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 1,204,965 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
1291. MirandaDodd : I was born in Washington D.C. and my adopted parents adopted me through the Datz Foundation.
1292. Lilydawg : Born in fairfax Virginia.
1293. Spelman : We know that Gretchen was born at Lynchburg General Hospital and her state birth number was 145-62-076771. She was born at 3:03pm on 11/20/62. Leroy E. Glass was the attorney that completed the adoption and sent a letter of the news dated 1/31/64. Gretchen’s name on the adoption paperwork was Tracy Elaine Kidd of the wars of the Lynchburg Bureau of Public Welfare.
1294. KeenanIsaiah1 : Birthname was Rodney Isaiah Watkins Born in Norfolk Va Adopted by Judith and Jamie Contouris in 1993
1295. Feaster : I’m trying to find out who isy real mom and dad. Faster family or something else . feaster
1296. Topgun0708 : County of Fairfax Department of Public Welfare Law Office of Bauknight,Prichard,Mccandlish & Williams My name is David Wayne Haubenstein
1297. Ryan-1975-Norfolk : Adopted in Norfolk, VA through a Doctor that worked at Depaul Hospital. Catholic Charities may have been involved?
1298. CortezGantt : Helping someone I love find their birth parents.
1299. Bkd93 : Arlington, VA Birthparents in early 20s
1300. Darnell4u : Searching for Nakia Johnson. Approx age: 22-26 Born in either Danville Pa, or Bloomsburg Pa. Birth Mother: Jessica Adams Birth Father: Jeremy L. Johnson Nakia lived in Williamsport PA for awhile. Nakia was adopted out when my brother Jeremy L. Johnson was incarcerated. He was also served papers of the adoption. I believe the mother may have given up her rights. Jessica is mixed race, (blk & White) with either blonde or red hair. Color could have changed with age. Her family has been looking for her. We love and miss her!
1301. Reed1968 : I’m Pamela (Reed biological) Barbour (adopted) I was adopted in Fredericksburg, Virginia @ age 5. When I was adopted I was blonde hair and didn’t speak.
1302. Jcorvo8412 : I was told my daughters name maybe Elaine. She was adopted through Catholic Charities.
1303. AlexisLeaphart : I was told her name is Tina Blair.
1304. AdoptedKaitlynM : Hi there! My name is Kaitlyn Melk-Mccrary my birth name was Kaitlyn Woody. I have found my birth mother and birth father. I was also adopted with two half blood siblings. (Kids are all 2 years apart I believe) Birth mother: Katrina Woody Birth father: Douglas pousch (not A father to anyone else) Oldest birth sister: Kassandra (Kassi) Duran Ronco Oldest Brother: I only know his first name, Christopher? The one I am trying to find Second oldest sister: Amanda Melk-Mccrary (half-blood, sane mom, was adopted with (22/23 years old?) Then there’s me: Kaitlyn Melk Mccrary (20 years old) Bryce melk Mccrary (17) autistic (half blood, same mom) Then lastly, Ashleigh, who I believe is 14 who I also would like to get in contact with! I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin I think I was adopted by my two Gay mothers (I have no idea if that matters at all) As far as I know Kassi was in foster care for a long time, I was in it for less than a year (adopted at age 1) Amanda was adopted at 3 Bryce as a baby I’d love to meet you all! 😅❤️
1305. SMALLEY3SARAH : Baby "boy last name Stanley" born Dec 19, 72’ in Marshalltown,Iowa to Lucinda Prim (Cindy Loseke) DOB Nov 10 it was a closed adoption until u turn 50yrs old . bio mom lives in Bellevue, NE you have a full biological younger brother that lives in Ft.Worth Texas named (Chad Stanley) you were a 2nd child adopted to the family who adopted you. your sister was an adoptee too. Your biological grandmother passed away in Nov 16, 2018 age 90 Evelyn Rosella (Groves) Prim born July 23 and your biological grandfather Howard Prim passed away November 10, 2012 both buried in Marshall town Iowa (Mitchell town funeral home) your mother is looking for you. Your mom has done a DNA kit through 23and me and through Ancestry.com /profile pic is your full blooded brother
