Virginia Adoption Laws

Access to Adoption Records

Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:

Adopted adults age 18 or older may obtain non-identifying information.

Obtaining Identifying Information:

Identifying information is provided through the confidential intermediary system with the approval of the Commissioner of Social Services.

Using a Confidential Intermediary:

Adopted adults age 18 or older may use the confidential intermediary system to search for birth parents. For those adoptions finalized after July 1, 1994, the birth parents and birth siblings can use the confidential intermediary system to search for an adopted adult age 21 or older and adoptive parents of adopted adult under age 18 may use system to search for birth relative(s).

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:

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

Contact:

For non-identifying information and for use of the confidential intermediary system, contact the Virginia Department of Social Services in Richmond at (804) 692-1290.

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