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 1,204,962 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
2476. Arya131 : Hello! My sisters and I are looking for our lost sibling‚ and have been since I‚ the eldest‚ learned of her existence. Her name at birth would have been Kayra Grace‚ but we’re unsure if the affidavit of paternity was signed at birth or not and if her last name would have been her birth mother’s or birth father’s name. Her birth mom was Melissa Hrosik/Rowland/Brown (Maiden‚ Married‚ Married Name)‚ birth father is Roger Dale Brown. We know she was born at the *then* Chesapeake General Hospital‚ adopted out of Chesapeake Virginia Children and Youth Services (CYS) and we had information that she was adopted in Norfolk‚ but have no way of verifying that to be accurate. Most of the information we have came from our late grandmother‚ who recorded the history of the births of her grandchildren as they happened in her bible‚ so we believe the information to be accurate. I‚ and one sister have a different father‚ but we also have contact with Kayra’s older full sister. We’re broke so paid membership to this site might be unattainable at times‚ but if you’re reading this I can be contacted and we have all taken a DNA test. We would love to connect in any way possible and see how we are similar‚ if we have similar personalities‚ etc and just basically solve this now decades ongoing family mystery.
2477. AmberK760 : Birth name Gage Daniel Boone born July 2nd‚ 2008 in San Diego‚ CA at Pomerado Hospital in Poway‚ CA. Has 1 older brother‚ James‚ who wants to see him again. His mother Amber Kenney wants to see him again. I’ve uploaded a picture of my baby when he was little‚ after they took him. Been told he died. Don’t want to believe it. CPS stole him a year after birth‚ didn’t get to say bye. You have 2 other half siblings now you haven’t met. I hope you’re not dead. Living with that thought has been the worst. Please reach out‚ just let me know you are ALIVE‚ that’s all I ask. You were abused in 3 out of 7 of the foster homes you were placed in. One place’s license was taken after you were hospitalized! It’s horrible. Anyone reading this can help me locate my baby? I’ll pay! Thank you!
2478. MyishaG : Myisha black is my name I’m the biological mother of Antoine Dwayne Black jr original name on birth certificate which his father has the same name is Antoine Dwayne Black sr. Birth certificate original place of birth Houston Texas at memorial Hermann hospital off beechnut and hwy 59. His original dob is 4/9/2007 he has light brown eyes . Light Brown Carmel complicted young man he is 17 now.
2479. Sharf : Born at Dixie Hospital in Hampton VA Born 12/20/1972 Male Adopted by Sharf Family
2480. Johnreese : Dad John Junior Martinez Jr Mom Tracy I had two sisters
2481. Sstafford03 : My name is Summer. I am currently looking for my older brother. The only info I have are his birthdate and location. Birthdate is 06/05/1992. He was born at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke‚ Virginia. His birth mother (my mother) is named Desiree Stafford. His birth father is named David Stafford. I have two siblings‚ Sierra and David. David and our long lost brother have the same mom and dad and look identical. We do have baby photos from the hospital of the day he was born. My mom also was going to name him ’Christian’ and she isn’t sure if that name stuck with him or if it got changed. My siblings and I would love to find him and connect with him in hopes that he’s wanting to do the same. I just really hate that I don’t have more information as this was a closed adoption.
2482. DinaBriggman : Birth name was Patrick Randall Fitzgerald
2483. Lessia1 : I. Want to know did my grandma Lessie Hairston adopt me
2484. MichaelRobinson : Hello Michael‚ if that is still your name. I am your Aunt Teresa your mom and I were like sisters as we were raised by my biological mother. Your mom’s name is Theresa and she misses you beyond measure. Please if you read this and want to know more about how you can connect please feel free. You were born in Roanoke Va 6/19/81 and was taken away from your mother because she was just 15 years old‚ but I can promise you this she has never stop searching and praying for your return. Contact me.
2485. June487X12 : Arlington VA is birth place and hospital of my adopted sister. She is a full sister. She was adopted out via a lawyer and I don’t think it was totally legit. June Evers Contact me.
