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
241. Jmay : Adopted from Children’s Home Society Mother said to be white, African American father. Recently did a DNA test with Ancestry DNA and urge everyone to do one. Have found multiple cousins however no immediate family. The more people that test the more chances we have of finding our lost love ones.
242. Mzfloyd : I’ve been told I have a sister born in an unwed mother’s home I think in Virginia sometime between 1965 and early 1967. The birth mother’s name was Linda Sue Parker and I think the father’s name was Bobby( not sure).
243. Avanyo : My name is Alirio Vanyo, I had to sign open adoption papers because the mother had cheated with me and I had no place or wasn’t ready to raise my daughter alone. The birth mother was Anita, the adopted mother was Theresa Pigg. I was supposed to have access to photos, letters, and to give her a letter. I wasn’t given that chance.
244. Bridgetbergner1974 : Was born in Washington DC but adopted in virginia. Was told birth mothers name was Diane and she was 16 or 17.
245. Beckylou : Searching for a baby girl born to my aunt, Martha Mariah Barnes, most likely in summer of 1963. Birth city was Williamsburg, VA. Birth mother was from Southampton County, VA. I have the Virginia adoption case number and will share with possible matches.
246. Mary22644 : My birth name was Jo Ellen and I was born in Sibley Hospital Washington DC 06/05/1954
247. Sumption4 : My father was adopted at birth, he was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident 19 years ago. Him and I had always wanted to do this. Mainly for a medical background. But never had the chance, I am hoping to get some answers and find his birth mother
248. Jmcm3179 : My Mother Maureen Key put her daughter up for adoption through catholic charities of northern va. forced to by her mother because she was under age. I do know the birth name given was "Bridget Key" i have been searching since 2010. Was told that only adoptee and birth mom can search. I’ve contacted catholic charities several times to update my info to include in her file. Because bridget had attempted to search at one point they were allowed to contact her to let her know i was sesrching. All contact info is old and non working for her. unfortunately our mother cannot search as she passed away on 3/17/1997. I do know our mother thought of you often. Your siblings and i would love to contact you and get to know you. My name is jessica
249. CATEJ : This person is my mother-in-law’s father. He is deceased. She wanted to know who his birth parents were. He abandoned her birth mother when she was eight years old. My mother-in-law is now 85 years old. She’s always wanted to know of her family history. Her father’s line is the missing link. Can you help me solve this for her? Thank you.
250. Saa31570 : Updated . I have found my mother. Her name is Helen‚ AKA Louise or Lou. I am Still seRching for my father. I know they did not‚ know each very long. Most likely a summer of 1969 fling. Mother was 22 at the time. She recalls nothing on my father. I was born 3-15-70. I was born in Alexandria VA‚ still a sealed record . My mother was part native american and my father was italian‚ poss military. I do not think my father really knew about me. If you know my family‚ please contact me.
251. Mznewby : Searching for my birth mother or father DOB 3/25/1962, Location - Virginia Beach General Hospital, Virginia Beach, VA. Birth mother came into hospital in advanced labor with no prenatal care. Possibility birth mother is from North Carolina
252. Popysgrl : They were born at MCV hospital....one through United Methodist Family Service....the other through Children Home Society...both are in Richmond Virginia
253. Kenya34 : I am looking for my birth parents and don’t have much In formation to go on. I am looking for my birth parents to fight d out my medical history for my health purposes
254. Knaugle : She was born in Norfolk Va. at De Paul hospital this is my biological sister that I wish to meet. She also has a brother my mothers maiden name was Brown and the father’s last name was Beached Caucasian/Asian decent adopted by Jewish family services
255. MRoberson65 : Birth last name Chandler‚ Born in Norfolk general hospital
