born February 11, 1972. I was born in Mary Washington Hospital, Fredricksburg, Virginia. I was adopted February 14th. It was a private adoption. I know my mother was young perhaps only 18 and unmarried. I know that the family was unhappy with the pregnancy and she was kicked out.
150. Wildelily : I’m hoping to find my dad’s biological family. As an only child, I’m my dad’s only known blood relative and it would be wonderful to find the rest of our family!
