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 1,205,528 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
121. Bookgoddess75 : I was born at the Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia. My birth mother’s name was Terry (Terri? Terrie?) Hatfield. No birth father was named. She was about 18 at the time,and said she was living at home. The pregnancy was hidden from family. I am not particularly interested in forming an in-depth relationship, but rather I am curious about health history and possibly pictures...I definitely don’t want to stir up any problems for her.
122. Palanukd : I dont know why after 35 years im actually on here looking to see if anyones out there looking for me...why would she be? She gave me away! But if you were a young mother going through a program at liberty university and gave birth to a boy on or aroung february 9th 1988 in bedford virginia‚ i recently reached out by email to that university programs administration and asked that if by any chance you ever did try to contact them to try to find me‚ that they please let you know that i forgive you. It hurts so much going through this life feeling alone‚ always knowing i came into this world by myself and leaving this world by myself...never knowing what the other kids felt when they hugged their mom and dad‚ because it never felt that way for me‚ never understanding the bond of family that my wife shares with her dad and siblings. Its really sucked at times‚ and i used to blame you for my pain‚ and often wished you would have made the alternative choice so i would have never had to live through some of those times. But as hard as it is to do‚ i forgive you‚ mom. And i know youll probably never bother to look for me‚ but ive done what i can to put it out there for you to know how i feel if you do care‚ my heart is at peace. I made it. Had some setbacks but i married a beautiful precious woman‚ and now its looking like we might have to adopt ourselves after about 8 years of trying to conceive with several heartbreaking miscarriages and lots of specialists and procedures along the way. So if this concludes on an even more depressing note‚ im not going to have the same opportunity that you were blessed with‚ being able to give birth and let your lineage live on...its not poetic justice‚ nor done intentionally‚ i guess i was intended to never in my life get a chance to meet even a single blood relative. Im literally the only person ill ever know from my bloodline. Totally alone from day 1 until the good Lord takes me home. Anyways. Hope youre well and in good health.
123. Tnseabee : I was born at Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk, VA. I was told by my adoptive mother that my mother was young and came from an influential family. Not sure if that is true but perhaps this may help.
124. Cholzschuh : Im searching for my birth mother. It was a closed adoption in Virginia.
125. Sk8rchic7243 : Mother’s name Darlene‚ Alexy possible last name‚ as well as Nixon. Father’s possible nickname Jay/J (?).
126. BrendaShoemaker : Found both birth parents thanks to Brenda Shoemaker
127. Tchrmom5 : DePaul Hospital Norfolk, Virginia
128. Wendyhudson66 : I am helping a friend look for her birth parents. She was born Oct. 5, 1970 in possibly Wythe County, Virginia. She was adopted by a Martin family soon after birth.
129. Chadpfeiffer88 : Born at Dewitt Army hospital in Fort Belvoir. August 5th 1988 around 1 38pm. My possible birth name was Stephen. I was adopted shortly after through the Barker Foundation
130. Adanic : I’m looking for my daughter shameka Danielle Cooper was her birthday. She had foster parents in Winchester va before she was adopted. She was born in Richmond va.her foster mother was Elizabeth in Winchester VA Frederick county. Shameka was walking when she was adopted.
131. Patricia62 : I was born at Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Va My birthmother’s name is Ellen Greene It was a private adoption through a doctor
132. Rspbry5714 : Looking for the family of my mother-in-law. Last name was Puffenberger/Puffenburger/Puffenbarger. She was born in Harrisonburg, VA 4/7/51. Siblings include at least 3 sisters I believe. Children were removed from home of parents. We’re not sure if everyone was adopted or not. I believe she was 3 when she was in foster care and then about 7 when she was adopted.
133. Goofytep : I was born on April 7, 1975 at Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke, VA. The only thing that I have been told is that my birth mother is about 5’2’’ and loves to dance and watch football.
134. Lanecoward : The name given the child at birth by her mother is Amber Elizabeth. She was born at Inova Fairfax Hospital and placed immediately. I am her grandmother and have loved her since her birth although I have seen her only once, when she was just one day old. Amber is my only grandchild and I ache to see her.
135. ChristianElizabeth : I am looking for my unknown birth father.
