Original Birth Certificates

Most people in the world have one birth certificate. Nearly all adopted persons have two.

Indiana

First published on March 20, 2017 • Last updated on June 10, 2023

Adoptee rights and Indiana law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Illinois

First published on March 17, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

Adoptee rights and Illinois law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Wyoming

First published on March 16, 2017 • Last updated on March 4, 2023

Adoptee rights and Wyoming law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Wisconsin

First published on March 16, 2017 • Last updated on November 22, 2022

Adoptee rights and Wisconsin law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

West Virginia

First published on March 15, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

Adoptee rights and West Virginia law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Washington

First published on March 15, 2017 • Last updated on November 22, 2022

Adoptee rights and Washington law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Virginia

First published on March 15, 2017 • Last updated on March 4, 2023

Adoptee rights and Virginia law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Vermont

First published on March 13, 2017 • Last updated on July 1, 2023

Adoptee rights and Vermont law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Utah

First published on March 13, 2017 • Last updated on January 27, 2024

Adoptee rights and Utah law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Tennessee

First published on March 13, 2017 • Last updated on July 3, 2025

Adoptee rights and Tennessee law, with a focus on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Arizona. Arizona implemented a "donut hole" provision in a new law, which became effective on January 1, 2022. It allows only some adoptees to request the OBC--- based on their date of birth---but denies the right to obtain the OBC to the vast majority of Arizona-born adopted people. Read more.

Arkansas.While Arkansas law allows adult adoptees to request their adoption files, the request is subject to a birthparent's ability to redact their names on the original birth certificates. A FAQ with information about the law and its requirements and discriminatory limitations is 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 a copy of their own original birth record. Read more.

16 UNRESTRICTED
20 COMPROMISED
15 RESTRICTED
51 VIEW ALL
What do these mean? Some maps and an explanation.</>