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
691. Rachellooking : I was born Spet. 26, 1980 at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, VA. I only know my biological mother was blonde hair and blue eyed, and my biological father was also adopted by an air force family, and was Japanese. The adoption agency was Catholic Charities.
692. Kurious123 : Richmond - MCV
693. ASWillard : Hello. I am searching for a birth half sibling, whom my 17 year-old mother was forced to give up for adoption in late 1967. I believe but am not certain that she gave birth after staying at the Episcopal House of Mercy Home for Unwed Mothers in Washington, DC. My mother’s last name was Wilson, the father’s last name was Denhardt and they both were from the Midwest. Thank you very much.
694. Oebmom : Looking for birth father named Reubin Mcdonald who was living in New York at the time. Birth mother is Linda Cheryl Jordan and adopted child named after his father (Reuben) was adopted into the Brooks family in Virginia but now live in NC. Father may be of Columbian or East Indian descent. Please help!
695. Stevelle : I am looking for my cousin named Christopher James Orban at birth, changed to Alex when adopted through catholic charities. I held him for 15 minutes. Mother is my aunt Barbara Orban. Barb has a daughter Melissa who is currently trying to find him as well. she has known of him all along and wants to meet him. Last connection was Barb writing letter to his adoptive mother 10 years ago only to be told she wasn’t ready...but never asked "alex" if he was. We do know he has a brother who was adopted also through the same agency but is 3 years older. I would really love to make this happen for all involved.
696. Miranda128 : I was adopted by Dave and Shelly Edwards. I am 16. My birthday is November 27, 2001. I live in Virginia Beach and used Bethany Christian Services to be adopted through.
697. Ksfischer : Serena Stovall
698. Raiders757 : Birth parent. Born in Richmond, Va. June 27th 1970.
699. Brenopie : Adopted daughters name is Sherry Annette Tarr...Birth mothers name is Margaret White was last living in Virginia. Father was a Williams My adopted familys name is Patricia and Frank Tarr
700. Allwoman75 : The people that she was living with were a married couple named Grace Gloria Elaine Jobe and Charles Elliot Jobe in Norfolk, VA and then they moved to Waterbury , CT between 1959-1963. She don’t know my real name and she will not give her, her birth certificate.
701. Kevin765 : Searching for adopted son born June 1, 1990
702. Shakaya : My name is Shakaya Carpenter. My son Ryley Ray Price was adopted in Virginia by a couple with the last name Gee. His caseworker at the time was Terri Hatchett but she is now retired. The court proceedings happened in Martinsville Virginia. I’d really like to know he’s okay. It would really help me cope and find closure.
703. Edfanzy13 : Chesapeke Virginia adoption took place I beleive I was born at Norfolk Naval Hospital not 100% though on that
704. Nagahamamomma : Portsmouth Naval Hospital Adoption facilitated by Catholic Family Charities
705. Jdlewis444 : My doctor did a DNA test, not sure if she is on the right path because I am not positive on whether she did a maternal or a paternal test... She has been emailing my younger sister, name of Pamela Cason. My mothers name was Patricia Ann Cason, maiden name of Meyers our Myers, but i am leading to believe her maiden name was (Wise). I don’t know who my father is, and cannot afford the test to find out. Pamela cason doesn’t know who he is either. She apparently doesn’t speak to the older sister. I have been doing some "investigating" although meager due to skills, or time. Found a young girl that looks almost identical to my daughter, and it was while following the slight trail a woman named Sharon (no last name). Hope this helps. I’m 6’2 tall, brown hair, green with hints of blue -eyes, natural year long tan. High metabolism keeps me trim, but muscular. My daughter looks nothing of me or her mother, with light brown hair that lightens in the summer. Blue, round eyes, small heart shaped face, short in height. She was diagnosed with Hashimotos disease in January., would like to find out what else is possible.
