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Last updated on January 3, 2022

Connecticut

Summary

Effective July 1, 2021, all Connecticut-born adoptees have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The right also extends to the children and grandchildren of the adopted person.

FAQ

A description of the new law as well as answers to general questions is available here.

Additional identifying information may be available to adult adoptees in Connecticut, subject to birth parent consent. An adoption agency or the Connecticut Department of Children and Families may refuse to release identifying information to an adoptee if “at any time [it determines] that the release of the requested information would be seriously disruptive to or endanger the physical or emotional health of the applicant” or the person who may be identified. Connecticut law also allows an agency or the state’s department of children and families— if they believe counseling is  “advisable with the release of information”—to request that an adult adoptee “appear for an interview.”

Connecticut law requires child-placing agencies and the Department of Children and Families to maintain adoption registries.

Relevant Connecticut Law: Original Birth Certificates

Sec. 7-53. Birth certificates of adopted persons born in this state.
(a) Upon receipt of the record of adoption referred to in subsection (e) of section 45a-745 or of other evidence satisfactory to the department that a person born in this state has been adopted, the department shall prepare a new birth certificate of such adopted person, except that no new certificate of birth shall be prepared if the court decreeing the adoption, the adoptive parents or the adopted person, if over fourteen years of age, so requests. Such new birth certificate shall include all the information required to be set forth in a certificate of birth of this state as of the date of birth, except that the adopting parents shall be named as the parents instead of the birth parents and, when a certified copy of the birth of such person is requested by an eligible party as described in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 7-51, a copy of the new certificate of birth as prepared by the department shall be provided. Immediately after a new certificate of birth has been prepared, an exact copy of such certificate, together with a written notice of the evidence of adoption, shall be transmitted by the department to the registrar of vital statistics of each municipality in which the birth of the adopted person is recorded. The new birth certificate, the original certificate of birth on file and the evidence of adoption shall be filed and indexed, under such regulations as the commissioner adopts, in accordance with chapter 54, to carry out the provisions of this section and to prevent access to the records of birth and adoption and the information contained in the records, except as provided in this section.

(b) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section and section 45a-751c, as amended by this act, an original certificate of birth may only be issued if the person named in the certificate of birth is deceased and the person seeking to obtain such certificate of birth is an authorized applicant, as defined in section 45a-743. Any authorized applicant seeking to obtain a copy of the original certificate of birth shall first obtain a written court order issued in accordance with section 45a-751c, as amended by this act. Upon receipt of such court order, the registrar of vital statistics of the municipality of an adopted person’s birth may issue an uncertified copy of the original certificate of birth on file, marked with a notation by the issuer that such original certificate of birth has been superseded by a replacement certificate of birth as on file.

(c) Upon written request, the registrar of vital statistics of the municipality of an adopted person’s birth shall, not later than thirty days after such written request, issue an uncertified copy of an original certificate of birth to (1) such adopted person if he or she is eighteen years of age or older or (2) such adopted person’s child or grandchild, provided such child or grandchild is eighteen years of age or older. Such certificate shall be marked with a notation by the issuer that such original certificate of birth has been superseded by a replacement certificate of birth as on file. Additionally, a notice stating that information related to the birth parents’ preferences regarding contact by such adopted person or such adopted person’s adult child or grandchild and a medical health history form completed by the birth parent may be on file with the Department of Children and Families shall be printed on such certificate or attached thereto.

(d) Any person, except such birth or adoptive parents, such adopted person or such adopted person’s adult child or grandchild, who discloses any information contained in such records, except as provided in this section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.

(e) Whenever a certified copy of an adoption decree from a court of a foreign country, having jurisdiction of the adopted person, is filed with the department under the provisions of this section, such decree, when written in a language other than English, shall be accompanied by an English translation, which shall be subscribed and sworn to as a true translation by an American consulate officer stationed in such foreign country.

Sec. 7-54. Certification of birth registration or certificate of foreign birth for person born outside of the country and adopted by a state resident. Application and decree re change of biological age and date of birth. 
(a) The department shall prepare a certification of birth registration or a certificate of foreign birth for any person born outside of the country and adopted by a resident of this state, provided (1) an authenticated and exemplified copy of the order of adoption of the court of the district in which the adoption proceedings were had, or such other evidence as is considered satisfactory by the probate court for the district in which such person resides, is filed with such probate court, and (2) such probate court notifies the department that such copy or satisfactory evidence has been so filed. Such certification of birth registration shall contain only the adopted name, sex, date of birth, place of birth and date of preparation of such certification of birth registration by the department. Such certificate of foreign birth shall contain the adopted name, sex, date of birth, place of birth, legal name of adoptive parent or parents and date of preparation of such certificate of foreign birth. No certification of birth registration or certificate of foreign birth shall be prepared by the department unless upon specific written request of the person to whom the certification of birth registration relates, if over sixteen years of age, or of the adopting parent or parents or the probate court for the district in which the adoption proceedings were had. When the department has prepared such certificate of birth registration or certificate of foreign birth, copies thereof shall be issued by the department in accordance with the provisions of subsection (a) of section 7-52.

(b) The adoptive parent or parents of an adopted person born outside of the country and adopted by a resident of this state, or such adopted person if eighteen years of age or older, may apply to the probate court for the district in which the adopted person resides for a determination of the biological age and date of birth of the adopted person. The probate court shall hold a hearing on the application and receive medical and other evidence relevant to the issue of biological age and date of birth of the adopted person. After such hearing, the probate court may issue a decree to establish the biological age and date of birth of the adopted person. If the biological age and date of birth established in the decree is different from the biological age and date of birth in the certification of birth registration or a certificate of foreign birth, the probate court shall provide a certified copy of the decree to the department. Any certification of birth registration or certificate of foreign birth issued by the department pursuant to subsection (a) of this section after the date the department receives such decree shall reflect the date of birth in such decree.

