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Last updated on May 28, 2019

Maryland

Summary

Maryland denies 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.

Maryland sealed original birth certificates in adoptions beginning in 1937. It did not, however, seal court adoption records until 1947. Nevertheless, court records for adoptions finalized before June 1, 1947, require a motion from one of the parties to seal the records.

Maryland provides search, contact, and reunion services, which could include registration with a mutual consent registry and use of a confidential intermediary to facilitate contact and potential reunion.

Relevant Maryland Law: Original Birth Certificate

Health § 4-211(d)
(d) A new certificate of birth shall be prepared on the following basis:

(1) The individual shall be treated as having at birth the status that later is acquired or established and of which proof is submitted.
(2) If the parents of the individual were not married and paternity is established by legal proceedings, the name of the father shall be inserted. The legal proceeding should request and report to the Secretary that the surname of the subject of the record be changed from that shown on the original certificate, if a change is desired.
(3) If the individual is adopted, the name of the individual shall be that set by the decree of adoption, and the adoptive parents shall be recorded as the parents of the individual.
(4) The new certificate of birth shall contain wording that requires each parent shown on the new certificate to indicate his or her own Social Security number.

(e) (1) If a new certificate of birth is made, the Secretary shall:

(i) Substitute the new certificate of birth for any certificate then on file; and
(ii) Place the original certificate of birth and all records that relate to the new certificate of birth under seal.

(2) The seal may be broken only:

(i) On order of a court of competent jurisdiction;
(ii) If it does not violate the confidentiality of the record, on written order of a designee of the Secretary; or
(iii) In accordance with Title 5, Subtitle 3A or Subtitle 4B of the Family Law Article.

Fam. Law. § 5-3A-42 (See also Fam. Law § 5–359)
(a)(1) In this section the following words have the meanings stated.

(2) “Director” means the State Director of Social Services.
(3) “Secretary” means the Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene.

(b) This section applies only to an adoption in which a court enters an order for adoption on or after January 1, 2000.

(c) This section does not bar:

(1) an adoptee or biological parent from applying for search, contact, and reunion services under Subtitle 4B of this title; or
(2) the Director or a confidential intermediary from obtaining a copy of a record under § 5-4B-04(c) or § 5-4B-06(b) or (c) of this title.

(d)(1) An adoptee who is at least 21 years old may apply to the Secretary for a copy of:

(i) the adoptee’s original certificate of birth;
(ii) all records that relate to the adoptee’s new certificate of birth, if any; and
(iii) the report of the adoptee’s order of adoption filed by the clerk of court under § 4-211 of the Health – General Article.

(2) If an adoptee is at least 21 years old, a biological parent of the adoptee may apply to the Secretary for a copy of:

(i) the adoptee’s original certificate of birth;
(ii) the new certificate of birth, if any, that was substituted, under § 4-211 of the Health – General Article, for the adoptee’s original certificate of birth;
(iii) all records that relate to the adoptee’s new certificate of birth; and
(iv) the report of the adoptee’s order of adoption filed by the clerk of court under § 4-211 of the Health – General Article.

(3) Each applicant under this subsection shall:

(i) provide all proof of identity and other relevant information that the Secretary requires; and
(ii) pay the fee required under Title 4, Subtitle 2 of the Health – General Article for a copy of a record.

(e)(1) A biological parent may:

(i) file with the Director a disclosure veto, to bar disclosure of information about that parent in a record accessible under this section;
(ii) cancel a disclosure veto at any time; and
(iii) refile a disclosure veto at any time.

(2) An adoptee at least 21 years old may:

(i) file with the Director a disclosure veto, to bar disclosure of information about the adoptee in a record accessible under this section;
(ii) cancel a disclosure veto at any time; and
(iii) refile a disclosure veto at any time.

(3) Immediately after the Director receives a disclosure veto or cancellation under this subsection, the Director shall forward a copy to the Secretary.

(f)(1) The Secretary shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.

(2) Subject to paragraphs (3) and (4) of this subsection, the Secretary shall give to each applicant who meets the requirements of this section a copy of each record that the applicant requested and that the Secretary has on file.

(3) Whenever a biological parent applies for a record, the Secretary shall redact from the copy all information as to:

(i) the other biological parent, if that parent has filed a disclosure veto in accordance with this section; and
(ii) the adoptee and each adoptive parent, if the adoptee has filed a disclosure veto in accordance with this section.

(4) Whenever an adoptee applies for a record, the Secretary shall redact from the copy all information as to a biological parent, if that parent has filed a disclosure veto in accordance with this section.

(5) The Secretary shall give each applicant under this section notice of the adoption search, contact, and reunion services available under Subtitle 4B of this title.

Filed Under: Original Birth Certificates Tagged With: Adoption Registry, Compromised Rights, Date-Based Restrictions, Disclosure Veto, Maryland, Redaction, State OBC Laws

Gregory D. Luce

I am a Minnesota lawyer, DC-born adoptee, and the founder of Adoptee Rights Law Center PLLC. I've been practicing law in Minnesota state and federal courts since 1993. I also have a sense of humor.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Susie Stricker says

    June 14, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    Thank you so much for creating this very informative interactive map! It is helpful for dummies like me trying to educate ourselves about OBC laws in their state. Since I began my search and reunion a few years ago, I have been inspired to change the process of gaining info about bio family and OBCs in Maryland. I am open to suggestions!

    Thank you again!

    Reply
  2. Richard says

    April 18, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    I have a question about Maryland adoptions (1969). When a child is placed for adoption from birth with the Maryland Department of Social Services and have no given name they are given a “code name.” I know there is a metric for that but I cannot remember what it was. If I am correct it was the first letter of the birthmother’s middle name and first letter of the birthmother’s last name. But I am not certain of that. Can you offer any insight into this?

    Reply
    • Gregory D. Luce says

      April 18, 2018 at 9:08 pm

      That’s fascinating. I had never heard that. I do know that, in general, names of children and parents in any reported court cases are generally listed only by initials to maintain the confidentiality of the court proceeding. I wonder if that’s what is going on here too in some way.

