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 1,205,524 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
1126. Mrhill97799779 : My adopted name is Donnell Charles Hill. my birth certificate or my adopted birth certificate if I was born September 7th 1979 in Richmond Virginia.. I am an African American male if anyone can assist or help please feel free to contact me thank you
1127. MegRut : I was born on February 7, 1971 in Lynchburg Virginia. My mother was in her late teens or early twenties. She was not married to my father. My father was in the navy.
1128. TianaSchroeder : I don’t know if my sibling or siblings where adopted or even put out for adoption. I just want to find out if I have siblings or sibling out there my dad always dienied that he had other children to my sisters and I but then our mom said that he was with multiple women and they could have gotten pregnant.
1129. Darien71 : Born in Norfolk Virginia, adopted around August of 1971. Birth family possibly navy at the time. Would like to what my biological family members name is.
1130. MrsCory : My husband wants to find his birth father’s birth family...they were both adopted. I have expressed permission from my husband to locate them since I am good at research. His name is Stephen Alan Kovach after the adoption he’s my biological father-in-law? He was born January 31st 1965. Please help us.
1131. Nuckenfutz : I just wanna know
1132. Reagan5133 : I am looking to find some information about my birth family. I was born on Aug 26, 1969 at a hospital in Richmond, VA, which was a medical school. My name at birth was Tonya Suzette Findley. I was told my father was a soldier at Fort Lee, and during a holiday party, my parents met. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
1133. Nay917 : I’m Looking for my half brother. His adopted name is either Zachary Jonathan, or Zachary James. Born either December 21st 1989 in Lynchburg VA. My mother stayed at the Jerry Falwell Institute and he was adopted through the Liberty Godparent Home. The photo is the last picture of him that was sent to my mother.
1134. Jmweston1970 : Brother born 1972/3 April, in chicago, il. Birth name was Michael Angelo Castelli, was adopted in 1975/6 in Virginia or Kentucky, the adopting father was a lawyer and mother was a housewife, claimed that they could not have children. birth mother was Patricia osborne/bell/daniels
1135. Kimzartman : Name on original birth certificate was Trenda. Parents may have been from Florida.
1136. 07041961 : Born at south Boston va hospital
1137. MMast55 : My name was changed from William Joseph Robinson to Michael Masterson. My birth certificate is from Washington D.C. . I was baptized at Saint Patrick’s in Washington D.C. on Feb. 6, 1955. My adoption was done through Catholic Charities in Virginia.
1138. MMast55 : My name was changed from William Joseph Robinson to Michael Masterson. My birth certificate is from Washington D.C.. I was adopted through Catholic Charities in Virginia. I was baptized at St. Patrick’s in Washington D.C.
1139. Levep87 : Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, VA. Rockingham County, VA - specifically Harrisonburg. Biracial.
1140. Dcblair68 : Looking for birth family. I was born at Sibley Hospital in Washington DC on 6/27/1968. I was adopted from Fairfax co adoption agency in Fairfax va. Birth mom was 16 and had an older sister and younger brother and her step father was in the military.