Sec. 45a-751c. Order directing issuance of uncertified copy of original birth certificate.
On the petition of an authorized applicant, as defined in section 45a-743, the Probate Court or the Superior Court that finalized an adoption or appointed a guardian ad litem in accordance with section 45a-753 shall issue an order directing the registrar of vital statistics of the municipality of an adopted person’s birth to issue an uncertified copy of an original birth certificate to the authorized applicant in accordance with subsection (b) of section 7-53, as amended by this act, provided the person named in the certificate of birth is deceased and (1) each birth parent named on the original birth certificate: (A) Consents to the release of identifying information, in accordance with sections 45a-751 to 45a-751b, inclusive, as amended by this act; or (B) is deceased; or (2) a legal representative or guardian ad litem consents to the release of identifying information on behalf of the birth parent, in accordance with section 45a-753.

Relevant Connecticut Law: Identifying Information

Sec. 45a-743. Definitions.
For the purposes of sections 7-53, 45a-743 to 45a-757, inclusive, and 46b-124, the following terms have the following meanings:

(1) “Adoptable person” means a person who has not been adopted but whose biological parents had their parental rights terminated under the laws of the state of Connecticut.

(2) “Adopted person” means (A) a person who was adopted under the laws of the state of Connecticut or (B) a person who was adopted in another jurisdiction but whose biological parents have had their parental rights terminated in the state of Connecticut.

(3) “Authorized applicant” means (A) an adult adopted or adult adoptable person, (B) any biological parent of an adult adopted or adult adoptable person, including any person claiming to be the father who was not a party to the proceedings for the termination of parental rights, (C) any adult biological sibling of any adult adopted or adult adoptable person, and (D) if the adopted or adult adoptable person is deceased, any adult descendants, including legally adopted descendants.

(4) “Department” means the Department of Children and Families.

(5) “Information” includes information in the records of the courts of probate, Superior Court, the department or child-placing agency or child care facility, the registrars of vital statistics and the Department of Public Health.

(6) “Biological parent” means the biological mother or father of a person.

(7) “Relative” means any person descended from a common ancestor, whether by blood or adoption, not more than three generations removed from the child.

Sec. 45a-751. Release of identifying information by child-placing agency or department
(a) Any authorized applicant may, by applying in person or in writing to the child-placing agency or department, request the release of information that identifies or would tend to identify biological relatives who are unknown as the result of an adoption or termination of parental rights. The child-placing agency or department shall attempt to locate the person or persons sought in the request.

(b) Following such attempt, the child-placing agency or department shall furnish the information requested unless: (1) The consents required by section 45a-751b are not given; or (2) the child-placing agency or department determines at any time that the release of the requested information would be seriously disruptive to or endanger the physical or emotional health of the applicant; or (3) the child-placing agency or department determines at any time that the release of the requested information would be seriously disruptive to or endanger the physical or emotional health of the person whose identity is being requested.

(c) If the child-placing agency or department within sixty days of receipt of the request denies the request pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, the child-placing agency or department shall inform the applicant in writing of its determination. If a determination to grant or to deny the request is not reached within sixty days, the child-placing agency or department shall state the reason for the delay.

Sec. 45a-751a. Conditions re release of information. Counseling
(a) If the authorized applicant is a resident of this state and it appears that counseling is advisable with release of the information, the child-placing agency or department may request that such person appear for an interview.

(b) If the authorized applicant is not a resident of Connecticut and it appears that counseling is advisable with release of the information, the child-placing agency or department may refer the person to an out-of-state child-placing agency or appropriate governmental agency or department, approved by the department or accredited by the Child Welfare League of America, the National Conference of Catholic Charities, the Family Services Association of America or the Council on Accreditation of Services of Families and Children.

(c) If an out-of-state referral is made, the information shall be released to the out-of-state child-placing agency or department for release to the authorized applicant, provided such information shall not be released if such child-placing agency or department determines that release of the requested information would be seriously disruptive to or endanger the physical or emotional health of the adult adopted or adoptable person or the person whose identity is being requested and provided such information shall not be released unless the consents required by subsection (b) of section 45a-751b are given and the out-of-state child-placing agency or department is satisfied as to the identity of the person.

Sec. 45a-751b. Disclosure of identifying information. Consent required. Exception
(a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, if parental rights were terminated on or after October 1, 1995, any information tending to identify the adult adopted or adoptable person, a biological parent, including a person claiming to be the father who was not a party to the proceedings for the termination of parental rights, or adult biological sibling shall not be disclosed unless written consent is obtained from the person whose identity is being requested.

(b) (1) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, if parental rights were terminated on or before September 30, 1995, (A) any information tending to identify the biological parents, including a person claiming to be the father who was not a party to the proceedings for the termination of parental rights, shall not be disclosed unless written consent is obtained from each biological parent who was party to such proceedings, except as provided in subdivision (2) of this subsection, and (B) identifying information shall not be disclosed to a biological parent, including a person claiming to be the father who was not a party to the proceedings for the termination of parental rights, without the written consent of each biological parent who was a party to such proceedings and the consent of the adult adopted or adoptable person whose identity is being requested.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, on and after October 1, 2009, information tending to identify a biological parent who is subject to this subsection may be disclosed to an authorized applicant if the biological parent whose information is to be disclosed provides written consent, provided the child-placing agency or department attempts to determine the whereabouts of the other biological parent and obtain written consent from such other biological parent to permit disclosure of such information in the manner permitted under subdivision (1) of this subsection. If such other biological parent cannot be located or does not provide such written consent, information tending to identify the biological parent who has provided written consent may be disclosed to an authorized applicant, provided: (A) Information tending to identify the other biological parent shall not be disclosed without the written consent of the other biological parent, and (B) the biological parent whose information is to be disclosed signs an affidavit that such parent shall not disclose any information tending to identify the other biological parent without the written consent of the other biological parent.