      Reply
  3. denise says

    May 12, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    I am an adoptee ( 1969) from Baltimore county social services, my name was Barbara in the agency, and that is what my adoption paper work says, I have found my bio fathers side and he is deceased, my bio mother is in question. How can I obtain a copy of my orig birth records?

    Reply
    • Roxan Chen says

      October 27, 2019 at 6:43 am

      Hey Denise, have you obtained your obc? Best wishes, Roxan

      Reply
  4. Rosemarie Renn says

    June 12, 2018 at 8:53 pm

    Well I’m lost after reading all of this, lol. My mother is 89 and we have recently found 2 of my half siblings. One we found by Ancestry DNA the other through heavy internet research. There are still 2 siblings missing that we are in search of. Both were born in Maryland, one is male born 1947-48, the other is female born 52-53. Where do we start? What do we have to do to get birth certificates?

    Reply
    • Gregory D. Luce says

      June 13, 2018 at 8:42 am

      It will be hard to get a sealed original birth certificate, especially of a sibling, without obtaining a court order. Maryland does have a search and reunion service that may help, but those are often hit and miss. More information about that service is available here. Best of luck!

      Reply
    • Robert Kruger says

      June 20, 2019 at 6:56 pm

      I am a male born in Silver Springs, Maryland in 1948. I was put up for adoption upon birth. Saw your note where you are looking for your half siblings. Just curious.

      Reply
      • Rosemarie Renn says

        October 26, 2019 at 7:56 pm

        Hi! Sorry I’m Just seeing your comment to my post from last year. We’ve recently found all 3 of my male siblings through Ancestry, still looking for the last sibling, a female. Thank you for responding! Best wishes to you in your search.

        Reply
        • allie says

          January 9, 2020 at 2:16 pm

          My mom was born on new years eve of 53 in baltimore and adopted out of their foster care system.

          Reply
    • Roxan Chen says

      October 26, 2019 at 7:02 am

      Best wishes

      Regards, Roxan

      MD 9 21 58

      Reply
  5. Rosemarie Renn says

    June 13, 2018 at 11:23 am

    Thank you. Our mom is still living and of sound mind, she’s wanting the info too. I’ll check out the search and reunion service, thanks much.

    Reply
  6. Susie Stricker says

    June 14, 2018 at 1:08 pm

    It is a long, expensive and arduous process to obtain a copy of an Original Birth Certificate. I have been going through the process for years now. I began my search using a confidential intermediary. I have been in reunion with some birth family members and have both birth parents identifying info. Last year, after being denied a copy from the Dept. of H.S., I filed a motion to petition the court unseal my records. Even though the judge was aware that I already know and am in reunion with both my b-parents, my file remains sealed but I was allowed to “inspect” the non-identifying parts, which didn’t include my birth certificate. Your best route for making contact or finding your siblings may be through the confidential intermediary. There is a “sliding scale” fee for the services.

    I am in the process of searching for and building up some support to lobby members of the Maryland General Assembly for a “cleaner” that is inclusive of all adoptees no matter when their adoption was finalized. Please let me know if you are interested in supporting me.

    Reply
    • Ray Kruse says

      August 2, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      I’d be happy to support you, write letters or do what it takes to get the State of Maryland to “open” their records. I was fortunate to find my birth mother through Ancestry.DNA in about 3 weeks by contacting all of my matches. A cousin spoke to her and we were reunited after 58 years. Mostly for a remembrance at this point, I’d like to get a copy of my original birth certificate and am unable to obtain one even though I have her name, his name and my original birth name. My biological Father passed away but she is willing to sign any form necessary. I do not have any adoption paperwork. Please let me know what I can do to help! (Or if you find a way to obtain one) Thanks! Ray

      Reply
      • Susie Stricker says

        October 26, 2019 at 7:21 am

        Ray,
        Sorry for the delay. I am glad you were able to connect with your mother. It always saddens me when an adoptee’s search leads to a grave. I am in the process of rallying together adoptees interested in helping me push for legislation change here in Maryland, specifically those whose adoption was finalized in MD. It’s also an added bonus of you live here and you can contact your own representative. There is a bill currently being drafted by Senator Mary Washington’s office. I have a FB page called Maryland Adoptee Rights and currently building a website. You can follow the page for updates and I may be reach through messenger there.

        Reply
    • Daniel McKenney says

      October 25, 2019 at 5:23 pm

      I would like to help with this. I know I found an half brother and my birth farther via ancestry.com DNA test. I would like to see all records to be open to all adoptees. I feel that by having an open record system would allow us, adoptees, to have not only confirmation on different aspects but to have that missing part of our life more complete

      Reply
      • Susie Stricker says

        October 26, 2019 at 7:27 am

        Daniel,
        I am in the process of rallying together adoptees interested in helping me push for legislation change here in Maryland, specifically those whose adoption was finalized in MD. It’s also an added bonus of you live here and you can contact your own representative. There is a bill currently being drafted by Senator Mary Washington’s office. I have a FB page called Maryland Adoptee Rights and currently building a website. You can follow the page for updates and I may be reach through messenger there. Hope to hear from you again.
        Susie

        Reply
        • Roxan says

          September 8, 2021 at 10:17 am

          Susie,

          When any updates or needs to write, etc come up, please E mail me,
          [email protected]
          Even tho I have my OBC from MD, I’m eager to see the laws changed.

          Thanks for all you do,
          Roxan
          Roxan Drimmer-Chen 9 21 58

          Reply
          • Susie Stricker says

            September 8, 2021 at 11:56 am

            Thank you! I will put you on my list of supporters. Stay tuned for updates by following my Maryland Adoptee Rights Fb page or Capitol Coalition for Adoptee Rights Fb page.

