New York law denies adult adoptees access to their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Based on how judges have handled adoptee requests to unseal records in the past, New York may be one of the most restrictive states in the U.S. on the issue of access to an original birth certificate.
Nevada
Nevada law does not provide adult adoptees unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. Access to an OBC in Nevada is available only by court order.
Mississippi
Mississippi law prohibits adult adoptees from accessing their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Other significant restrictions apply, including criminalization of certain contact.
Maryland
Since 1937, Maryland has denied adult adoptees unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. OBCs are currently available only by court order. Adoptees who are at least 21 years of age and whose adoptions were finalized on or after January 1, 2000, may request their original birth certificates. Birth parents, however, may at any time veto disclosure of birth records or identifying information.
Louisiana
Adult adoptees in Louisiana do not have access to their own original birth certificates, except by court order. An adult adoptee in Louisiana must demonstrate “compelling reasons” for a court to order release of an original birth certificate.
Kentucky
Adult adoptees in Kentucky do not have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. A court order is required.
Iowa
Adult adoptees in Iowa do not have a right to obtain their own original birth certificates. It takes a court order to release any information.
Arizona
Arizona does not provide adult adoptees unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. Release of an OBC requires a court order.
Arkansas
Adult adoptees in Arkansas do not currently have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates, except by court order. A new law, effective August 1, 2018, will change this, but requests by an adult adoptee 21 years or over will be subject to birthparent redaction. In addition, the cost to request the “adoption file” will be $100.
Idaho
Adult adoptees in Idaho do not have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. Access 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.