How, when, and where adult adopted people may currently order copies of their own original birth certificates in the unrestricted OBC states.
What I Mean When I Mean Clean
Clean should always be the default, while dirty is the defined term, the aberration.
Rhode Island
Adult adoptees in Rhode Island have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. You must be 25 years of age to request an OBC.
Oregon
Adoptees in Oregon 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.
New York
Until November 14, 2019, New York was one of the most restrictive states in the country for releasing an OBC. That has now completely changed.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire law gives adoptees who are at least 18 years of age unrestricted access to 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.
Maine
Adult adoptees in Maine have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. Adoptees must be 18 years of age before requesting their OBCs. Maine allows a birth parent to file a contact preference and medical history form, which is attached to the original birth certificate.
Kansas
Adult adoptees in Kansas have always had unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. Court records in adoption proceedings are also available to adoptees upon request.
Colorado
After years of legislation that has often been confusing and included birthparent vetoes, it is believed that Colorado now provides adult adoptees with unrestricted access to their original birth certificates through the Colorado Department of Health and Environment.
Connecticut
Only adult adoptees whose adoptions were finalized after October 1, 1983, have unrestricted access to their birth certificates. All other adult adoptees must obtain a court order—contingent upon the consent or death of birth parents— to obtain their original birth certificates.