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 1,205,519 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
286. Dveill3379 : Born 5 Apr 1973. Birth name was Robert Collier
287. Dveill3379 : Born 5 Apr 1973. Birth name was Robert Collier
288. Flippen99 : Born at MCV in Richmond, VA. My mother was attending VCU at the time. Her last name was Kidd.
289. Svragirl : Alexandria Va hospital
290. Rje1962 : Birth Name Robert Joseph Lindsay born at Dade County Hospital‚ Miami FL Birth Mother’s name Jo (not sure if it is Joann‚ she went by Jo) Not sure if her last name was also Lindsay Known older sister‚ possible name is Robin‚ not sure of last name possible younger brother
291. Jim1957 : born cook county hospital, chicago
292. Dmessenger : Looking for my identical twin that I think my parents gave up. Im half black half white
293. Momsquest : Born aug 29 1945 U.S.Naval Hospital Norfolk VA. Originally named Harriet Martha for birth mothers friend who was named martha and marthas mother harriet. thru catholic charities June 29 1946. Birth mother was 22 year old college student major in music.
294. Kitkatgirl : Looking to find any birth family!
295. Greg_bee : I was born in Martinsville Virginia, Henry County on March 22, 1976 and my adopted parents were pre-determined and I was fortunate to have been adopted by the best parents a kid could ever hope to have. I’m searching for medical purposes. Thanks.
296. Alnat : Mother’s name is Barbara Jean Anderson Miller. Child was born in either Florida or Virginia. Best guess is 1982-1985. New York is a slim possibility but probable. I’m 99% positive it was a girl and her name began with D’. This person has attempted to get in contact with our mother. She received a letter from DNA Diagnostics stating she was the mother. Unfortunately I didn’t put two and two together until recently. I will be 49 this year and I’m fairly certain you might be younger than me by at least 10 years. Thank you!
297. Rickyharber82 : My Brother was adopted out to a family either in Castlewood Virginia or Clintwood Virginia. I’m not sure which one... I never knew which. My brother was only 9 at the time. I have only seen a picture of him when he was 11 I think. I don’t even have that picture anymore. The picture was took at a fishing place and swimming hole somewhere either in Clintwood or Castlewood Virginia. Please help me find him. Who ever adopted him changed his last name to what I don’t know.
298. Fightnfire : Searching for my birth mom. Closed adoption from what I understand. Her last name was/is MacFarlane. I was born at Prince William County Hospital. She wrote before on adopteeconnect "Given to adoption but never forgotten" in 2005. I didn’t find that site until 2016 and I replied but then the site was shut down. Would love to hear from her or any related family!:)
299. Rocky2011 : Named John Henry Suggs at birth. Born in Norfolk or Portsmouth Va.
300. Susie21157 : My name at the time was Susan Shovar‚ my daughter was born in Fairfax hospital‚ in Fairfax County Va on November 13th 1978 I am searching for her.