(c) Regardless of the date parental rights were terminated, on or after July 1, 2021, the registrar of vital statistics of the municipality of an adopted person’s birth shall, not later than thirty days after a written request, issue an uncertified copy of an original birth certificate to such adopted person if her or she is eighteen years of age or older and the subject of such birth certificate, or to such adopted person’s child or grandchild, in accordance with the provisions of section 7-53, as amended by this act.

(d) If the whereabouts of any person whose identity is being sought are unknown, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem pursuant to subsection (c) of section 45a-753.

(e) When the authorized applicant requesting identifying information has contact with a biological sibling who is a minor, identifying information shall not be disclosed unless consent is obtained from the adoptive parents or guardian or guardian ad litem of the sibling.

(f) Any information tending to identify any adult relative other than a biological parent shall not be disclosed unless written consent is obtained from such adult relative. The consent of any biological parents common to the person making the request and the person to be identified shall be required unless (1) the parental rights of such parents have been terminated and not reinstated, guardianship has been removed and not reinstated or custody has been removed and not reinstated with respect to such adult relative or (2) the adoption was finalized on or after June 12, 1984. No consent shall be required if the person to be identified is deceased. If the person to be identified is deceased, the information that may be released shall be limited as provided in subsection (e) of section 45a-753.

(g) Any adult person for whom there is only removal of custody or removal of guardianship as specified in subsection (b) of section 45a-750 may apply in person or in writing to the child-placing agency, the department, the court of probate or the superior court that has the information. Such information shall be made available within sixty days of receipt of such request unless the child-placing agency, department or court notifies the person requesting the information that it cannot be made available within sixty days and states the reason for the delay. If the person making such request is a resident of this state and it appears that counseling is advisable with release of the information, the child-placing agency or department may request that the person appear for an interview. If the person making such request is not a resident of this state, and if it appears that counseling is advisable with release of the information, the child-placing agency, department or court may refer the person to an out-of-state agency or appropriate governmental agency or department, approved by the department or accredited by the Child Welfare League of America, the National Conference of Catholic Charities, the Family Services Association of America or the Council on Accreditation of Services of Families and Children. If an out-of-state referral is made, the information shall be released to the out-of-state child-placing agency or department for release to the applicant, provided such information shall not be released unless the out-of-state child-placing agency or department is satisfied as to the identity of the person.

Filed Under: Original Birth Certificates Tagged With: Adoption Registry, Connecticut, State OBC Laws, Unrestricted

Gregory D. Luce

I am a Minnesota lawyer, DC-born adoptee, and the founder of Adoptee Rights Law Center PLLC. I've been practicing law in Minnesota state and federal courts since 1993. I also have a sense of humor.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. carol ann fredericks says

    April 6, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    Please I’m in need of the law that was passed in the state of Connecticut giving all adoptees the legal rights to their biological parents information! I was adopted in Middletown, CT through Catholic Charities in 1970.

    Reply
    • Gregory D. Luce says

      April 6, 2018 at 2:48 pm

      Hi, Carol. Unfortunately, that bill is still pending and is not yet law, though it has now moved out of a critical joint legislative committee and is looking promising for passage. Because it is not yet law, adoptees in Connecticut whose adoptions were finalized prior to October 1, 1983, still do not have access to their original birth certificates, except by court order. You should contact Access Connecticut here, which is the organization that is coordinating efforts to pass a pending bill that would provide access to Connecticut adoptees like you.

      Reply
    • Kristi webb says

      February 24, 2019 at 12:09 pm

      I was adopted in March 1966, from Catholic Family Charities/Services. How do I go about getting my original birth certificate. I want to know medical info. Names etc. I was born 1/16/1966 Greenwich Hospital Greenwich ct
      I think

      Reply
  2. Kathleen Wieland says

    June 12, 2018 at 3:40 pm

    It is my understanding that the CT law that had imposed a seal of confidentiality on adoption records did not apply retroactively. Connecticut adoptions prior to 1944 were not affected, so those records are available. Those whose adoptions were finalized between 1944 and 1983 continue to have a problem that must be addressed, the sooner, the better. But researchers who are interested in records prior to that time do not have to wait on the Connecticut Assembly. I’m a genealogist, not an attorney or a legislator; and I am basing this information on the experience of a friend whom I had been assisting in researching his mother’s adoption.

    Reply
    • Jeffrey Tischer says

      April 5, 2019 at 3:19 am

      Kathleen,
      How do you go about getting a record prior to 1944. My Grandmother was adopted in 1917 and is no longer living.

      Reply
    • Jeffrey Tischer says

      April 6, 2019 at 10:52 pm

      Kathleen,
      Does this mean that you can just request the Original Birth Certificate for someone born prior to 1944? My grandmother was adopted in 1917 in Hartford Connecticut.

