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 1,204,958 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
2146. TheBecoming : I was born Jan 30‚ 1979 at Fairfax Hospital. My birth certificate says my mother was 17 and used the name Mary Farmer.
2147. TheBecoming : I was born Jan 30‚ 1979 at Fairfax Hospital in VA. My birth certificate says my mother was 17 and lists the name Mary Farmer.
2148. Janetblake830 : I found my sister through your site but she didn’t want to have any contact. Her name is Katherine Pankavich and she lives in cave spring in Roanoke Virginia Her adopted name was Speese wish we could meet Thank you for you help
2149. Aroberts36 : My son Jesus Roberts Harrisonburg va April 4 2009 my son Kalil Roberts January 16 2010 daughter zalayiah Roberts January 16 2010
2150. Guyques : I was born in 1969 on March 7th in Langley Field AFB Hospital and given up for adoption. I simply need to know who I am and and if i have any living birth relative for my own knowledge.
2151. Wrenlewis311 : My birth name is Jeannie Angel Dehart my birth mother’s name is Jerri Jean Dehart my half brother’s name is Michael stone Dehart I have a younger brother but I’m not sure of his name I was born in Roanoke VA and adopted in Stuart VA around 1998 by Charles and Patricia Wright my birth mother was adopted twice or so I’ve been told and I’ve been told there are more children before us so they would be a lot older than me and Michael maybe by a few years. Our grandmother who adopted our mother her name was Henry Ella Dehart
2152. Nickbrown95 : Daughter was Born at providence hospital Washington DC and given up for adoption through Catholic charities
2153. Nickbrown95 : Daughter born in dc and given to Catholic charities Arlington
2154. Harris88 : I am looking for my 1st cousin. Her mother is a twin and her father may have been African American. She would have been adopted from Tennessee or Virginia in 1981.
2155. Sommerdavis05 : Haley lipscomb is his mother Brandon Bryant is his father Born in Lynchburg
2156. Macatee3042 : I am looking for any information on my birth family. All I know is that I was born on 9/25/66 at Richmond Memorial Hospital‚ was 7 lbs‚ 2ozs‚ and given up for adoption through Catholic Charities. I know that my birth mother was 18 years old when I was born‚ was 5’4"‚ weighed 120 lbs‚ and was Roman Catholic. I also know that here eyes were brown‚ her hair dark brown‚ and that her descent was Scottish‚ Irish‚ Slavic. She also had hay fever‚ dust‚ pollen allergies and had very dry skin. She was also nearsighted. I know that she had three siblings (an older brother and sister‚ and a brother). Older brother was a labor foreman‚ older sister a librarian‚ and younger brother was in high school at the time. I know that by birth father was 21 years old‚ was 5’9"‚ weighed 175 lbs‚ and was Quaker. His eyes were also brown and his hair was light brown‚ and that his descent was Dutch‚ German and English. I know he had ulcers‚ a trick knee‚ and worn shoulder joints (requiring surgery). I know that he has two siblings (and older sister who was training to be nurse‚ and a younger brother). I know that my mother was sent to a maternity home near Richmond‚ Virginia to "protect from any possible negative reactions from friends or family." I know that my birth mother named me‚ but do not know what that name was. Through Catholic Charities I was put in foster care and then permanently adopted in late December 1966. If any of this sound familiar to you or your family members‚ please let me know. I would love to learn more. Thank you.
2157. Macatee3042 : I am seeking information on any family members. All I know is that I was born on 9/25/66 at Richmond Memorial Hospital‚ was 7 lbs‚ 2ozs‚ and given up for adoption through Catholic Charities. I know that my birth mother was 18 years old when I was born‚ was 5’4"‚ weighed 120 lbs‚ and was Roman Catholic. I also know that here eyes were brown‚ her hair dark brown‚ and that her descent was Scottish‚ Irish‚ Slavic. She also had hay fever‚ dust‚ pollen allergies and had very dry skin. She was also nearsighted. I know that she had three siblings (an older brother and sister‚ and a brother). Older brother was a labor foreman‚ older sister a librarian‚ and younger brother was in high school at the time. I know that by birth father was 21 years old‚ was 5’9"‚ weighed 175 lbs‚ and was Quaker. His eyes were also brown and his hair was light brown‚ and that his descent was Dutch‚ German and English. I know he had ulcers‚ a trick knee‚ and worn shoulder joints (requiring surgery). I know that he has two siblings (and older sister who was training to be nurse‚ and a younger brother). I know that my mother was sent to a maternity home near Richmond‚ Virginia to "protect from any possible negative reactions from friends or family." I know that my birth mother named me‚ but do not know what that name was. Through Catholic Charities I was put in foster care and then permanently adopted in late December 1966. If any of this sound familiar to you or your family members‚ please let me know. I would love to learn more. Thank you.
2158. MzRoney : My name is Jameka Roney and I’m seeking to find my nephew Treyvon Johnson. My sister is Eureka Johnson who is his mother. She is non-verbal and is handicap. She was raped by a so-called family friend while in the care of my dad partner at the time. She gotten pregnant and shortly after his birth the state took him from us. There excuse was that my dad worked to many hours and my grandma was too old to care for him. The whole situation doesn’t make sense because my dad was in fact a single parent and was taking care of 3 children by himself. My dad passed away back in 2003 and I made a promise to find my nephew. I just want my nephew to know who his family is and that I will not stop trying to find him.
2159. Chris7878 : To my knowledge‚ I was born in Richmond‚ VA on July 7‚ 1978.
2160. Br1863 : William Arthur Rose‚ Polly E. Rose‚ Dickenson county‚ clintwood‚ Bobby H. Rose
