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 1,205,526 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
2131. Sherill : Please help me find my birth parents !
2132. Katrinaeakin : I am searching for my children’s half brother‚ Patrick. He was placed in foster care in 2005 and adopted by said foster family with his other brother‚ Joseph‚ in Newport News‚ Virginia in 2006. Birth name given was: Patrick William McAbee
2133. Thomasjdc02 : Born in Harrisonburg‚ Virginia.
2134. Thomasjdc02 : Born in Staunton‚ Virginia.
2135. Joshuatyrell : My daughter was born at riverside hospital in Newport News she was put in care through Hampton social services I wasn’t given the resources help to place my kids and was forced to have my custody taken as I was incarcerated I’ve been trying to get any information and nobody will help me in the agency
2136. Tla90986 : Looking for a half brother that was born to my Dad (Johnny Allen) and Cheryl Anne Reese when they were both 16 years of age. They both attended Northwood High School in Silver Spring Maryland. My half brother would have been born in 1962 or 1963.
2137. JuneJuly : Glen Allen va. Adopted parents names are Richard and Bettie
2138. Natewtn : I was born at Martha Jefferson Hospital (Dr. Payne‚ I believe) in Charlottesville‚ VA on July 25‚ 1967. Apparently my birth father was an officer/attorney in the Air Force and my birth mother was younger than he was and had siblings. Pretty sure my mom grew up in Charlottesville. I think both parents were students at UVA at some point. I was adopted immediately after my birth‚ and I’ve been told that my maternal grandparents are Roger and Hannah Rinehart (sp). My grandfather was supposedly one of the developers of the original Barracks Road shopping area.
2139. Natewtn : I was born at Martha Jefferson Hospital (Dr. Payne‚ I believe) in Charlottesville‚ VA on July 25‚ 1967. Apparently my birth father was an officer/attorney in the Air Force and my birth mother was younger than he was and had siblings. Pretty sure my mom grew up in Charlottesville. I think both parents were students at UVA at some point. I was adopted immediately after my birth‚ and I’ve been told that my maternal grandparents are Roger and Hannah Rinehart (sp). My grandfather was supposedly one of the developers of the original Barracks Road shopping area.
2140. Natewtn : I was born at Martha Jefferson Hospital (Dr. Payne‚ I believe) in Charlottesville‚ VA on July 25‚ 1967. Apparently my birth father was an officer/attorney in the Air Force and my birth mother was younger than he was and had siblings. Pretty sure my mom grew up in Charlottesville. I think both parents were students at UVA at some point. I was adopted immediately after my birth‚ and I’ve been told that my maternal grandparents are Roger and Hannah Rinehart (sp). My maternal grandfather was supposedly one of the developers of the original Barracks Road shopping area.
2141. Jenrocksin2004 : Alexandria‚ VA I have been told my mother died at birth Joseph Parsons is my dad Joanne Parsons i am told was related to my mother who died during childbirth.
2142. Desapped804 : I know little except what my mom told me before she passed away‚ she wanted to try to find my sibling and made me promise to try to. my mom was 14 or 15 when she became pregnant or had the baby. It was a boy born in Virginia.
2143. Shannon205 : I was born in VA and adopted to a family in NJ
2144. KieKieGarris : My Name Is KieKie. My grandmother was adopted when she was a baby. I’ve been looking for my biological family. I know her Birth mother had the surname “Quist/qvist” (i think) ‚ She was from Germany. My Grandmother Name was Hazel O”Hara Edward ‚ I’m not sure what her name was prior to adoption. She was adopted by Elizabeth Griffin Taylor and her husband Henderson Lee Garris. Please reach out if you think you may know something.
2145. Oconnlfa1 : I am searching for my birth mother or any other relatives on her side. Her maiden name was Lucille Schmidt and at the time of my birth she lived at 742 Sherman Ave in New York City.
