On July 1, 2025, Georgia will become the sixteenth state in the United States to affirm or restore the right of all Georgia-born adopted people to request and obtain their own original birth certificates (OBC). Here’s what the new law does, plus how and when Georgia-born adopted people can apply for a copy of their own OBCs.
Does this mean I can now get a copy of my own original birth certificate in Georgia?
Yes, yes it does (but you need to wait until July 1 — keep reading).
Does the new law apply to all adopted people born in Georgia?
Yes. No matter the date of a person’s birth or adoption, all Georgia-born adopted people now have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates.
How old do I have to be to request my own OBC?
You must be at least 18 years of age.
Who else can apply for the OBC other than the adopted person?
If the adopted person is deceased, a parent, sibling, or descendant may apply for the adopted person’s original birth record. While no current guidance exist to define each of these terms, I expect that they will apply to parents, siblings, or descendants who are related to the adoptee through adoption.
How and where do I apply?
As I write this, the law is not yet in effect. It goes into effect on July 1, 2025. Once it is in effect, you would apply for your original birth certificate with the state vital records registrar through the Georgia Department of Health. The application and information about the process is not yet available from the state but should be by July 1, 2025.
What will I receive when I apply for the original birth certificate?
You will receive a copy of the original certificate of birth. The law does not specify any other documents you will receive.
Is there a contact preference form or any other documents filed by a birthparent?
No. There are no forms or any other documents a birthparent or anyone may file in relation to the original birth certificate.
How much does it cost to apply for the original birth certificate?
The fee is $25.00, which is the same as birth certificates for non-adopted people. The current Georgia vital records fee structure is here.
Can I apply for the OBC online?
This is not yet known, but typically original birth records of adopted people cannot be ordered online, with some exceptions, such as New York.
Will I get a certified copy of the original birth certificate?
No. Under the new law, the copy of the original birth record “shall be in a form that clearly indicates it is not a certified copy and that it may not be used for legal purposes.”
Where can I read the text of the new law?
You can find the bill and its history here.
Who was responsible for getting this law enacted?
Lots of people, but in particular the talented advocates, organizations, and supporters with the Georgia Adoptee Rights Alliance. Consult GAAR’s website and its social media for news as the law moves into place. GAAR will be the best resource to follow as the law is implemented.
Will you be updating this FAQ when necessary?
Yes, I will update this FAQ as more information becomes available or if information changes or needs correction based on what I currently understand about implementation of the new law. I will also update the Georgia page on the website once everything is in place, plus everywhere else that mentions Georgia. 🙂
Have you updated your map yet?
Nope, not yet. The law is not yet effective, but I will try to update the map at 12:01am on July 1 (if I can stay up that late). The current map is below and will change on July 1, not only for Georgia but for a few other states. Georgia, however, is the only state whose new law will make it the sixteenth unrestricted state on July 1.
Wisconsin. The original birth record is only available by court order or through successful completion of a complex and lengthy "adoption records search" process, which depends upon consent or death of the parties to release any records or information. For these reasons, it is considered a "Restricted State." Read more.

US OBC Rights 2024
Wisconsin. The original birth record is only available by court order or through successful completion of a complex and lengthy "adoption records search" process, which depends upon consent or death of the parties to release any records or information. For these reasons, it is considered a "Restricted State." Read more.
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