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 1,205,527 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
1426. Lisaredford93 : I found a paper from hospital when I was born, my name was Maria Simones. I was born in Roanoke VA and my mother was 33 years old and my father 47 I believe. I was adopted on Christmas Eve 1970. To James Guy Kelly and Olivia Elaine Kelly.
1427. CrystalMarieM : My birth certificate mentioned I was born in Norfolk, VA. I was born in Norfolk hospital. There was a picture of me and a little boy together, we look exactly alike - the picture had Crystal and Jessie Jr. Hendrix written on the back of the photo. I now live in Dallas TX My adoptive parents names are Frances Elizabeth Monroe and Robert Lee Monroe My adoptive father has a son name Robert Lee McGee My adoptive mother was born in Detroit and my adoptive father was born in Chicago I was adopted through an agency through a Catholic Church And I was in foster care as a baby
1428. Megly : Hi, I am searching for my birth parents. I was born Nov. 20th 1971 at Norfolk General Hospital. My adoption was arranged before I was born through Catholic Services.
1429. Nanasof16 : Radford University and Winchester Virginia
1430. Chkameja10 : Krepps, very young mother. Hampton Roads, possibly Newport News area.
1431. Kklabelle821 : I was born in Dunn, NC, adoption took place in Virginia (DC area). I believe birth Mother’s name is Lillian Wood, birth Father’s last name Moore. I believe my name at birth was Judith Moore.
1432. ChristineSImpson02 : I know that there were three children taken from the parents. All were within a year or so of each other.
1433. DeborahDye : My brothers birth name was David Osborne Dye Jr. He was born at Mary Washington Hospital in Fredericksburg VA around 1963. He has a full younger brother whose birth name was Timothy Jay Dye. Mothers name on birth certificate was Judith Dye. Her birth name Judith Taylor born in North Carolina. Fathers name David Osborne Dye I’ve always known about you. You aren’t forgotten. You are missed. Often wondered about you.
1434. SMHicks : I’m searching for my birth parents. My name is Simon Marcellous Hicks & I was born July 1st, 1985 in Hampton, Virginia at Hampton General Hospital. I was adopted by Pamela & Simon Hicks.
1435. Aceindahl : Was born at henrico doctors hospital I believe my birth name was Michael
1436. Phil1974 : I do not know much about my biological parents. I do know I was born at the hospital in Roanoke, VA, I have been told that my mother was 12-14 years old, my father was 18. My father was a brick layer. I was adopted by my amazing parents who then resided in Montpelier VA. I was 18 months old when the adoption took place. I grew up in Montpelier Va.
1437. Rrosario : I am looking on behalf of my father for medical reasons. My father’s adopted name is Michael J. Burcham. He is a white male. He was adopted by Joseph and Alice Burcham. I think my father’s birth name was Richard. He was adopted out of an agency in Richmond, VA. Any informations would be amazing. Thank you.
1438. DonaldPaulRyberg : born in Arlington Hospital, Arlington, Va. Stepfather Arthur A. Ryberg. My name is Donald P. Ryberg. grew up in Fairfax, Va.
1439. Kelly100 : Hello, my name is Kelly I was adopted and after getting older discovered my biological father Dale Maurie Thrift (Thrift was adopted last name ,) was also adopted. I am looking for my bioloical father’s family to hopefully complete missing pieces in my life. The following information is what I know. 1. He and his twin brother David were born in Virginia on December 1st , 1964. 2. They were adopted by Robert and Barabra Thrift of Callao Virginia. 3. They have a half sister named Debbie who apparently resides in VA perhaps Heathsville Virginia. 4. Both their biological mother and father apparently have passed away. 5. I did no know my biological father. 6 . My biological father and his twin brother are deceased. Any information that I could gain would be great, and if you are related, I would love to meet you, and get some much needed answers to my past.
1440. Gaylejean : I was born in military hospital