            Susie Stricker
            Maryland Adoptee Rights

  7. Tracey Ridolfi says

    July 10, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    Hi there,

    I was born in 1966 and was placed for adoption. I am trying to get access to have my records unsealed, for personal but especially health reasons. Through Ancestry.com I was notified by a relative of my possible birth mother who died young, as well as a sibling who died young. My own children are effected by unknown medical histories. I have no idea how to start, or what to file, and who to direct anything to, as I do not live in Maryland. Any help would be appreciated.

    Reply
    • Susie Stricker says

      July 10, 2018 at 8:36 pm

      If you have a copy of your adoption decree, there should be a case number and the court house at which the case was finalized should be listed on it. You can file a motion to petition the court to unseal your records at that court house. I would call ahead or go to the website to get specifics. I was born in Baltimore and my case was finalized in Baltimore City, so I filed my motion at the Baltimore City court house. There is a form and fee.

      Reply
      • Tracey says

        July 27, 2018 at 11:03 am

        Thank you for your help Susie. Was wondering if you could suggest what to do in place of an adoption decree to get access to which court house jurisdiction I should turn my attention to. I do not have an adoption decree. I know the agency I was adopted out of, but I do not believe they would have records from that long ago or are allowed to give them to me.

        Do you know by chance if I would also, if the time comes, have to travel to Maryland to file this, or would I be able to submit online or through fax or mail? Thanks!

        Reply
        • Susie says

          August 4, 2018 at 4:27 pm

          I would contact the agency to obtain your adoption decree. If they don’t give you the decree, then I would contact Maryland Dept. of Human Resources. http://www.dhr.state.md.us
          What you need is a case number for the adoption and you need to know at which court house the adoption was finalized. I don’t think you will be able to do any through mail or fax. It is much harder for those adopted before Jan 1, 2000. Only through an order from a judge can you have your file unsealed. It’s very restrictive.

          Reply
          • Jean says

            May 31, 2021 at 4:33 pm

            Is foster care parent information in maryland sealed too? I was in foster care for about 5 years. Wondering if I could learn who took care of me prior to adoption. Thanks!

  8. Shannon says

    July 25, 2018 at 6:50 pm

    My sister and I are interested in finding our family medical history. Our father (deceased) was adopted in Baltimore County in 1947 and his adoptive parents both passed in the early 90s. We believe we have his birth name through a court decree when his name was changed in 1950. Any insight where to start or if children of adoptees have any legs to stand on in this process?

    Reply
    • Gregory D. Luce says

      July 27, 2018 at 10:50 am

      So, do you happen to know the exact date of adoption? Is it on the court decree that you currently have? Adoption records were not sealed in Maryland until June 1, 1947, though records could be sealed if the petitioners (the adoptive parents) requested that they be sealed.

      Reply
  9. Jan H. says

    July 27, 2018 at 10:44 am

    We know the birth father of my deceased mother but we don’t have the original birth certificate, only the adoption one. Is it possible for daughters to get the original birth certificate for their mother when all parties on the certificate are deceased?

    Reply
    • Gregory D. Luce says

      July 27, 2018 at 10:47 am

      What was the year of adoption, if you know? If not the date of adoption, what was the date of birth of the adoptee (i.e., your mother’s year of birth)?

      Reply
      • Shannon says

        July 27, 2018 at 3:46 pm

        The year we believe is 1947. The name change was done in 1950. Date of birth is 10/31/47

        Reply
  10. Shannon says

    July 27, 2018 at 3:45 pm

    I believe the decree we have is only for the legal name change, not the adoption itself.

    Reply
  11. Ashley says

    August 3, 2018 at 8:37 pm

    My mother-in-law was adopted in 1966. She has been taking the DNA tests out there and has only ever possibly matched with first counsins, who have a very interesting family story that isn’t very clear. I told her I would try to help her get her adoption record unsealed. I know the hospital she was born in and after reading the post I feel like there isn’t much hope of finding out who her birth parents are, even if they have passed away. What would be the best advice?

    Reply
    • Gregory D. Luce says

      August 3, 2018 at 8:53 pm

      Was she born and adopted in Maryland? My advice, if the goal is to find someone, is typically to pursue multiple avenues. So, doing DNA is key, but also obtaining non-identifying information and determining what could be done legally to get identifying information or an OBC in the state of the adoption or birth. With Maryland that legal option is tough for most adult adoptees. Maryland does have a mutual consent registry (there is a link above) but registries generally are woefullly ineffective. So I’d have her consider working with a legitimate search angel, who should not charge for helping locate birth family, particularly in working with DNA.

      Reply
  12. Jake Brookover says

    December 2, 2018 at 9:45 pm

    I am grateful to all the info found here but I’m stumped and/or stuck . Attempting to find a) birth father b) place of birth c) whether info on adoption records (I have) is correct or intentionally incorrect. Born 1960 in either MA or OH or WV, to unmarried mom who lied to common law husband about paternity. Mom died 1964 and maternal family sued to gain custody from CLH and won. Adopted by widowed maternal aunt with legal proceedings taking place in MD. My “revised” BC states I was born in OH, but this is adamantly contested by many, while actual adoption paperwork provides last name for me (minor child) no one has ever heard of.
    The judge overseeing the adoption actually joked that “Mr. _______ signed the papers PDQ….” but no one present can recall if what judge said matches the adoption paperwork I now have. Is there a clear-cut answer about adoptee BC which clarifies whether MD judge had the right to chance place of birth along with name? Also, would the name listed for minor child possibly be accurate? I am utilizing DNA to look for family in hopes of finding birth father, but knowing where I was actually born and whether that name on papers is correct would go a long way. Birth mom and CLH both lived in Mass at time of death, and I believe I was born in Mass, but nothing is certain anymore. In advance, any response is greatly appreciated.

    Reply
  13. Carol says

    January 22, 2019 at 10:43 am

    What is the best was to proceed in Maryland for an adoptee whose birth parents are deceased?

    Thank you.