      Reply
  3. carol ann fredericks says

    June 14, 2018 at 3:28 pm

    well thank you for the feedback!! i wonder why that is?? seems strange that records after 1944 and through 1983 would be more difficult to acquire!! either way the roman catholic church has riches enough without my $350!! my adopted parents literally bought me from them through adoption and now i have to pay to gain what is rightfully and lawfully and morally mine????? this is an abomination to humanity!! i’m confident that there are thousands of adoptees out there who are going through emotional and mental hardshipes due to there arrogance and lack of compassion!!! it has to stop!!!

    Reply
    • Kerri says

      January 15, 2020 at 9:28 pm

      catholic family services? I couldn’t agree more, just money hungry and the 350 doesn’t guarantee any info if not much was given

      Reply
      • Marcy says

        August 29, 2020 at 11:17 am

        Catholic family services here too, & I can’t afford to pay them that much just for them to come back & tell me they don’t have the info or they can’t give it to me. I just want to know if my mom is alive or if I have any siblings. That’s all 🙁

        Born 6/24/1985 at Hartford Hospital, Adopted Aug 1st, same year.

        Reply
        • carol fredericks says

          September 4, 2020 at 8:05 pm

          hello, thank goodness their really is a God!! He whispered to me to get my DNA test done, so I paid $100 for that, well 3 months later got a hit on a sibling and now have gotten in contact with my birth mother through those means! when the enemy places a road block, God brings in the bulldozers!! Thank You Lord!! In Jesus name, Amen!
          and for all of those adoptees who want to make a change in legislations and adoptee laws, now would be a great time to band together and maybe hold some protests of our own!! just a suggestioin!

          Reply
          • Debi Lawless says

            January 5, 2022 at 12:54 am

            🙏Amen and congratulations!
            My husband’s still trying to locate: sister born:10/29/1961 and his
            Half brother born: 12/6/1964
            Stamford Ct.

  4. Micheline Bonita Lackman says

    February 22, 2019 at 9:52 pm

    Can someone tell me if I can receive an original birth certificate. I was born Micheline Bonita Costta in Stamford, Ct. 11/25/1959. My mother Annemarie , remarried in 1965 to my stepfather and they formally/legally adopted my brother and myself and never a word was said, we were much too young to be aware of what was going on. It wasnt until after my stepfather died and that we discovered he wasnt our biological father.
    How can I find out who our father was , birthplace, birthdate?This has been a futile search …please help!!!

    Reply
  5. Bonnie Swan says

    January 5, 2020 at 10:30 pm

    Any ideas how to obtain my original birth certificate? I was adopted in 1955, so it falls in that 1944-1983 window. Any progress being made in the legislature to make access easier? I currently live in Florida, on a very limited budget, so travelling to Connecticu to go to court is out of the question.

    Reply
  6. Kerri says

    January 15, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    Did the law/bill pass yet or is Connecticut still holding us hostage if we were born/adopted between 1944 to 1983. It passed in NY recently, so I guess there’s hope

    Reply
    • Gregory D. Luce says

      January 15, 2020 at 11:17 pm

      It has not yet passed despite efforts each year to make that happen. I believe it will pass, as it feels inevitable. Let’s hope New York’s progress helps things along this session.

      Reply
  7. Kristi Giordano-Webb says

    January 25, 2020 at 9:18 am

    So very frustrating!

    Reply
  8. Christi Juliano says

    February 27, 2020 at 10:53 pm

    I have a question… i was adopted by my dad. I was raised always by my mom and dad (adopted dad) my biological father terminated his rights, because this was done in 1977 I cannot access my original birth certificate… it is not with my adoption papers as I thought it was.

    How close is the state to changing the law for people adopted prior to 1983?

    Thank you

    Reply
  9. Christopher Garcia says

    July 6, 2020 at 3:09 pm

    Hi. I was adopted in ct when I was around 10 yrs old. I’ve always had a good relationship with my bio mom and adoptive parents till this day. Now 22 yrs old, it would make us so happy to get my original certified birth certificate.

    Reply
  10. Kaye says

    January 30, 2021 at 3:01 pm

    The law doesn’t seem to address people whose adoptions were finalized in Connecticut, but who were born in a different state. For me, that’s California (with in interim adoption in Indiana). I assume that Connecticut can’t override the laws of other states, so people like me are still out of luck.

    Reply
  11. Jaimee Brown says

    February 7, 2021 at 12:34 pm

    I was adopted when I was 11 in 2012 but the adopted birth certificates have two different date of births one is 11/23/80 and the other is 11/26/80 and the birth certificates states that my adopted mother was single when she had married since 1983. I also have my adopted mother’s husbands last name but on the birth certificate it states father unknown. I just want to know the truth and I want to know how I can have the sealed adoption records unsealed and how I can have access to the court records of the adoption. I know who my biological parents are.

    Reply
  12. Nancy Ives says

    June 9, 2021 at 12:53 pm

    You can update this page now. As of 7/1/2021, all adoptees in Connecticut will have access to their original birth certificate.

    Reply
    • Gregory D. Luce says

      June 9, 2021 at 1:08 pm

      Yes! Thanks for pointing that out. I placed a notice on the page now and will change everything over once it becomes effective. Congrats to all Connecticut-born adoptees!

      Reply
      • Kerri says

        June 9, 2021 at 11:11 pm

        AWESOME! Now I just need to figure out how to request it. I know the town hall of where you were born has birth cert, but will they have these? Thanks for any help.

