Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

State OBC Laws

Interactive Map of OBC Access

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As part of a 50-state review, I created a map to illustrate where access to an original birth certificate is unrestricted, conditionally restricted, or completely restricted.

Indiana

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

Illinois

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

Wyoming

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

Wisconsin

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

West Virginia

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

Washington

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

Virginia

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

Vermont

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

Utah

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

What’s an Original Birth Certificate?

Most adopted persons know what an original birth certificate (OBC) is. Many non-adopted people do not. An original birth certificate is the initial birth certificate created shortly after a person's birth. For most people, it is their only birth certificate.

For persons born and adopted in the United States, a new or "amended" birth certificate replaces the OBC once the adoption is final. In addition to replacing the original, the names of the birth parents are also replaced with the names of the adoptive parents. Some states may also alter or omit additional information on a new certificate, including the adoptee's specific place of birth.

Depending on state law, an original birth certificate is sealed and remains unavailable to the adopted person, even when they become an adult. If you are not adopted, your original birth certificate is your only birth certificate---and it is always available to you upon request.