    Reply
  14. Roxan says

    January 23, 2019 at 5:51 am

    The rules have to change. Let’s continue to write to the Governor at least 1x a month.
    The Dept of Health, Ms. Weaver may be able to speak on the details. In my case I provided
    my request w the $10 check, the death certificate of the lady who gave birth to me, her st address at the time of the birth, my ID, a copy of my amended certificate which featured the (same) number as the OBC, a compelling note. I did this about 10x over a long time until they gave it to me, and I still wonder why (but am quite grateful!) and think that the notes to the Gov may have helped a bit.

    Reply
  15. Susan Stricker says

    January 23, 2019 at 6:52 am

    You can file a motion to petition the court to unseal your records at the same court (district) at which the adoption was finalized, for a fee. A judge will review the case to decide if the situation warrants “good cause” to open the records. However, the death of both birth parents may not necessarily guarantee access. I personally tried to obtain my records despite the fact that I have met and know the identity of both birth parents. I am currently meeting with state legislators to push for change in OBC laws and drafting new legislation to allow unrestricted access. If you are interested in supporting this fight let me know. I need as many Adoptees affected bythis MD law to contact their state legislators. I can be reached by email at [email protected]. Good luck. Susie

    Reply
  16. Ray Kruse says

    January 23, 2019 at 11:38 am

    Please share if you find out. I was told I would need a case # (Where am I supposed to get that)? in order to file a request.
    Good luck and please share!

    Reply
    • Susie Stricker says

      January 23, 2019 at 11:59 am

      Do you have your “Decree of Adoption”? The case number for the adoption proceeding is in the upper right hand corner. Yes. Even though we are adults now we are still referred to as the adopted child of our adoptive parent! CRAZY! Let me know if you need any more help.

      Reply
  17. Ray Kruse says

    January 23, 2019 at 12:13 pm

    Susie,
    Thanks but I do not have that. I was fortunate to find my birth mother using ancestery.com but she does not have any adoption paperwork and the agency claims that all they have is my baptism certificate which they sent to her. They directed us to try Baltimore city court. They requested the case number. Yes, it is absolutely CRAZY that I am 58 years old, my birth mother is 78 years old and neither one of us can get access to my original birth certificate. Who makes laws like this and who would want to deny people this information? Very sad. Anyway, thank you!!! Ray

    Reply
    • Susie Stricker says

      January 23, 2019 at 12:44 pm

      If you want the laws to change you need to contact your legislators. Do you live in Maryland? Write to Senator Bobby Zirkin. I am currently trying convince him to draft a bill for next session (2020). Tell him your situation and I that you want clean legislation for authorizing Adoptees unrestricted access to original birth certificates.

      Reply
  18. Ray Kruse says

    January 23, 2019 at 1:25 pm

    Susie,
    Thanks! I will do so!
    Ray

    Reply
  19. Susie Stricker says

    January 23, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    Great! If you know other MD adoptees please encourage them to do the same! I need legislators to see that I’m not just a crazy, angry adoptee acting selfishly. Haha! Also I have set up a Facebook group called Maryland Adoptee Rights to bring a group together and keep everyone up to date and involved.

    Reply
    • April Fulmer says

      May 1, 2019 at 2:08 am

      i sent you a friend request on Facebook. i would love to help. I am 55 adopted in 1964 and have done registries for years no luck i just sent in a ancestry DNA test to at least find my heritage. I would love to see laws changed nd would be happy i do not write real well but any help i am here.

      April

      Reply
  20. Kristen says

    May 24, 2019 at 11:37 am

    Related to this: I was in foster care for three months before I was placed with my adoptive parents. I’m in reunion with both bioparents. That three month gap, though, covers some medical information (which may or may not have been accurate in 1978). That and I’m just genuinely curious about my foster placement. My adoptive parents received no information about me from the foster parents–it was “misplaced” when they came to pick me up from Catholic Charities.

    Is there any way for me to gain access to anything related to my foster placement?

    Reply
  21. Karen Sadler says

    June 1, 2019 at 4:27 am

    Looking for fathers adoption certificate he was adopted in Maryland 1936, looking for biological grandfather. Would I be able to do this

    Reply
  22. Karen DePaul says

    June 13, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    Susie, You are wonderful. I am stunned by the obstacles/road blocks and antiquated process that the state of Maryland still has in effect. It is shameful. I am trying to help a childhood friend (adopted 1955 Baltimore) find family through DNA. Catholic Charities – MD has not been helpful. Catholic Charities in Denver provided my nephew with the intake papers handwritten by his mother, for heavens sake. Mind boggling that there is no national uniform policy. I am not an adoptee but I would be happy to fight for you and write letters. Will go to your Facebook page. Karen

    Reply
  23. Connie Wilson says

    June 21, 2019 at 7:15 am

    what is the fee to obtain an OBC ? I was born in Olney, Md in 1963, adopted in Prince George’s county in 1965, finalized in 1967… I have original adoption decree, know my birth name, BM name ( and have reunited with her side of family) even though she passed in 1998.. I also know BF name, although, he is not actually my BF..I tested through ancestry DNA and have connected with my actual BF’s family, he passed in 1974

    Reply
  24. Betsy and Steve Sillers says

    July 22, 2019 at 6:25 pm

    My wife was born in Wash D.C. in Dec. 1952 and adopted in Prince Georges County in July 1953 from a foster home, But we don’t have a clue which one or where and her adopted have both passed years ago. We have been desperately trying to find her B.M. or B.F. name.We have no desire to contact them and only want a name.Thru Ancestry com. we have located 2nd and 3rd cousins and have an idea who they might be,but B.M. and B.F. both have passed in the late 90’s or early 2000’s .Any help would be appreciated

    Reply
    • Traci says

      January 29, 2020 at 6:38 pm

      Hello. Have you had any luck? My mother was adopted at 5 years old from foster care. She was born 1952. I dont know exactly where in Maryland. She has no interest in learning at bio family, but I want to know. I know her bio mother passed away. Anyway, I was to know more especially for heritage and medical purposes. I was curious what you found. Thank you.

