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 1,204,964 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
736. Bardem : At the time of my son’s birth, I was in the Florence Crittenden Home for Unwed Mothers in Georgetown, Washington, D.C. I am not sure of the Hospital we were taken to to give birth, believe GW or Georgetown. Fairfax County Welfare handled the adoption.
737. Jncooper00 : I am searching for my father’s birth family. He and his bio brother was adopted by my grandparents around 1953-54. My father, his brother, and grandparents are all deceased. Im really wanting to find that missing link. My mom and I have completed a DNA test through ancestry and I have a lot of matches in my paternal side. I haven’t been able to get any names yet to tie any of the pieces together. Any help would be grate my appreciated. Thank you Jennifer Cooper
738. Chuckie66 : My name is Charles William Eary and I’m searching for my biological mother and/or father. I was born on March 23 1966 at Martha Jefferson hospital in Charlottesville Virginia. I was placed in an orphanage in Charlottesville Virginia. My mother was very young at the time.
739. Jennifer2714 : Baby was give to brother Elwood F Food and Mary Ford
740. AnastasiaNicole : His name prior to adoption was Brent David Jennings Jr.
741. MJC278 : Our mother was Martha Jackson born in Illinois in 1957 or 1958. You were her first baby (October 1984), I was her third (February 1988).
742. Kendrick221 : My birth name is Kendrick Marquis short I have 4 sister lakain Tiffany tammera Vanessa two brothers but don’t know name my mom name was Selena short I think
743. Debbienycz : Male child born March 24, 1965 at Dumfries Medical Center in Dumfries, Virginia. Adopted at birth by Joseph and Lois Nycz of Manassas, Virginia .
744. Kwright7125 : Looking for male born in 1982 or 1983 in the DFW metroplex area, most likely Tarrant county. Not sure if the adoption was done in Texas or not. He is said to be biracial, mother is caucasian was 16 at the time father was african american or hispanic. Possible DOB 12/28.
745. FranBird86 : I was placed by Catholic Charities (Portsmouth, Virginia) on December 19, 1986. My adoption was finalized in Alexandria, Virginia.
746. Mhancasky1 : I am a adopted child searching for my birth parents or siblings. I was born on February 17, 1966 in Washington DC and was adoption out in Alexandria Va.Fairfax County. I was premature at birth. I weight 3 lbs and 1.5 oz. I don’t have any information about my birth families and am very interested in medical history.
747. MoniRW : My son was adopted when he was 2 years old. My aunt handled the whole processing and I do not have lot of information about the adoption I need help to find my son. His name may be changed. His name is Nashawn C Stowe. Thank you.
748. ShilohSanders5915 : I am looking for my boyfriends half sister. Her birth name would be Joise and her birth mothers name is Adela. He is wanting to get to know her.
749. Hgurk7 : I was born in Henrico/Richmond VA. My birth mother had 2 daughters before me, one she kept (the older one) and put the other up for adoption.
750. Aprilthurman : His parents are Shirley and James chapman he was born in alleghany county va at the hospital they called him Steven Forrest but was probably renamed when adopted I have 4 pics when he was a month old
