Original Birth Certificates

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

New York

First published on March 7, 2017 • Last updated on November 24, 2022

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

New Jersey

First published on March 7, 2017 • Last updated on November 20, 2022

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

Nevada

First published on March 7, 2017 • Last updated on November 21, 2022

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

Nebraska

First published on March 7, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

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

Montana

First published on March 6, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

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

Missouri

First published on March 5, 2017 • Last updated on September 19, 2024

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

Mississippi

First published on March 5, 2017 • Last updated on March 4, 2023

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

New Hampshire

First published on March 3, 2017 • Last updated on November 23, 2022

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

Michigan

First published on March 3, 2017 • Last updated on January 27, 2024

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

Massachusetts

First published on March 1, 2017 • Last updated on January 31, 2024

Adoptee rights and Massachusetts 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.

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