        Reply
        • Heather Yllanes says

          August 26, 2021 at 8:08 pm

          Hi I actually just put mine in I was born in 1989 but wasnt adopted til 5 years later. You can print out a request form on the CT Town clerks vital records site its super easy it lists at the bottom of the page what you need to send in. I had to do photo ID and the form plus a money order of 65.00 payable to the town of where you where born. I just got a notice from my informed delivery account and it says I have a letter from my town Clerk coming already. its been like a week and half. They have 30 days to do it. I hope you get yours.

          Heather.

          Reply
          • Juliette Rose says

            November 2, 2021 at 10:13 am

            Hi Heather,
            I’m curious if the original birth certificate you requested has your biological parents’ names or your adoptive parents’ names on it? I’m very confused by this new Connecticut law, and don’t want to pay $65.00 for a piece of paper with my adoptive parents’ names on it.

            Thanks – hope to hear from you.
            Juliette

          • Heather Yllanes says

            November 2, 2021 at 6:44 pm

            I came with my Biological parents name but my father was not listed. Im guessing her wasn’t there but yes the 65 is worth it. The original is not legal so it cannot be used for anything except for personal resons. I hope this helps.

      • Kristi Giordano-Webb says

        June 10, 2021 at 8:32 am

        So as of July 2021 anyone adopted can get there original birth certificate?

        Reply
        • Juliette Rose says

          November 2, 2021 at 9:50 am

          I believe that is the law that was passed. I’m just not sure who to contact or how to get it. I was adopted in 1970 and I very much want to get a hold of mine.

          Reply
          • Gregory D. Luce says

            November 3, 2021 at 8:37 am

            I have a FAQ page here that provides an overview of the law and has links to the state forms that are used for applying.

  13. Cara Gould says

    September 16, 2021 at 1:32 pm

    Are there any lawyers in the New Haven area who specialize in adoption ? Particularly in obtaining birth records of a sibling that was adopted.

    Reply
  14. Kerri says

    November 2, 2021 at 5:12 pm

    The original will have birth mother, but it is common for no father to be listed. I got mine recently this way.

    Reply

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Adoptee Rights Law Center

The Adoptee Rights Law Center PLLC is an adoptee-focused legal practice founded by Gregory Luce, a Minnesota lawyer and D.C.-born adoptee.

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Legal representation limited to issues involving Minnesota law and federal immigration law.

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Adoptee Rights Law Center PLLC
PO Box 19561
Minneapolis Minnesota 55419
T: (612) 221-3947
E: [email protected]

Legal representation limited to issues involving Minnesota law and federal immigration law.

Connecticut

Access Connecticut is an adoptee-focused advocacy organization that successfully worked to remove Connecticut's date-based restrictions on obtaining an original birth certificate. The new law became effective July 1, 2021.

Forms and information about requesting a non-certified copy of an original birth certificate, a right now available for all Connecticut adoptees, can be found at the State Vital Records Office here. This page, however, may not yet be updated to reflect the change in the law.

The cost for a non-certified copy of an OBC in Connecticut is $65, more than twice the amount charged to non-adoptees for their birth certificates.

