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 1,204,961 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
586. Dbriskman : I was born in Alexandria, VA hospital and adopted out by Jewish Social Services.
587. ElizabethRobertson : I am a female, born at 8am on December 30, 1962 in Norfolk General Hospital to a woman who had been living in the Florence Critterton House (White Anchorage). I know she was from Southwestern Virginia and was the one of 5 sisters. I also know she is of Irish/Scottish heritage and was 28 at the time of my birth. She also gave another child up for adoption BEFORE my birth - possibly to a male on February 7, 1960 - but his delivery happened at the White Anchorage House in Norfolk, Virginia
588. Alexander_Walsh : I’m adopted and helping my sister find her biological mother. We are very nice! :3
589. LarryPrice8683 : Am seeking my older sister who was adopted around 6 months old in Roanoke COunty, in VA, around December 1962. My parents names are Arlene Louise Thompson Price and Edward Dewayne Price. Important family medical conditions to be shared.
590. Tomjoad : I was born Jan.11, 1972 at St. Mary’s hospital in Richmond, Va., Henrico Co. I am looking for my biological parents. I am a caucasian male. I believe the adoption was handled thru Catholic Services.
591. Goku9898 : The adopted friend is Miranda Edwards and Austin Edwards
592. Kathyr : I gave up a baby girl for adoption at the Salvation Army Home for Unwed Mothers in Richmond, Virginia in 1960. My child was born there and I cared for her there for 6 weeks before the adoption took place. I was only 16 years old at the time and I have longed to find her ever since. My name at the time was Kathleen Boyd and my family lived in Roanoke, Virginia. The baby’s name on the birth certificate was Denise Faith Boyd.
593. Jojoro : Norfolk Sentra general hospital
594. LeoDad : I am searching for my son and daughter, whose mother absconded with them and may have lost or given up custody of one or both of them.
595. RichardGordy : Looking for the birth family of a deceased person, for his children.
596. Bryanweber : I hope you find me.
597. Whitneyyopp : I am looking for my brother who is about 14 years old as of 2012. His name is Jeffrey or Jeffery. I know he was possibly adopted as a toddler by a family in New York or stayed in Virginia. Our father’s name is Paul Douglas Yopp and I am unsure of his mothers name. I have reason to believe that about a year ago he was trying to find my dad. I have been trying to find him for a few years now, but him not being of legal age has made it hard. I am unsure of the county he was adopted from but it was most likely in the Western part of Virginia.
598. Psf250 : Alice Scruggs Shelton DOB feb 15 1917 death Jan 8 2006 her married names Shelton ,young and cook. jasper howard shelton DOB Feb 14 1913 Death Dec 30 1965. His marriage was between 1935 -1941 had 1 child but no record anywhere only on divorce record listing one child. The placement could of been lynchburg va, Danville va or Halifax va. Trying to find my dads half sibling was told it was a boy named buster. That’s all I know.
599. Xxmastermindxx : Warren Memorial Hospital Front Royal Christopher Robin?
600. Janesworld : I was born in Bethesda Maryland
