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
1771. Tonks1981 : My father was placed in his new home April 21st, 1961. He was officially adopted in Richmond Va on August 21,1962. The family that adopted him was Carlton and Helen Dobson. I have a notification of birth registration for him Vol. 6928, No. 145-57-071242
1772. Theotherone13 : I’m looking for my father. My mother I have been in contact with, and she has provided some info. Although, it was outdated at best.
1773. Tcyble3 : born at Bedford Memorial Bedford virginia to Thomas E Moore and Amanda Lee Smith
1774. Charlotte70 : I was born on Saturday January 10‚ 1970 at the Medical Colleges of Virginia (MCV) in Richmond‚ Virginia. They told us that my 18/19 year old mother gave birth‚ sat with me in the nursery for a few hours rocking me‚ then signed the papers and walked away forever. I was adopted six weeks later by my life-long family. The adoption took place through the Children’s Home Society of Virginia. I acquired the non-identifying records from them the year I turned 18‚ but there was little information there that in 1988 was useful as search material. I don’t know if she ever told my father she was pregnant‚ and I don’t know how much of this is accurate. But this is literally everything (I think) I know about my birth parents. If you had a baby girl at MCV in Virginia on January 10 1970 and put her up for adoption through the Children’s Home Society of Virginia...I’d love to hear from you. It’s been a while.
1775. BettyClain1 : I am looking for my brother James Bragg we were two of 5 siblings including Johnny, Mary, and Jerry. Mother Anna May Burke Bragg and father Herman Bragg. My mothers sister is Jean Burke Robinson of Remington Virginia. I was born at Fauquier County Hospital on June 19, 1963
1776. Tonyme : Born 1978 Litter flower agency Bellevue hospital Adopted in 1983 Mom name rosa cruz Rosa chabrier Live before in New York new york saint james place
1777. Kimstafford : Norfolk, Virginia birth Harrisonburg. Virginia grew up Gayla Marie Rexrode birth name
1778. Dwoolen : I am looking for the birth parents of my father. The mother’s name is Emma. Father’s name is Charles. He was born in DC. If this sounds familiar, please contact me.
1779. Hannurwil : My name is Hannah. I was born in Lynchburg‚ VA. Was adopted through the Liberty Godparent Home.
1780. ScottDee : Looking for biological siblings on my bio father’s side. Most likely, all different mothers. I know the birth father’s name to be Tom Scime. I have done DNA testing on both 23 and me and ancestry.
1781. Angiebarberio : Case worker from winchester Frederick county social services was named Frances propps Born in warrenton va Birth mother traveled from Carolinas Was having an affair with married boss
1782. PatrickC : Norfolk Va., Virginia Beach Va., Newport News Va.
1783. Nenabena : Nakari, Arayah.... mommy is waiting for you my babies! I love and miss you beyond words my sweet girls!
1784. Dpingram51 : I am trying to find my brother’s son. He was born in the summer of 1969 in Richmond, VA. He was born with RED hair. The mother’s name was Elaine Wilson (she may have used Carwile). She may have listed the father as Doug Parker or Curtis Carwile. Mother passed away in 2004.
1785. CandKEnglish : Kristen (McCall) English, Charity English