The OBC: Maps

US OBC Rights Placeholder
US OBC Rights
Alabama. Adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates, beginning at age 19. Read more.
Alaska. Adult adoptees have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates, beginning at age 18. Full Details
Arizona. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain a copy of their own original birth certificates. Arizona implemented a "donut hole" provision in a new law, effective January 1, 2022. It provides a right to some adoptees based on their dates of birth but denies the right to obtain the OBC to the vast majority of adoptees born in the state. Read more.
Arkansas. Beginning August 1, 2018, Arkansas law allows adult adoptees to request their adoption files. The request, however, is subject to a birthparent's ability to redact their names on the original birth certificates. This flow chart outlines how the law works. More information about the law and its requirements and discriminatory limitations is also here.
California. Adult adoptees do not have a right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Adoptees must petition the court and show “good and compelling cause” in order to obtain any original birth record. Read more.
Colorado. Adult adoptees have a right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. An adopted person who is at least 18 years of age may apply for and receive a non-certified copy of their original birth certificate through the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Read more.
Connecticut. Connecticut-born adult adopted people have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The right also extends to the adult children and grandchildren of the adopted person. Read more.
Delaware. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. While adoptees 21 years of age or older may request their OBCs, birth parents may legally veto their release. Read more.
District of Columbia. Adult adoptees in the District of Columbia the do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates, except by court order. The D.C. superior court controls all aspects of releasing an OBC or any identifying information, whether from court records or from vital records. Read more.
Florida. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates. While adoptees may apply for the original birth record, it takes signed affidavits of consent from birthparents---or death certificates showing that birthparents are deceased---to compel release of the OBC. Otherwise, release is allowed only by court order. Full Details
Georgia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
Hawaii. Hawaiian-born adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Only people who are adopted in Hawaii can request and obtain their court adoption records, which may include an original birth certificate. The law does not apply to people born in Hawaii but adopted in a different state. Read more.
Idaho. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC is available only by court order or conditionally through a state-operated “voluntary adoption registry.” Disclosure of an original birth certificate through the registry is subject to consent of the parties and may require the consent of both birth parents. Read more.
Illinois. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a tiered date-based system and uses an adoption registry to facilitate release of OBCs. The date of birth of an adoptee determines who has unrestricted rights to an OBC or who may be subject to a birth parent’s request to redact identifying information on the OBC. Read more.
Indiana. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. A new law, effective July 1, 2018, expands the release of specifically defined "identifying information," but a birth parent may prohibit release of that information at any time. Read more.
Iowa. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Original birth records are subject to the right of birthparents to file redaction requests. Full Details
Kansas. While original birth certificates are sealed, adult adoptees in Kansas have always had an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Court records in adoption proceedings are also available to adoptees upon request. Read more.
Kentucky. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
Louisiana. Adult adoptees do not have access to their own original birth certificates, except by court order. An adoptee must demonstrate “compelling reasons” for a court to order release of an original birth certificate. Read more.
Maine. Adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Adoptees must be 18 years of age before requesting their OBCs. Maine also allows a birth parent to file a genuine contact preference and medical history form, which is attached to the original birth certificate. Read more.
Maryland. For all practical purposes, Maryland should be defined as a "restricted" state because there are so few current adult adoptees who may qualify under its compromised law, which applies only to adoptions finalized on or after January 1, 2000. Because adoptees must also be at least 21 years of age to request the OBC, the law effectively applies only to those adoptees who were older at the time and adopted on or after January 1, 2000. In addition, birthparents under the compromised law may at any time veto disclosure of birth records or identifying information. Adoptees whose adoptions were finalized before January 1, 2000, do not have a right to obtain their OBCs. It remains available only by court order. Read more.
Massachusetts. Not all adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Rather, adoptees born between July 17, 1974, and January 1, 2008, are denied access to their own OBCs, except by court order. Adoptees born on or before July 17, 1974, have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates, as do those born after January 1, 2008 (upon reaching the age of 18). Read more.
Michigan. Michigan requires the use of a “Central Adoption Registry” to process information and to determine whether an adoptee should or should not get “identifying information,” which does not initially include an original birth certificate. Depending on an adoptee’s date of birth, a parent may deny access to identifying information or withhold access by saying nothing. In either case, no identifying information may be released to the adoptee, except by court order. Read more.
Minnesota. The right of adult adopted people to obtain their own original birth certificate is complex and based primarily on the date of adoption. Generally, it requires the affirmative written consent of any birthparents and the state uses a complex, confidential, and often expensive intermediary system involving the department of health, the department of human services, and individual adoption agencies. Read more.
Mississippi. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. It takes a court order. Read more.
Missouri. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a complex framework that makes the original birth certificate subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes that may extend beyond the death of the parent. Read more.
Montana. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a somewhat complex tiered system that depends upon an adoptee’s date of adoption. While an original birth certificate may be available more easily to adoptees who are 30 years of age or older, court orders may be required for younger adoptees and in all cases where a birth parent requests that a court order be required. Read more.
Nebraska. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain the original birth certificate. Nebraska law is remarkably complex and confusing. Generally, any right to obtain the OBC depends on the date of an adoptee’s relinquishment and also whether a birth parent—and sometimes an adoptive parent—has affirmatively consented to disclosure or has filed a “nonconsent” form objecting to the OBC’s release. Read more.
Nevada. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. It requires a court order. Read more.
New Hampshire. Adoptees who are at least 18 years of age have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state also allows birth parents to file a contact preference form and/or health history questionnaire, neither of which will restrict the right of adult adoptees to obtain their OBCs. Read more.
New Jersey is best described as a "limited time redaction" state, as its current law, effective on January 1, 2017, provided birthparents a limited amount of time to request redaction of their information from the adoptee's original birth certificate. Thus, while most adult adoptees now have a right to obtain their own original birth certificates, approximately 550 birthparents filed redaction requests, leading to redaction of the parents’ identifying information on the OBC. Those 550 adult adoptees have no do not have the right to an unredacted original birth certificate except through securing a court order. Read more.
New Mexico. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Good cause is required through a court order. Read more.
New York. Adult adopted persons and their descendants have an unrestricted right to request and obtain the adoptee's original birth certificate, without discriminatory restrictions. The law, which overturned 83 years of iron-clad secrecy, became effective January 15, 2020. Read more.
North Carolina. Adult adoptees do not have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. A court order is required for the release of any identifying information, including an OBC. An OBC must be specifically requested in any court action that seeks the release of identifying information. Read more.