      Reply
  25. Peggy says

    August 15, 2019 at 1:20 am

    I was born 1960. With mva doing three real Id thing. What are us adoptees to do about original birth certificate because apparently it suppose to say live birth. And mine has adopted parents ( both deceased ) listed as parents. It don’t say anything about live birth.

    Reply
    • Janice Vincent says

      September 10, 2019 at 2:08 am

      Hi Susie – Unable to find “Adult Adoptee Rights Maryland” on FaceBook…… Very interested in joining and contacting legislators before the 2020 agenda is set…..

      Thanks much –

      Janice

      Reply
      • Gregory D. Luce says

        September 11, 2019 at 8:58 am

        It’s now called Maryland Adoptee Rights and is on Facebook here.

        Reply
  26. Patricia denardo says

    October 23, 2019 at 11:41 am

    Hello can you tell me how I would go about finding a half sibling that was adopted out at birth. Anyone who might have had information has passed away now
    All I know was she was female and born between the years of 1960 to 1963 in either Baltimore or Anappolis Maryland
    My mother was only about 14 or 15 years of age. She has since passed on

    Reply
  27. Peggy says

    October 23, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    I have a half brother also a half sister. But I was the youngest. My birth mother was about 23 . Good luck

    Reply
  28. Roxan Chen says

    October 23, 2019 at 2:05 pm

    Have you done Ancestry?

    What was your late Mother’s name?

    Was the baby, now adult adopted out through an Agency or privately?

    Have you been in contact w Jeffrey O’Donnell’s office in MD State Govt Intermediary?

    Best wishes,

    Roxan
    Maryland 1958

    Reply
  29. Daniel D McKenney says

    October 25, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    Here is what I would like to know. I took an ancestry.com DNA test from that test I found an half brother who in turn put me in contact with my biological father who in turn told me my birth mother’s name. I am wanting to have my Marylands birth record unsealed due to medical reasons. I am wanting to know if I have proof of the birth parent’s name from an online DNA test and have a medical reason is it more likely to have those birth and adoption records unsealed?

    Reply
  30. Ashley Chucci says

    November 10, 2019 at 11:47 pm

    My grandfather was born in Barrelville, MD in 1935 and he was later adopted by his stepfather, I think this happened around 1936/37. At that time his original birth certificate was sealed. He and his parents are since deceased, but my mother, his only biological child is interested in finding her ancestry and possible health history as my grandfather died unexpectedly due to a massive heart attack at the young age of 65 in 2000. Is there anyway to make this happen?

    Reply
  31. Allison says

    February 15, 2020 at 10:13 am

    Hi my mom was adopted from Baltimore’s foster care system. She is deceased and I’m her next of kin. I’m trying to obtain any records pertaining to her adoption that I can. I submitted a petition to the court and was denied and this was what they said- “the Court cannot find any statutory basis that would allow the Court to grant access. See Md. Code Anna., Fam. Law 5-3B-28.” I was told on the phone that the only other option would be hiring an attorney but that they may get the same answers I did. Do you have any advise for me?

    Reply
  32. Roxan says

    February 15, 2020 at 12:37 pm

    Warm regards from a mature, fellow MD Adoptee. Have you been in contact with Social Services, and or Jeffrey ODonnell’s office/Confidential Intermediary, made a personal contact in the Dept of Vital Statistics – provided the Adoptees address at the time of the circumstance? (Bless MD, they’re a tough nut to crack…… suggesting personally that maybe obtaining her OBC could open up to information….) and have you done DNA, IF you’re interested in connecting w any bio-relative…..
    Enjoy the weekend, Roxan [email protected]

    Reply
  33. allie says

    February 15, 2020 at 12:53 pm

    I have submitted my DNA on three of the sites- ancestry,my heritage, and 23andme. Thru those dna matches and talking to their close family, I was able to discover her mother. However her fathers side is still a mystery. I have contacted Jeffrey ODonell and he sadly advised me there is no service he can offer to next of kin. He suggested since I have her final decree of adoption, that I petition the court to train to get access, which I was just recently denied on. I did not contact any other Social Services thus far.

    Reply

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Adoptee Rights Law Center

The Adoptee Rights Law Center PLLC is an adoptee-focused legal practice founded by Gregory Luce, a Minnesota lawyer and D.C.-born adoptee.

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Legal representation limited to issues involving Minnesota law and federal immigration law.

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Adoptee Rights Law Center PLLC
PO Box 19561
Minneapolis Minnesota 55419
T: (612) 221-3947
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Legal representation limited to issues involving Minnesota law and federal immigration law.

Maryland

Year Original Birth Records Sealed: 1937
Year Court Adoption Records Sealed: 1947

Other Resources

Maryland Legislative Service Report (2013): Access to Adoption Records in Maryland

In Re Adoption of Scott W.V., 124 A.3d 1181 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. 2015)(upholding appeal of trial court’s denial of release of additional nonidentifying information after exhaustive unsuccesful search for birth father).

