OBC Access Maps
Hover over a state or marker for more information. Click on a state to view a summary of the state’s OBC access law, shown below the map. A full list of states and their restrictions is here and a changelog covering changes in state summaries is also available. There are also interactive maps for pending or prior state OBC access legislation.
All States: Unrestricted, Compromised, and Restricted Access
US OBC Access
Unrestricted Access States
Unrestricted access means an adult adoptee may apply for and obtain an original birth certificate without any restrictions or conditions, other than following general procedures for obtaining a state vital record. Nine states in the United States currently allow an adult adoptee unrestricted access to the OBC.
Unrestricted Access States
Compromised States
Compromised access means that a state has limited the rights of adult adoptees to access their own original birth certificates. Full access rights have been compromised in various ways, including birth parent disclosure vetoes, redaction of information, or OBC access based on the date of adoption. Hover over a restriction marker for a list of current restrictions.
Compromised Access States
Conditional Restriction Map
Restricted States
Restricted access typically means that adult adoptees have no specific access rights to their own original birth certificates, except through a court order. The District of Columbia (not pictured) is a restricted state/district.
Restricted Access
District of Columbia
We are developing additional interactive maps to cover other issues, such as pending legislation, state-funded mutual consent adoption registries, and OBC access statistics. Or let us know what you would like to see. We may be able to do it.
Though mobile-friendly, our interactive maps are best viewed and used on a desktop or tablet.