Maryland Adoption Laws

Access to Adoption Records

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:

Adopted adults or birth parents if it is the placing agency's policy. Adopted adults may petition the court to view their medical and family history.

Obtaining Identifying Information:

Identifying information is provided through an Adoption Registry and confidential intermediary system. Also see the information under Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate, below.

Using a Confidential Intermediary:

Adopted adults age 21 or older and birth parents of an adopted adult age 21 or older may apply to the Director of the Social Services Administration to use the State's search, contact, and reunion services.

Using the Adoption Registry:

Adopted adults age 21 or older, birth parents, and birth siblings age 21 or older may register.

Contact:

Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry
Maryland Department of Human Resources
Social Services Administration
311 West Saratoga Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-3521
(410) 767-7372 or (410) 767-7423
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/voladopr.htm

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:

An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized, receive if the adoption was finalized after July 1, 1947, and before January 1, 2000. For adoptions finalized after January 1, 2000, adopted adults age 21 or older can receive their original birth certificate and report of the decree or judgment of adoption. If the birth parents have filed a disclosure veto, all identifying information will be deleted. Birth parents of an adopted adult age 21 or older can receive a copy of the altered birth certificate and report of the decree or judgment of adoption. If the adopted adult has filed a disclosure veto, all identifying information will be deleted. For adoptions finalized before July 1, 1947, an adopted adult may receive the original birth certificate.

Credits: Child Welfare Information Gateway (http://www.childwelfare.gov)