The OBC: Maps

US OBC Rights Placeholder
US OBC Rights
Alabama. Adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates, beginning at age 19. Read more.
Alaska. Adult adoptees have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates, beginning at age 18. Full Details
Arizona. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain a copy of their own original birth certificates. Arizona implemented a "donut hole" provision in a new law, effective January 1, 2022. It provides a right to some adoptees based on their dates of birth but denies the right to obtain the OBC to the vast majority of adoptees born in the state. Read more.
Arkansas. Beginning August 1, 2018, Arkansas law allows adult adoptees to request their adoption files. The request, however, is subject to a birthparent's ability to redact their names on the original birth certificates. This flow chart outlines how the law works. More information about the law and its requirements and discriminatory limitations is also here.
California. Adult adoptees do not have a right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Adoptees must petition the court and show “good and compelling cause” in order to obtain any original birth record. Read more.
Colorado. Adult adoptees have a right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. An adopted person who is at least 18 years of age may apply for and receive a non-certified copy of their original birth certificate through the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Read more.
Connecticut. Connecticut-born adult adopted people have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The right also extends to the adult children and grandchildren of the adopted person. Read more.
Delaware. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. While adoptees 21 years of age or older may request their OBCs, birth parents may legally veto their release. Read more.
District of Columbia. Adult adoptees in the District of Columbia the do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates, except by court order. The D.C. superior court controls all aspects of releasing an OBC or any identifying information, whether from court records or from vital records. Read more.
Florida. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates. While adoptees may apply for the original birth record, it takes signed affidavits of consent from birthparents---or death certificates showing that birthparents are deceased---to compel release of the OBC. Otherwise, release is allowed only by court order. Full Details
Georgia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
Hawaii. Hawaiian-born adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Only people who are adopted in Hawaii can request and obtain their court adoption records, which may include an original birth certificate. The law does not apply to people born in Hawaii but adopted in a different state. Read more.
Idaho. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC 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. Read more.
Illinois. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a tiered date-based system and uses an adoption registry to facilitate release of OBCs. The date of birth of an adoptee determines who has unrestricted rights to an OBC or who may be subject to a birth parent’s request to redact identifying information on the OBC. Read more.
Indiana. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. A new law, effective July 1, 2018, expands the release of specifically defined "identifying information," but a birth parent may prohibit release of that information at any time. Read more.
Iowa. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Original birth records are subject to the right of birthparents to file redaction requests. Full Details
Kansas. While original birth certificates are sealed, adult adoptees in Kansas have always had an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Court records in adoption proceedings are also available to adoptees upon request. Read more.
Kentucky. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
Louisiana. Adult adoptees do not have access to their own original birth certificates, except by court order. An adoptee must demonstrate “compelling reasons” for a court to order release of an original birth certificate. Read more.
Maine. Adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Adoptees must be 18 years of age before requesting their OBCs. Maine also allows a birth parent to file a genuine contact preference and medical history form, which is attached to the original birth certificate. Read more.
Maryland. For all practical purposes, Maryland should be defined as a "restricted" state because there are so few current adult adoptees who may qualify under its compromised law, which applies only to adoptions finalized on or after January 1, 2000. Because adoptees must also be at least 21 years of age to request the OBC, the law effectively applies only to those adoptees who were older at the time and adopted on or after January 1, 2000. In addition, birthparents under the compromised law may at any time veto disclosure of birth records or identifying information. Adoptees whose adoptions were finalized before January 1, 2000, do not have a right to obtain their OBCs. It remains available only by court order. Read more.
Massachusetts. Not all adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Rather, adoptees born between July 17, 1974, and January 1, 2008, are denied access to their own OBCs, except by court order. Adoptees born on or before July 17, 1974, have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates, as do those born after January 1, 2008 (upon reaching the age of 18). Read more.
Michigan. Michigan requires the use of a “Central Adoption Registry” to process information and to determine whether an adoptee should or should not get “identifying information,” which does not initially include an original birth certificate. Depending on an adoptee’s date of birth, a parent may deny access to identifying information or withhold access by saying nothing. In either case, no identifying information may be released to the adoptee, except by court order. Read more.
Minnesota. The right of adult adopted people to obtain their own original birth certificate is complex and based primarily on the date of adoption. Generally, it requires the affirmative written consent of any birthparents and the state uses a complex, confidential, and often expensive intermediary system involving the department of health, the department of human services, and individual adoption agencies. Read more.
Mississippi. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. It takes a court order. Read more.
Missouri. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a complex framework that makes the original birth certificate subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes that may extend beyond the death of the parent. Read more.
Montana. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a somewhat complex tiered system that depends upon an adoptee’s date of adoption. While an original birth certificate may be available more easily to adoptees who are 30 years of age or older, court orders may be required for younger adoptees and in all cases where a birth parent requests that a court order be required. Read more.
Nebraska. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain the original birth certificate. Nebraska law is remarkably complex and confusing. Generally, any right to obtain the OBC depends on the date of an adoptee’s relinquishment and also whether a birth parent—and sometimes an adoptive parent—has affirmatively consented to disclosure or has filed a “nonconsent” form objecting to the OBC’s release. Read more.
Nevada. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. It requires a court order. Read more.
New Hampshire. Adoptees who are at least 18 years of age have an unrestricted right to request and obtain 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. Read more.
New Jersey is best described as a "limited time redaction" state, as its current law, effective on January 1, 2017, provided birthparents a limited amount of time to request redaction of their information from the adoptee's original birth certificate. Thus, while most adult adoptees now have a right to obtain their own original birth certificates, approximately 550 birthparents filed redaction requests, leading to redaction of the parents’ identifying information on the OBC. Those 550 adult adoptees have no do not have the right to an unredacted original birth certificate except through securing a court order. Read more.
New Mexico. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Good cause is required through a court order. Read more.
New York. Adult adopted persons and their descendants have an unrestricted right to request and obtain the adoptee's original birth certificate, without discriminatory restrictions. The law, which overturned 83 years of iron-clad secrecy, became effective January 15, 2020. Read more.
North Carolina. Adult adoptees do not have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. A court order is required for the release of any identifying information, including an OBC. An OBC must be specifically requested in any court action that seeks the release of identifying information. Read more.
