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 1,204,963 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
1906. Shellocmd : I have been looking for my brother, he was adopted out when he was around 1yr old maybe 2. He was born May 24,1969 in Virginia.
1907. Shellocmd : I am trying to find my brother, he was born May 24,1969. He was born in Virginia. We have another sister and a brother too.
1908. BettySHE : Delivered by Dr. Leo Amorosi at Fairfax Hosp. Adoption was thru Fairfax County Department of Social Services. She was sent home with a dress and blanket.
1909. Kerrypedrett : I am seeking my adopted sibling. I didn’t find out that my mother had another child until 2018. I would love for him to know his story and meet him if he so chooses. My mother was housed at Catholic Charities. Hospital of birth was Richmond Memorial.
1910. Jmschafer : My father and myself are in search of his birth family information.All we know is he and his sister were adopted together somewhere is the Maryland or Dc area. He was born may 29th 1945 his sister was born in 1943.There was at least 1other sibling not sure were he ended up we believe his name is Paul.My father’s adopted name was John mark schafer and his sister was Cathy Lynn schafer.We have done 23 and me and also geomatch and family tree.We think his father was a benson possibly great grandfather William Wade Hampton benson and on mother’s side might have been a Ricketts that’s about what we compelled from the dna matches so far.
1911. Anndorman : In 1964 I was an unwed mother and went to The Seton House in Richmond, Va. "Vincent" was born in June of 1964 and given up for adoption at a Richmond, Va Hospital the day he was born...
1912. DiamondAppke : Birth sibling of Robert M Harrington would like to connect with his family.
1913. SunnyApril : I am looking for my brother born on St Patrick’s Day in Hennepin County Minnesota. Most likely at Hennepin County General Hospital. Placing agency was Lutheran Children’s Friend Society (Lutheran Social Service). Most likely birthdate is 17 Mar 1965. Birth mother’s last name is Johnson. Unsure of bio dad’s name or what was put on the birth certificate. St Patrick’s day 1965 in Minneapolis was a huge blizzard.
1914. Jaquirea : Her name is leilani Giselle Marie dolak at least it was i don’t know about now, born in the 757 in Virginia
1915. AnnaStarr95 : I was adopted when I was 2 years old I was born in California but I was adopted in Virginia I want to find my father he has two younger girls named Isabella and Samantha my adoptive parents refuse to give me any info about my adoptive parents even though my mom was sending letters to my biological father
1916. ErikStieg : Hi Born on Feb 24 1967 in Arlington Virginia. I believe it was called the Arlington hospital at the time. Of course I’ve always wondered who what where when.. -) I have always known I was adopted. My adopted parents father was in the Air Force at the time Lived in Washington DC. Life has been Grand but the curiosity never fades. Best Erik
1917. Amaniana68 : I am looking for possible siblings or any other family members. I was born June 1, 1968 at Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax Virginia. I was removed from the home by Social Services of Alexandria VA. I was adopted March of 1971. This is the only information I have been given and I assume it to be true.
1918. CynthiaMC : Birth name was Rebecca Ann Leigh. I believe my birth fathers name is George Leigh.
1919. Anndorman : I was an unwed mother in 1964 and I went to The Seton House in Richmond, Va. My son was adopted through the Catholic Diocese and Father Gahn at Holy Trinity in Norfolk, VA.
1920. Anndorman : Catholic Family Services were involved in this adoption in Norfolk, Virginia in 1964 and I was an unwed mother at The Seton House in Richmond, VA. I had a moment to hold Vincent (the name I gave him) and then he was taken to his adopted parents through Catholic Family Services.
