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 1,204,959 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
1516. Gingerwsoul : Providence Hospital, birth father - Ricky Alphin, birth mother - Sally Kane, adopted at 3mo via Fairfax Catholic Charities, 6-28-1971
1517. Grizzlyrose28 : Sonjia Christine Dovel to Sonjia Christine Nicholls Carter Circuit Court of Fairfax County, Virginia Chancery no. 16,481 Born 11/28/1961 at Fairfax hospital, Falls Church Virginia
1518. JRrudin18 : I am looking for my biological father. The only name I have for him is James Allen. I am unsure if that is his first and middle or first and last. Last known location was New England area around 1985-1990. I was born in chippenham hospital in Richmond Virginia
1519. Minabug : I am searching for my cousin. He was born to his birth mother, Debra Lee Angle. He was born in either August/September of 1970 or 1971. He was born in Roanoke, Virginia at either Roanoke Memorial Hospital or Community Hospital. His birth mother had brown hair and brown eyes. Myself and my mother (his aunt) have tried to search for him through DNA testing and on the internet but have had no luck. His birth mother was murdered a few years after he was born, sadly. We would love to find her son.
1520. Georgev : Looking for my biological parents‚ not real sure of the details of my adoption. Both of my adopted parents have since past and my adoption was kept from me until later in life. My adopted parents were George Vincent & Patricia Vincent (Fowler). I was adopted in Maryland or Washington DC. My adopted parents lived on Eastern Ave until we moved to Florida when I was 3yo.
1521. Brentjt84 : Hi
1522. Hosannah : My mother name is or was Martha Perkins, I was born in Charlottesville va, My birth or middlr name was hosanna,
1523. Alscpcae : Want to see my. Little girl.
1524. Smobley : Looking for birth mother and or brother. Born in Manassas Va Christmas eve late afternoon.
1525. Llamacorn2 : Born in VB, also lived in Hampton area
1526. Mcpeak67 : My mother is from Floyd County, Virginia. Back in the summer of 1966 0r 1967, she went to stay with a relative in Culpepper Virginia. She had the baby at the only hospital that was there at the time. A Dr. Funny (I know right? lol) was believed to be the doctor. I just found this out this weekend at a Thanksgiving Day gathering by my mother’s aunt who is still living. She has dementia and told me on "accident", mom’s cousin confirmed it was true. She said she doesn’t think mom even got to see her daughter. She was born, then taken away and adopted. She left Culpepper a week later and no one ever spoke of it again. I am 42 and just found out I have a sister, a sister that I have always wanted. I hope I find you.
1527. Susanbaskett4 : I was born in Loundon Memorial Hospital July 7, 1968. I was adopted on August 9, 1968 by Edward and Christina Roberts. The information I have on my birth parents is as follow. Birth mother is 5feet 2 inches and weighs 105 pounds. She was 25 years old. She is brunette with blue eyes, a high school graduate from a large family. She was athletic and fond of all outdoor life. She had a liver infection as a child but in good health Birth father is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 145 and is 26 years old. He is a carpenter by trade. Little is know of his education level but he was of at least average intelligence. My birth parent were not married. There may have been confusion on birth certificate regarding date of birth. I have letter stating birth certicate was corrected showing my birth date to be July 7, 1968 instead of July 6, 1968. This information was provided to my adopted parents from Department of Public Welfare on March 31, 1969. My adoption was handled through Penn and Ottinger in Leesburg, Virginia. The social worker handling my adoption was Miss Ruth E Kulesher. I would like to obtain any information possible regarding my birth parents. Mainly their medical history to pass on to my children.
1528. Larharllc : I have recently been made aware that I have a half-sibling or possibly full sibling that was adopted. I don’t know the details but it is possible that my only sister, who passed away in 2013 under tragic circumstances, may have given up a child for adoption. I do not know this person’s birthdate but we have a genetic match on ancestry. The grandmother posted her photo and her dna but doesnt want to share anything more.
1529. MommaManda85 : My sister was born December 23,1967 to Carla Mae Rember. My mom gave her the name Carrie Marie Rember. She was born at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington,D.C. My mom lived in a home for unwed mothers in D.C. I believe the adoption took place through Arlington County in Virginia. The doctor who delivered my sister was Anthony G. DiBartolomeo. There was a name discrepancy in the hospital on my mom’s name. They spelled it Clara instead of Carla. But on the original birth certificate it says Carla.
1530. MommaManda85 : Girl born December 23,1967 at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C.
