Adoptee Rights Law Center

Legal representation and advocacy for adult adopted people

Restricted Rights

Restricted typically means that adult adoptees have no right to request and obtain to their own original birth certificates, except by court order.

Wyoming

First published on • Last updated on

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

Wisconsin

First published on • Last updated on

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

West Virginia

First published on • Last updated on

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

Virginia

First published on • Last updated on

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

Utah

First published on • Last updated on

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

South Carolina

First published on • Last updated on

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

North Carolina

First published on • Last updated on

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

North Dakota

First published on • Last updated on

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

New Mexico

First published on • Last updated on

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

Nevada

First published on • Last updated on

Adoptee rights and Nevada 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.