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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5,900 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 1,205,528 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
1891. Meldaisey : I was birn at sibly hospital and the adoption agency was pierce warwick
1892. MeganRN2013 : My Mother-Janet was adopted in 1951 in Virginia, in Wise County. She was born January 10th at St Marys Hospital in Norton. Listed on her birth certificate for her biological Mother is Ruth Jane Greer (not sure of the spelling). Im only searching for medical reasons as my Mother has passed away.
1893. Missi50 : need my adoption date for legal papers
1894. Rrsmith : I was born in Raleigh, VA
1895. FindingTommy : I am trying to located my adopted brother. He was born Tommy Lee Buchannon (sp?) and was adopted by a minister and his wife who lived in Maryland. Birth father- Luther A Bailey. birth mom’s name believed to be RoseMary Buchannon. I think he was born between 1975 - 1979
1896. Brinkley13 : Twin boys born in norfolk va. Birth mother’s name is geraldine riberio (wells is her maiden name) Names were james and michael at birth.
1897. Freezingbirds : MCV Hospital, Richmond VA, Children’s Home Society of Virginia
1898. Babygirl093081 : I was put up for adoption thru Catholic Charities. I was born in Virginia but my adoption was completed in Maryland.
1899. Emili : Steve gray was born to carol and Craig gray He was adopted around age 2 . He had medical issues cp . His adoption was to a military family .
1900. Curtis_S : Nicole C. Wigfall Virginia Beach Norfolk
1901. Angel69127 : I am searching for my grandma’s oldest sister. She was born in Oregon in 1919 but I don’t know if that is where the adoption took place. Her birth mom’s family originated from Virginia or West Virginia. Her birth mom died July 6, 1919. The name on the records I’ve found show her birth name as Marie Lois Hodges.
1902. MaryDCole : Born at Lynchburg Virginia Baptist Hospital. Adopted from Children’s Home Society in Roanoke Virginia
1903. Jnfutch : My dad was adopted at birth and he recently passed away, i would like to try and find out more about my family history on his side but i only have his adopted parents information . He did not know any information about his real parents.
1904. Amaniana68 : My name is Amanda Jean. I was born June 1, 1968 in Fairfax Virginia at Fairfax Hospital. I was told that I was removed from the home by social services of Alexandria Virginia when I was around the age of 12 to 18 months. I was in foster homes for a while and then adopted at the age of 2 and 9 months in March of 1971. This is all the information that I have on my adoption.
1905. Shellocmd : My brother’s name at birth was Scott David Kelly. He was born at Washington Memorial Hospital in Arlington VA.
