Missouri Adoption Laws

Access to Adoption Records

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:

Adoptive parents and adopted adults may obtain non-identifying information.

Obtaining Identifying Information:

An adopted adult can request information regarding the birth parents and the agency will contact the birth parents for consent to release the information. If the adoption was finalized prior to August 13, 1986, the adoptive parents must be notified first, and a search will only be conducted if the adoptive parents agree. If the adoptive parents do not consent, no information will be released and the birth parents will not be contacted. Using the Adoption Registry: Adopted adults age 21 or older and birth parents may register. Adoptive parents must consent to the release of identifying information on adoptions completed prior to August 13, 1986.

Contact:

Missouri Division of Family Services
Adoption Information Registry
P.O. Box 88
Jefferson City, MO 65103
(800) 554-2222
http://www.dss.mo.gov/cd/adopt/adoir.htm
Please mark the letter "Confidential."

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:

An adoptee must petition the court in which the adoption was finalized to receive.

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