North Dakota. Adult adoptees do not have access to their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Read more.
Ohio. Not all adoptees in Ohio have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. While legislative reforms removed some restrictions in 2013, significant legal restrictions remain, including birth parent redaction and disclosure vetoes. Read more.
Oklahoma. Adult adoptees do not have unrestricted access to their original birth certificates. Currently, nearly all adult adoptees must obtain a court order and show good cause for release. While adoptees whose adoptions were finalized after November 1, 1997, do not require a court order, requests for such OBCs are subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes and redaction. Read more.
Oregon. Adoptees who are at least 21 years of age have an unrestricted right to access their original birth certificates. A birth parent may file a contact preference form but it has no effect or restriction on the right of adult adoptees to receive their OBCs. Oregon law also allows adoptees access to specific records in the court adoption proceedings. Read more.
Pennsylvania. A new law, now effective, allows adoptees who are at least 18 years of age—and who must be high school graduates, possess a GED, or are withdrawn legally from school— to request their original birth record. Birthparents, however may redact identifying information on the OBC by filing a “name redaction request.” Redaction requests may be filed or withdrawn at any time and do not extend beyond a filing parent’s death. Read more.
Rhode Island. Adult adoptees have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates at age 18. Birth parents may file a contact preference form, which has no effect on the release of an OBC. Read more.
South Carolina. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
South Dakota. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates except by court order. Nevertheless, upon "maturity" an adoptee may petition the court for release of the adoptee's court adoption records, which will typically lead to or include release of the OBC. Read more.
Tennessee. Nearly all adoptees who are 21 years of age have a right to request and obtain their their “adoption records,” which should include original birth certificates. The only exception to this right is for an adult adoptee whose birth parent was a victim of rape or incest—in such cases the written consent of the birth parent is required for release of records. Tennessee also criminalizes contact with birth parents who have registered with a contact veto registry. Read more.
Texas. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. With one exception, release of the OBC requires a court order. Adoptees 18 years of age or older who also know the identities of their birth parents, however, may obtain a non-certified copy of their OBC without the need for a court order. Read more.
Utah. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. While adoptees 18 years of age or older may request their OBCs, release depends on participating in a voluntary registry as well as obtaining the consent of birthparents, unless a birthparent is dead. Read more.
Vermont. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC may be obtained through a probate court order or by adoptees who are at least 18 years of age and who have already obtained identifying information through Vermont’s Adoption Registry. Read more.
Virginia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Release of an OBC requires either a) a state agency’s decision, upon good cause shown, to release identifying information from the adoption records; or b) a court order upon good cause shown. Read more.
Washington. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC is available through the Department of Health but release is subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes as well as to corrupt contact preference forms that allow birthparents to deny release of the OBC. Disclosure vetoes and contact preference forms expire on the death of the birth parent. Read more.
West Virginia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order, requiring good cause, is required before the release of an OBC. Read more.
Wisconsin. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Wisconsin requires either court order or participation in a consent-based "Adoption Records Search Program." Read more.
Wyoming. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their original birth certificates. It takes a court order for release of an OBC, with no specific standards or procedures outlined in seeking such an order. Read more.
Alabama. Adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates, beginning at age 19. Read more.
Alaska. Adult adoptees have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates, beginning at age 18. Full Details
Arizona. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain a copy of their own original birth certificates. Arizona implemented a "donut hole" provision in a new law, effective January 1, 2022. It provides a right to some adoptees based on their dates of birth but denies the right to obtain the OBC to the vast majority of adoptees born in the state. Read more.
Arkansas. Beginning August 1, 2018, Arkansas law allows adult adoptees to request their adoption files. The request, however, is subject to a birthparent's ability to redact their names on the original birth certificates. This flow chart outlines how the law works. More information about the law and its requirements and discriminatory limitations is also here.
California. Adult adoptees do not have a right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Adoptees must petition the court and show “good and compelling cause” in order to obtain any original birth record. Read more.
Colorado. Adult adoptees have a right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. An adopted person who is at least 18 years of age may apply for and receive a non-certified copy of their original birth certificate through the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Read more.
Connecticut. Connecticut-born adult adopted people have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The right also extends to the adult children and grandchildren of the adopted person. Read more.
Delaware. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. While adoptees 21 years of age or older may request their OBCs, birth parents may legally veto their release. Read more.
District of Columbia. Adult adoptees in the District of Columbia the do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates, except by court order. The D.C. superior court controls all aspects of releasing an OBC or any identifying information, whether from court records or from vital records. Read more.
Florida. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates. While adoptees may apply for the original birth record, it takes signed affidavits of consent from birthparents---or death certificates showing that birthparents are deceased---to compel release of the OBC. Otherwise, release is allowed only by court order. Full Details
Georgia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
Hawaii. Hawaiian-born adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Only people who are adopted in Hawaii can request and obtain their court adoption records, which may include an original birth certificate. The law does not apply to people born in Hawaii but adopted in a different state. Read more.
Idaho. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC is available only by court order or conditionally through a state-operated “voluntary adoption registry.” Disclosure of an original birth certificate through the registry is subject to consent of the parties and may require the consent of both birth parents. Read more.
Illinois. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a tiered date-based system and uses an adoption registry to facilitate release of OBCs. The date of birth of an adoptee determines who has unrestricted rights to an OBC or who may be subject to a birth parent’s request to redact identifying information on the OBC. Read more.
Indiana. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. A new law, effective July 1, 2018, expands the release of specifically defined "identifying information," but a birth parent may prohibit release of that information at any time. Read more.
Iowa. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Original birth records are subject to the right of birthparents to file redaction requests. Full Details
Kansas. While original birth certificates are sealed, adult adoptees in Kansas have always had an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Court records in adoption proceedings are also available to adoptees upon request. Read more.
Kentucky. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
Louisiana. Adult adoptees do not have access to their own original birth certificates, except by court order. An adoptee must demonstrate “compelling reasons” for a court to order release of an original birth certificate. Read more.
Maine. Adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Adoptees must be 18 years of age before requesting their OBCs. Maine also allows a birth parent to file a genuine contact preference and medical history form, which is attached to the original birth certificate. Read more.