North Dakota. Adult adoptees do not have access to their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Read more.
Ohio. Not all adoptees in Ohio have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. While legislative reforms removed some restrictions in 2013, significant legal restrictions remain, including birth parent redaction and disclosure vetoes. Read more.
Oklahoma. Adult adoptees do not have unrestricted access to their original birth certificates. Currently, nearly all adult adoptees must obtain a court order and show good cause for release. While adoptees whose adoptions were finalized after November 1, 1997, do not require a court order, requests for such OBCs are subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes and redaction. Read more.
Oregon. Adoptees 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. Oregon law also allows adoptees access to specific records in the court adoption proceedings. Read more.
Pennsylvania. A new law, now effective, allows adoptees who are at least 18 years of age—and who must be high school graduates, possess a GED, or are withdrawn legally from school— to request their original birth record. Birthparents, however may redact identifying information on the OBC by filing a “name redaction request.” Redaction requests may be filed or withdrawn at any time and do not extend beyond a filing parent’s death. Read more.
Rhode Island. Adult adoptees have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates at age 18. Birth parents may file a contact preference form, which has no effect on the release of an OBC. Read more.
South Carolina. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
South Dakota. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates except by court order. Nevertheless, upon "maturity" an adoptee may petition the court for release of the adoptee's court adoption records, which will typically lead to or include release of the OBC. Read more.
Tennessee. Nearly all adoptees who are 21 years of age have a right to request and obtain their their “adoption records,” which should include original birth certificates. The only exception to this right is for an adult adoptee whose birth parent was a victim of rape or incest—in such cases the written consent of the birth parent is required for release of records. Tennessee also criminalizes contact with birth parents who have registered with a contact veto registry. Read more.
Texas. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. With one exception, release of the OBC requires a court order. Adoptees 18 years of age or older who also know the identities of their birth parents, however, may obtain a non-certified copy of their OBC without the need for a court order. Read more.
Utah. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. While adoptees 18 years of age or older may request their OBCs, release depends on participating in a voluntary registry as well as obtaining the consent of birthparents, unless a birthparent is dead. Read more.
Vermont. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC may be obtained through a probate court order or by adoptees who are at least 18 years of age and who have already obtained identifying information through Vermont’s Adoption Registry. Read more.
Virginia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Release of an OBC requires either a) a state agency’s decision, upon good cause shown, to release identifying information from the adoption records; or b) a court order upon good cause shown. Read more.
Washington. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC is available through the Department of Health but release is subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes as well as to corrupt contact preference forms that allow birthparents to deny release of the OBC. Disclosure vetoes and contact preference forms expire on the death of the birth parent. Read more.
West Virginia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order, requiring good cause, is required before the release of an OBC. Read more.
Wisconsin. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Wisconsin requires either court order or participation in a consent-based "Adoption Records Search Program." Read more.
Wyoming. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their original birth certificates. It takes a court order for release of an OBC, with no specific standards or procedures outlined in seeking such an order. Read more.
Alabama. Adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates, beginning at age 19. Read more.
Alaska. Adult adoptees have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates, beginning at age 18. Full Details
Arizona. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain a copy of their own original birth certificates. Arizona implemented a "donut hole" provision in a new law, effective January 1, 2022. It provides a right to some adoptees based on their dates of birth but denies the right to obtain the OBC to the vast majority of adoptees born in the state. Read more.
Arkansas. Beginning August 1, 2018, Arkansas law allows adult adoptees to request their adoption files. The request, however, is subject to a birthparent's ability to redact their names on the original birth certificates. This flow chart outlines how the law works. More information about the law and its requirements and discriminatory limitations is also here.
California. Adult adoptees do not have a right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Adoptees must petition the court and show “good and compelling cause” in order to obtain any original birth record. Read more.
Colorado. Adult adoptees have a right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. An adopted person who is at least 18 years of age may apply for and receive a non-certified copy of their original birth certificate through the Colorado Department of Health and Environment. Read more.
Connecticut. Connecticut-born adult adopted people have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The right also extends to the adult children and grandchildren of the adopted person. Read more.
Delaware. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. While adoptees 21 years of age or older may request their OBCs, birth parents may legally veto their release. Read more.
District of Columbia. Adult adoptees in the District of Columbia the do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates, except by court order. The D.C. superior court controls all aspects of releasing an OBC or any identifying information, whether from court records or from vital records. Read more.
Florida. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates. While adoptees may apply for the original birth record, it takes signed affidavits of consent from birthparents---or death certificates showing that birthparents are deceased---to compel release of the OBC. Otherwise, release is allowed only by court order. Full Details
Georgia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
Hawaii. Hawaiian-born adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Only people who are adopted in Hawaii can request and obtain their court adoption records, which may include an original birth certificate. The law does not apply to people born in Hawaii but adopted in a different state. Read more.
Idaho. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC 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. Read more.
Illinois. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a tiered date-based system and uses an adoption registry to facilitate release of OBCs. The date of birth of an adoptee determines who has unrestricted rights to an OBC or who may be subject to a birth parent’s request to redact identifying information on the OBC. Read more.
Indiana. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. A new law, effective July 1, 2018, expands the release of specifically defined "identifying information," but a birth parent may prohibit release of that information at any time. Read more.
Iowa. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Original birth records are subject to the right of birthparents to file redaction requests. Full Details
Kansas. While original birth certificates are sealed, adult adoptees in Kansas have always had an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Court records in adoption proceedings are also available to adoptees upon request. Read more.
Kentucky. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
Louisiana. Adult adoptees do not have access to their own original birth certificates, except by court order. An adoptee must demonstrate “compelling reasons” for a court to order release of an original birth certificate. Read more.
Maine. Adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Adoptees must be 18 years of age before requesting their OBCs. Maine also allows a birth parent to file a genuine contact preference and medical history form, which is attached to the original birth certificate. Read more.
Maryland. For all practical purposes, Maryland should be defined as a "restricted" state because there are so few current adult adoptees who may qualify under its compromised law, which applies only to adoptions finalized on or after January 1, 2000. Because adoptees must also be at least 21 years of age to request the OBC, the law effectively applies only to those adoptees who were older at the time and adopted on or after January 1, 2000. In addition, birthparents under the compromised law may at any time veto disclosure of birth records or identifying information. Adoptees whose adoptions were finalized before January 1, 2000, do not have a right to obtain their OBCs. It remains available only by court order. Read more.
