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 1,204,958 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
1636. Cr23 : I was born in Augusta County Hospital. My birth mothers name was Vikki (or another variation of the spelling) she had blonde hair. My birth father’s name was Shawn (or another variation of the spelling). My birth mother was a waitress, and smoked cigarettes. My birth father worked at a Coca-Cola Factory and was a very quiet person. I had a half brother and a full sister (both significantly older) I believe my brother was born in 1995 and my sister was born in 1997 (I believe). My brother had learning disabilities. My birth mother was divorced and had my half brother from the previous marriage. She was 2-3 years older than my birth father. My adopted family was contacted a few years after 2001 saying that it was unlikely that my birth parents were still together. When I was born I was given the name Gavin Christian (I do not know the last name).
1637. Cr23 : Gavin Christian ______. Born in Augusta County Hospital. 1 half brother, 1 full sister. Parents were Vikki and Shawn.
1638. Amir1211 : Looking for the birth mother of a child named Joseph at birth. He was born on December 11, 1986 in Richmond Va to as far as we know an unwed mother who may have been 17 at St. Mary’s hospital. Given up for adoption at birth. Adopted parents initials are NAG and RHLG
1639. Dcarey1014 : Scott Major
1640. Ssidle : My adopted father died when I was 10, and my adopted mother has recently died and left a folder of information about my adoption that I had never seen before. I now know that my birth parents were both 19. I was born at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Newport News, VA via C-section.
1641. FrankBryant : Very limited information available. Adopted parents state that he was adopted from an orphanage in Richmond‚ Va. recently learned adopted person likely had a biological sister who was not adopted by same family.
1642. TylerJSmith91 : l am looking for my fiancé birth grandparents, his dad was born December 23, 1960 in Albemarle Virginia, his name is James Ord Smith named after his adopted parents Ned and Gladys Smith From Hillsborough North Carolina, they have both passed and passed away when he was only 10 years old so we have no further information on the adoption or anything else from his past, We have a little boy on the way and we are wanting to know more about his genes if you or anybody you know may have any info at all please contact us
1643. MalindaFeathersHat : Baby Girl Feathers was born at Winchester Memorial Hospital in Winchester, Virginia on May 19, 1967, DNA revealed the biological mother but not the biological father. Looking for the FATHER who would have been in Winchester, Virginia in September or October 1966. Contact has been made with biological mother and siblings.
1644. KatharineMoonflower4 : My name is Pamela Hepworth and I’m looking for my daughter who I gave up for adoption. The birth father is Douglas Hole. She was born in Alabama sometime between March 17-24th of 1968, I believe. Please help me find her!
1645. Softballkiddo4837 : I am looking for Draven and Rowan Smith. They were adopted together and I am their aunt.
1646. Michelena86 : Trying to see if my birth mother posted anything.
1647. Shel774 : Male baby was born dec 5th in Lake Taylor hospital In Norfolk, Va. doctor who arranged adoption was Dr. Bliss.
1648. Caseyjbr : Place of birth: George Washington University Hospital‚ Washington‚DC. Surrendered to Virginia Dept of Social Services on Dec 6‚1967. Contacted by Virginia Social worker in Jan 1968 because my son was not thriving. Assume there was an RH blood incompatibility. My son contacted me thru 23 & me. DNA confirmed relationship. Prayers answered.
1649. Nico85 : I have 2 sisters that I can’t find that were put in the system. The oldest was born in 2013. I would like to find both Aliah and Lily.
1650. Miz10vely : Parents were in the Military but not together (Married)
