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
2041. RobertPennington : Looking for any relatives Mothers possible name: Maria Marquez Maria Helena Marquez
2042. Jballard : From what I was told my sister was given up for adoption when she was 3 to 4 months old. I was told it was in March of that year so as far as I can figure she had to be born in Dec. 1960 are Jan. 1961 because my mother had another child in 1962. which I have connected with this year.
2043. KristiMA : I was born on 9/20/69 in Roanoke, VA. I have dark curly hair, turned grey early, fair skin, hazel eyes, small ears. My birth name was Ruth Ann Martin.
2044. Lorese : I am looking for any family . My birth mother’s name was Bernice Elizabeth Taylor‚ or maybe Jones. I have been told me and my sibling were raised by our grandmother‚ maybe here in Richmond‚Va. I was taken from my grandmother‚ at age 2 and placed in foster care. So after‚ with a family that raised me as their daughter. At age 16‚ they legally adopted me and my last name was changed Jones to Newsome. I believe both bio parents are deceased‚ I am sure I may have other relatives‚ in this world. Please help
2045. Alckell : Born in Washington DC‚ was placed in Arlington or Alexanderia. Birth name was James Kenneth Woods
2046. Blueeyes0245 : I was born somewhere in Virginia. I was given up for adoption "out of love" and I know my grandfather had diabetes.
2047. 7401104 : Constance Irene Morris
2048. Lenabousquet : I am looking for a sister who should be 30. All I know is that she was born in DC in 1977 and she was left in the hospital. My mothers name was Bonnie Hardesty Haley.
2049. Mamide3 : I gave birth to a baby boy in Radford, Virginia on September 3, 1990. I do not recall the name of the adoption agency nor details of the paperwork I signed. I was very afraid, alone and now that he is 31 years old I hope to find him and make sure he is healthy, happy and that i made the right decision by giving him to a loving family.
2050. Ericalinvargas : Looking for my half brother. He was born in Virginia, Page County. My father is Omar Garcia. He was forced to sign documents to release custody. We have heard that you were adopted by your mothers family and could be in the SanAntonio, Texas area. Birth mother is Michelle Rothgeb.
2051. LisaArnold1970 : Birth parents last name is Austin
2052. Bkevan86 : I was born 10/23/1986 in Alexandria, VA. Youngest out of 5, incl 1 set of twins. Adopted through a catholic charity when 8 months old. Trying to find birth family.
2053. CaseyBuchanan : Ardel Leon Buchanan born April 21 2008 at Mary Washington Hospital in the City of Fredericksburg, Virginia. Adopted through frederi department of social services after mine and my husband’s parental rights were terminated only 6 months after removed from my home for possessing marijuana which is now legal in our state. I was portrayed a monster and the whole ordeal caused by DSS caused me to loose my job, house and ultimately my family. Its been over 10yrs trying to rebuild. I just want to show that I am not a monster and let Ardel and his brother Jayden Douglas formulate their own options about us. We are not evil. We now own our home and have 2 baby girls, full siblings to Ardel and Jayden.
2054. Jennyleigh82 : Looking to find my birth mother or father.. I was a closed adoption. I was born in henrico county VA
2055. Deshadmom02 : Hi My name is Jasmine, my sim was taken from me when I was 13, I was put into foster because I was being sold for crack cocaine and being molested by my father. I was put in foster and found out I was pregnant, I had my son and raised my sin too almost a year old then they separated us said it was a child raising a child and put me in a mental institution and had a closed adoption without my consent they said they didn’t need it we are wards of the state. I really want to know how he’s doing? Is he ok? Do he need anything? I celebrate his birthday every year please help me.
