Original Birth Certificates

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

Maryland

First published on March 1, 2017 • Last updated on January 26, 2024

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

Maine

First published on February 28, 2017 • Last updated on November 20, 2022

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

Louisiana

First published on February 28, 2017 • Last updated on August 21, 2024

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

Kentucky

First published on February 28, 2017 • Last updated on September 6, 2024

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

Kansas

First published on February 28, 2017 • Last updated on November 20, 2022

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

Iowa

First published on February 28, 2017 • Last updated on January 6, 2024

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

Arizona

First published on February 27, 2017 • Last updated on October 12, 2023

Adoptee rights and Arizona law, focusing on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Arkansas

First published on February 27, 2017 • Last updated on November 20, 2022

Adoptee rights and Arkansas law, focusing on original birth certificates, court records, descendants, and adult adoption.

Colorado

First published on February 27, 2017 • Last updated on August 21, 2024

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

Connecticut

First published on February 27, 2017 • Last updated on August 21, 2024

Adoptee rights and Connecticut 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.</>