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.
Register NowRECENT MEMBERS IN Virginia
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A Few of Our Members Currently Searching Within Virginia Who Chose To Be Featured
2386. Jjenni574 : At the time of adoption his hometown was Stafford VA. His given birth name was Christopher. He is biracial (white&black).
2387. JoyRogers42 : My brother was born in Sentara Leigh and to my mother and the guy we thought was his dad was a drunk and because my mom had a drug issue knew they were gonna take her child she said she would do harm to the nurse so they all banned against her. I tried to get him and because I have a son a few months older and my mom lives with me they did not give me a chance and I have four outstanding children of my own! He was born 9-13-2004 and my mom lost her mother months before and years later my younger brother was killed we have been missing zayshawn every since and mom is well family wel we just need to know if he is a live if he is out there!
2388. Traceya1970 : Catholic Family Services 12829 Jefferson Avenue Newport News‚ VA 23602 Sent to live with ain’t in VA to have child I believe she was from Massachusetts Mother was 18 Father was 18 in college
2389. Smatesick : I’m searching for my father’s adoption records. I am trying to figure out how and why he was adopted. I do know his father killed his mother. I know there is way more to this story than I have been told. I do not know what day he was adopted. Any help is appreciated.
2390. PriscillaRogers : i had a drug addiction and my mother was on her dying bed which made me crave drugs more i did not mean to hurt you at all i needed help more than anything and they did not help instead they said i was a harm to you no i was a harm to them because i couldn’t read or write and they took u from me so i said i was gonna blow the hospital up!! i was hurt i wanted you i may have needed you my oldest daughter tried to get you and because she had a son your age and i lived with her they denied and i got better been with your sister all this time helped her raise an outstanding family of four all graduates and 2 college football players i was not a bad mother i needed help mentally! if you don’t want to be bothered i understand and i will explain whatever you want to know.i love you and never stopped looking for you
2391. LizaLynn828 : was born at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk‚ Virginia and given the name Liza Lynn
2392. Vancel : Your mother and I were teens in 2000‚ living in Fairfax‚ Va. I didn’t know about you until almost the time of your birth. When I was told‚ I freaked out like most teens would‚ but we both chose adoption. Her name is Shernita. I just want to make sure you know that there was no way for us to raise you the way you deserved‚ and I want to know if you were adopted into a loving home and are doing well now.
2393. Jesse4 : I am looking for Jesse James Johnson I fostered him when he was 8 years old he will be turning 18 soon I am trying to reach out and let him know that I am here to help him throughout his life born in Galax Virginia
2394. JMarie75 : Margaret Louise Davidson Her married name was "King" and she was born in 1948 in Pittsylvania County. She was married on 3/12/1962 to Mr. James Harrison King. She birthed three children which included one daughter (Bonnie Sue) and two sons (James Jr and Bennie Ray).
2395. Violet71 : My Birth name Violet Roberta Cowfer I was in Foster Care from birth until about May of 1974. Final adoption ORDER was September 16‚ 1975. Adopted by Joan Haddix Papke My name was legally changed to Jennifer Anne Papke
2396. TonyRoss123 : Looking for my brother born Anthony Wayne Ross Jr. Then was adopted and sent to California or something I think and from what I hear the adopted last name was DeSantis so it would be Anthony DeSantis. My oldest brother I’ve only seen once at 8 years old. Then my dad and him fought and poof never seen him again. Last I heard he was in the mountains with war vets
2397. Mandak2001 : Mother- Margaret Donovan age 24
2398. Shewil2 : I was born at Maryview Hospital at approx 12pm on December 9th. The place was Portsmouth‚ Virginia. I.think that social services of Portsmouth Va handled the adoption. I was 2 days old when my adoptive parents took me in. I don’t want anything other than to know who I am.
2399. TiaraB86 : Was born in Bristol Reginal Hospital
2400. Kwpullen53 : I was born at Norfolk General Hospital. Birth mother was 16 I believe and birth father was around 20.
