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 1,204,964 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
2011. Tamee : Hello please, I would like to help my sister out with the way things are going nowadays I would never want her to leave this world without meeting her baby.
2012. Babygirl1958 : I was born at Louise o I I memorial hospital,, babygirl bowman
2013. Melissahigle : Was born on Fort Eustis base in New Port News/Williamsburg, VA with birth name Frank. Birth mother’s name is RoseMarie(Rosie). Looking for father and/or family of father.. Name we have for him is Frank Beard, who was stationed at Langley Air Force Base.
2014. Rhalpern : Born in fairfax VA Bio father name is Ernest clatterbuck (deceased) Bio mother is Rebecca ball I want to find health history for my children.
2015. Per.Fred.A : STEVE‚ you were adopted through the Catholic adoption agency. Didn’t know that I had a child until for about 15 years after the fact. The adoption most likely happened in SD through the Catholic adoption agency. I believe that baby was a male with a possible name of Steve (not confirmed) I worked for her dad on a farm within 15 miles from Parkston‚ we developed a relationship I was 20 or 21 mother was 16 or younger.
2016. LollyMarissa : Her name is Marley Turnage! I don’t know if she’s adopted or not, but I plan to find out.
2017. RyanMac : Born in Norfolk/Virginia Beach. Identified father as Rick Y***** I have DNA Submitted on Ancestry and for this site
2018. Endtimez : Last name was initially Ricks
2019. Looking4bro94 : I would just like to know that my brother is ok and give him relevant medical history. If he doesn’t want a relationship that’s ok‚ I just want to know he’s had a good life.
2020. Pfleetwood : My brother and I were adopted by our stepfather in 1965 in Virginia. He was in the military, since his and my mother’s passing I found the petition for adoption. I am trying to get a certified copy of the adoption papers
2021. Vickietheaunt2 : I am searching for my niece who was adopted out right at birth. My sister gave her up for what was best for her daughter. My sister pinned a medallion on her daughter and hopes the parents kept it for her. My sister was short, blonde hair and blue/green eyes. My sister loved her and thought about her every day. If you even think there is a chance you are her please contact me and I want you to know that you have a brother.The photo is of her in her 20s.
2022. Weskey : Zackary ryan bobbitt born may 3 2006 roanoke Department of social services
2023. DDolan51 : Son’s father Joseph Kujawski, deceased. Baby adopted through private agency in Georgetown , VA. Adoptive parents lived in VA and are Jewish. Birth was at a teaching hospital in VA close to Washington DC.
2024. Allenw12 : My mother believes that my grandmother had at least one pregnancy that resulted in adoption when my mother was a young child. My grandmother was Nannie Mae Large Martin and she was born in 1920 in Virginia and lived for a while in both DC and Maryland around the 1940’s.
2025. Debivc78 : My brother was born at the Florence Crittinton Home in Virginia Beach. He was given up at birth. My mother’s name was Barbara Ann Rush