Maryland. For all practical purposes, Maryland should be defined as a "restricted" state because there are so few current adult adoptees who may qualify under its compromised law, which applies only to adoptions finalized on or after January 1, 2000. Because adoptees must also be at least 21 years of age to request the OBC, the law effectively applies only to those adoptees who were older at the time and adopted on or after January 1, 2000. In addition, birthparents under the compromised law may at any time veto disclosure of birth records or identifying information. Adoptees whose adoptions were finalized before January 1, 2000, do not have a right to obtain their OBCs. It remains available only by court order. Read more.
Massachusetts. Not all adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Rather, adoptees born between July 17, 1974, and January 1, 2008, are denied access to their own OBCs, except by court order. Adoptees born on or before July 17, 1974, have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates, as do those born after January 1, 2008 (upon reaching the age of 18). Read more.
Michigan. Michigan requires the use of a “Central Adoption Registry” to process information and to determine whether an adoptee should or should not get “identifying information,” which does not initially include an original birth certificate. Depending on an adoptee’s date of birth, a parent may deny access to identifying information or withhold access by saying nothing. In either case, no identifying information may be released to the adoptee, except by court order. Read more.
Minnesota. The right of adult adopted people to obtain their own original birth certificate is complex and based primarily on the date of adoption. Generally, it requires the affirmative written consent of any birthparents and the state uses a complex, confidential, and often expensive intermediary system involving the department of health, the department of human services, and individual adoption agencies. Read more.
Mississippi. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. It takes a court order. Read more.
Missouri. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a complex framework that makes the original birth certificate subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes that may extend beyond the death of the parent. Read more.
Montana. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a somewhat complex tiered system that depends upon an adoptee’s date of adoption. While an original birth certificate may be available more easily to adoptees who are 30 years of age or older, court orders may be required for younger adoptees and in all cases where a birth parent requests that a court order be required. Read more.
Nebraska. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain the original birth certificate. Nebraska law is remarkably complex and confusing. Generally, any right to obtain the OBC depends on the date of an adoptee’s relinquishment and also whether a birth parent—and sometimes an adoptive parent—has affirmatively consented to disclosure or has filed a “nonconsent” form objecting to the OBC’s release. Read more.
Nevada. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. It requires a court order. Read more.
New Hampshire. Adoptees who are at least 18 years of age have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state also allows birth parents to file a contact preference form and/or health history questionnaire, neither of which will restrict the right of adult adoptees to obtain their OBCs. Read more.
New Jersey is best described as a "limited time redaction" state, as its current law, effective on January 1, 2017, provided birthparents a limited amount of time to request redaction of their information from the adoptee's original birth certificate. Thus, while most adult adoptees now have a right to obtain their own original birth certificates, approximately 550 birthparents filed redaction requests, leading to redaction of the parents’ identifying information on the OBC. Those 550 adult adoptees have no do not have the right to an unredacted original birth certificate except through securing a court order. Read more.
New Mexico. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Good cause is required through a court order. Read more.
New York. Adult adopted persons and their descendants have an unrestricted right to request and obtain the adoptee's original birth certificate, without discriminatory restrictions. The law, which overturned 83 years of iron-clad secrecy, became effective January 15, 2020. Read more.
North Carolina. Adult adoptees do not have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. A court order is required for the release of any identifying information, including an OBC. An OBC must be specifically requested in any court action that seeks the release of identifying information. Read more.
North Dakota. Adult adoptees do not have access to their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Read more.
Ohio. Not all adoptees in Ohio have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. While legislative reforms removed some restrictions in 2013, significant legal restrictions remain, including birth parent redaction and disclosure vetoes. Read more.
Oklahoma. Adult adoptees do not have unrestricted access to their original birth certificates. Currently, nearly all adult adoptees must obtain a court order and show good cause for release. While adoptees whose adoptions were finalized after November 1, 1997, do not require a court order, requests for such OBCs are subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes and redaction. Read more.
Oregon. Adoptees who are at least 21 years of age have an unrestricted right to access their original birth certificates. A birth parent may file a contact preference form but it has no effect or restriction on the right of adult adoptees to receive their OBCs. Oregon law also allows adoptees access to specific records in the court adoption proceedings. Read more.
Pennsylvania. A new law, now effective, allows adoptees who are at least 18 years of age—and who must be high school graduates, possess a GED, or are withdrawn legally from school— to request their original birth record. Birthparents, however may redact identifying information on the OBC by filing a “name redaction request.” Redaction requests may be filed or withdrawn at any time and do not extend beyond a filing parent’s death. Read more.
Rhode Island. Adult adoptees have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates at age 18. Birth parents may file a contact preference form, which has no effect on the release of an OBC. Read more.
South Carolina. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
South Dakota. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates except by court order. Nevertheless, upon "maturity" an adoptee may petition the court for release of the adoptee's court adoption records, which will typically lead to or include release of the OBC. Read more.
Tennessee. Nearly all adoptees who are 21 years of age have a right to request and obtain their their “adoption records,” which should include original birth certificates. The only exception to this right is for an adult adoptee whose birth parent was a victim of rape or incest—in such cases the written consent of the birth parent is required for release of records. Tennessee also criminalizes contact with birth parents who have registered with a contact veto registry. Read more.
Texas. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. With one exception, release of the OBC requires a court order. Adoptees 18 years of age or older who also know the identities of their birth parents, however, may obtain a non-certified copy of their OBC without the need for a court order. Read more.
Utah. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. While adoptees 18 years of age or older may request their OBCs, release depends on participating in a voluntary registry as well as obtaining the consent of birthparents, unless a birthparent is dead. Read more.
Vermont. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC may be obtained through a probate court order or by adoptees who are at least 18 years of age and who have already obtained identifying information through Vermont’s Adoption Registry. Read more.
Virginia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Release of an OBC requires either a) a state agency’s decision, upon good cause shown, to release identifying information from the adoption records; or b) a court order upon good cause shown. Read more.
Washington. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC is available through the Department of Health but release is subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes as well as to corrupt contact preference forms that allow birthparents to deny release of the OBC. Disclosure vetoes and contact preference forms expire on the death of the birth parent. Read more.
West Virginia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order, requiring good cause, is required before the release of an OBC. Read more.
Wisconsin. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Wisconsin requires either court order or participation in a consent-based "Adoption Records Search Program." Read more.
Wyoming. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their original birth certificates. It takes a court order for release of an OBC, with no specific standards or procedures outlined in seeking such an order. Read more.

View maps

The OBC: Numbers

10unrestricted
24compromised
17restricted
51View All

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