Adoption Registries

Adoption registries are registration and matching systems used primarily for search and reunion. At least 20 states maintain state-funded and/or state-operated adoption registries, and some states require the use of a registry in order to obtain an original birth record.

Indiana

First published on March 20, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

Adoptee rights and Indiana law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Illinois

First published on March 17, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

Adoptee rights and Illinois law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

West Virginia

First published on March 15, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

Adoptee rights and West Virginia law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Vermont

First published on March 13, 2017 • Last updated on March 27, 2023

Adoptee rights and Vermont law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Utah

First published on March 13, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

Adoptee rights and Utah law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Texas

First published on March 12, 2017 • Last updated on March 12, 2023

Adoptee rights and Texas law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

South Dakota

First published on March 11, 2017 • Last updated on March 27, 2023

Adoptee rights and South Dakota law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

South Carolina

First published on March 10, 2017 • Last updated on May 17, 2023

Adoptee rights and South Carolina law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Rhode Island

First published on March 9, 2017 • Last updated on November 21, 2022

Adoptee rights and Rhode Island law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.