Massachusetts. Not all adult adoptees have the unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Rather, adoptees born between July 17, 1974, and January 1, 2008, are denied access to their own OBCs, except by court order. Adoptees born on or before July 17, 1974, have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates, as do those born after January 1, 2008 (upon reaching the age of 18). Read more.
Michigan. Michigan requires the use of a “Central Adoption Registry” to process information and to determine whether an adoptee should or should not get “identifying information,” which does not initially include an original birth certificate. Depending on an adoptee’s date of birth, a parent may deny access to identifying information or withhold access by saying nothing. In either case, no identifying information may be released to the adoptee, except by court order. Read more.
Minnesota. The right of adult adopted people to obtain their own original birth certificate is complex and based primarily on the date of adoption. Generally, it requires the affirmative written consent of any birthparents and the state uses a complex, confidential, and often expensive intermediary system involving the department of health, the department of human services, and individual adoption agencies. Read more.
Mississippi. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. It takes a court order. Read more.
Missouri. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a complex framework that makes the original birth certificate subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes that may extend beyond the death of the parent. Read more.
Montana. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. The state has a somewhat complex tiered system that depends upon an adoptee’s date of adoption. While an original birth certificate may be available more easily to adoptees who are 30 years of age or older, court orders may be required for younger adoptees and in all cases where a birth parent requests that a court order be required. Read more.
Nebraska. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain the original birth certificate. Nebraska law is remarkably complex and confusing. Generally, any right to obtain the OBC depends on the date of an adoptee’s relinquishment and also whether a birth parent—and sometimes an adoptive parent—has affirmatively consented to disclosure or has filed a “nonconsent” form objecting to the OBC’s release. Read more.
Nevada. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. It requires a court order. Read more.
New Hampshire. Adoptees who are at least 18 years of age have an unrestricted right to request and obtain 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. Read more.
New Jersey is best described as a "limited time redaction" state, as its current law, effective on January 1, 2017, provided birthparents a limited amount of time to request redaction of their information from the adoptee's original birth certificate. Thus, while most adult adoptees now have a right to obtain their own original birth certificates, approximately 550 birthparents filed redaction requests, leading to redaction of the parents’ identifying information on the OBC. Those 550 adult adoptees have no do not have the right to an unredacted original birth certificate except through securing a court order. Read more.
New Mexico. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. Good cause is required through a court order. Read more.
New York. Adult adopted persons and their descendants have an unrestricted right to request and obtain the adoptee's original birth certificate, without discriminatory restrictions. The law, which overturned 83 years of iron-clad secrecy, became effective January 15, 2020. Read more.
North Carolina. Adult adoptees do not have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. A court order is required for the release of any identifying information, including an OBC. An OBC must be specifically requested in any court action that seeks the release of identifying information. Read more.
North Dakota. Adult adoptees do not have access to their own original birth certificates, except by court order. Read more.
Ohio. Not all adoptees in Ohio have unrestricted access to their own original birth certificates. While legislative reforms removed some restrictions in 2013, significant legal restrictions remain, including birth parent redaction and disclosure vetoes. Read more.
Oklahoma. Adult adoptees do not have unrestricted access to their original birth certificates. Currently, nearly all adult adoptees must obtain a court order and show good cause for release. While adoptees whose adoptions were finalized after November 1, 1997, do not require a court order, requests for such OBCs are subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes and redaction. Read more.
Oregon. Adoptees 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. Oregon law also allows adoptees access to specific records in the court adoption proceedings. Read more.
Pennsylvania. A new law, now effective, allows adoptees who are at least 18 years of age—and who must be high school graduates, possess a GED, or are withdrawn legally from school— to request their original birth record. Birthparents, however may redact identifying information on the OBC by filing a “name redaction request.” Redaction requests may be filed or withdrawn at any time and do not extend beyond a filing parent’s death. Read more.
Rhode Island. Adult adoptees have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates at age 18. Birth parents may file a contact preference form, which has no effect on the release of an OBC. Read more.
South Carolina. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order is required. Read more.
South Dakota. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their original birth certificates except by court order. Nevertheless, upon "maturity" an adoptee may petition the court for release of the adoptee's court adoption records, which will typically lead to or include release of the OBC. Read more.
Tennessee. Nearly all adoptees who are 21 years of age have a right to request and obtain their their “adoption records,” which should include original birth certificates. The only exception to this right is for an adult adoptee whose birth parent was a victim of rape or incest—in such cases the written consent of the birth parent is required for release of records. Tennessee also criminalizes contact with birth parents who have registered with a contact veto registry. Read more.
Texas. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. With one exception, release of the OBC requires a court order. Adoptees 18 years of age or older who also know the identities of their birth parents, however, may obtain a non-certified copy of their OBC without the need for a court order. Read more.
Utah. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to request and obtain their own original birth certificates. While adoptees 18 years of age or older may request their OBCs, release depends on participating in a voluntary registry as well as obtaining the consent of birthparents, unless a birthparent is dead. Read more.
Vermont. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC may be obtained through a probate court order or by adoptees who are at least 18 years of age and who have already obtained identifying information through Vermont’s Adoption Registry. Read more.
Virginia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Release of an OBC requires either a) a state agency’s decision, upon good cause shown, to release identifying information from the adoption records; or b) a court order upon good cause shown. Read more.
Washington. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. An OBC is available through the Department of Health but release is subject to birth parent disclosure vetoes as well as to corrupt contact preference forms that allow birthparents to deny release of the OBC. Disclosure vetoes and contact preference forms expire on the death of the birth parent. Read more.
West Virginia. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. A court order, requiring good cause, is required before the release of an OBC. Read more.
Wisconsin. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their own original birth certificates. Wisconsin requires either court order or participation in a consent-based "Adoption Records Search Program." Read more.
Wyoming. Adult adoptees do not have an unrestricted right to obtain their original birth certificates. It takes a court order for release of an OBC, with no specific standards or procedures outlined in seeking such an order. Read more.

View maps

The OBC: Numbers

10unrestricted
24compromised
17restricted
51View All

Legislative Tracking

I also monitor federal legislation related to intercountry adoptees.

All State OBC Laws

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  • Ohio
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Gregory D. Luce
PO Box 19561
Minneapolis Minnesota 55419
T: (612) 221-3947
E: [email protected]

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