OmniTrace Blog
Get the latest updates via email.
States With Open Adoption Records
States With Open Adoption Records
States With Open Adoption Records
There are several states that have open adoption records. In these states, an adult adoptee can get an original birth certificate and in some instances more adoption record information.
If you are an adoptee looking for your birth parents in an open adoption records state, please request your open adoption records. However, when you obtain your original birth records, your search might still be difficult. Having information such as your birth mother’s maiden name and perhaps her old address is a great start, but you will still need to get her current name and address information. Your birth mother might have changed her name several times, or she might not live in the state where you were adopted.
If you need help with your search, please contact OmniTrace!
Here is a list of states where adoption records for all or some years are open. In some states, birth parents can sign a no-contact veto:
- Alabama – Adoption records are open. OmniTrace has the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
- Alaska – Adoption records are open. OmniTrace has the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
- Colorado – Adoptions records are open for adoptees whose adoptions were finalized between 07/01/1951 to 06/30/1976 and 09/01/1999 to present.
- Delaware – Adoption records are open. Birth parents can sign a no contact veto. OmniTrace has the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
- Illinois – Adoption records prior to 01/01/1946 are open.
- Indiana – Adoption records prior to 1940 may be open. OmniTrace is currently investigating how to request the original birth certificate.
- Iowa – Adoption records are open prior to 07/01/1941
- Kansas – Adoption records are open. OmniTrace has the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
- Maine – Adoption records will be open beginning in 2009. OmniTrace will obtain the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
- Maryland – Most adoption records prior to 06/01/1947 are open.
- Massachusetts – Adoption records are open for birth years prior to 4/14/1974. OmniTrace has the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
- Michigan – Adoption records are open if the birth parent’s rights were terminated prior to 05/28/1955 or on or after 09/12/1980.
- Montana – Adoption records are open for adoptions finalized prior to 2/2/1964. OmniTrace has the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
- New Hampshire – Adoption records are open. OmniTrace has the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
- New Jersey – Adoption records prior to 1940 may be open. OmniTrace is currently investigating how to request the original birth certificate.
- Ohio – Adoption records are open for adoptions finalized prior to 1/1/1964. OmniTrace has the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
- Oregon – Adoption records are open. OmniTrace has the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
- Tennessee – Adoption records are open. No-contact vetos are available to birth parents if the adoption was finalized after 1951. OmniTrace has the necessary forms you will need to open your records.
Please note, if you were born in a state that does not have open adoption records, don’t be discouraged! 
OmniTrace has many ways to solve birth parent searches involving closed record states. In fact, some of our best states for searching are closed record states. Also, there is pending legislation in a number of states where adoption records may become open.
OmniTrace takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. If anyone reads any inaccuracies with any of the information provided in this post, please let us know and we will make the appropriate changes. Thanks so much!
Please write or call us if you have any questions about obtaining your open adoption records.
info@omnitrace.com
Toll Free #: 1-888-965-6696
You might enjoy these related posts:
I was adopted in Dewitt, Clinton County, Illinois
in Oct. of 1952 and would like to find any relatives, most inportant is that I obtain any medical information that may be available…I only know that my last name at birth was Evans…Please help me out if anyone can!!!
Ronnie Lee & Connie Lea Mullins B-Day 10-25-62. I’m your biological mother and have been trying to locate you all for many years…My name is Joyce would love to hear from you…By the way when you were born it was the 1st day of snow in Fairmont WV…Also the hospital was Fairmont General……
found out that connie was adopted in 1964–only b-day stayed the same. name was changed.
I am looking for my son born March 31st or April 1,1959 at St. Benedictine Hospital, Kingston, New York. I have been looking for him since he became 18. He has beautiful blue eyes. The caseworker was Mrs. Strong from Ulster County. She was deceased when I started looking. I believe she made money from placing my son, by the way I was treated. She made it impossible for me to keep him. I had no money at the time. When I went to Ulster County Social Services Dept. they were no help whatsoever. His father was a very talented writer of both prose and poetry and a very lovely person. Circumstances were such that we could not be together at that time. He also wants to know him. The State of NY should be ashamed that they cause so much pain by not allowing birth parents and adoptees that wish to know each other not to have the opportunity. I am pretty much at the end of my life now and I have been looking for so long.
What does “awaiting moderation mean”?
DO not let the system win keep your hopes and dreams alive and your search. It has been near impossible for me to find my birth children as well, but if we give up and in they win again they do not care whether we are guilty or not they run those programs in the ground and our lives. Prayers are going out to you all
I am looking for my twin daughters. At the time of adoption their names were Kelsey and Kashelle Martin. My name is Karey. My name at the time of the adoption was Karey Martin. My maiden name is Schwartz. I had an open adoption however, I had lost contact of my twins when they were around 9 years old. I had moved more then once and that is when I lost contact. I have since remarried and that is why my last name has changed. I do not know if the adoptive parents know my married name. If they are looking for me then I am afraid the name change is making things difficult. I did not know their last names due to privacy information at the time. I have made many attempts to find them and have had no success. I have waited many years to reunite with my girls. Their biological sister Katalina has also waited and wants to meet them as well. They were born on 12/29/1994 in Palm Beach County, Florida at St. Marys Hospital. I have contacted the adoption agency and they have lost touch with them as well being it was so long ago. Kelsey and Kashelle- Ann,Scott or Steve- if you are out there and you see this or if anyone out there sees this and recognizes any of what I am typing here please I beg you reply back. I miss you so very much! I have never let you go. I have your pictures hanging all over my house. You have been in my heart and my thoughts every day of your lives and every breath I have ever taken since your birth. I pray that this letter will reach you by the grace of God. I never wanted to give you up for adoption. I had to. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I had no home to live in. I had to do what was best for you both. Ann and Steve were caring, loving and wonderful people. I stayed with them for a few days , asked a lot of questions and made sure you both went to a wonderful home with great parents. I knew they could give you what I could not. If only we could live on love then we would have all been together. I want you to know you were then and very much are now very, very loved. I miss you both more then words could ever say. Love always…xoxoxo
What are the adoptive parents names?
Sandi
Four days ago, I had a man call and tell me that he is my brother by my father. I knew I may have had a sibling but also knew that someone else adopted him when he was very small. My father has been deceased for almost 17 years. Is there any way to find out if this really is my brother?
I am searching for my adopted brothers birth family on his behalf. He was born in Coldwater Michigan on October 15th 1968. His birth mother was very young about 15 she was caucasion and his father i believe may have been from the west indies but in 1968 im almost sure it was a closed adoption, that may have been handled through social services. His first and middle name name at birth may have been John David although I am not sure about this his name was changed to Earlee Duncan and he was adopted by a couple in Lansing Michigan her name was Earline Duncan and his was Albert Duncan. This is all the information I have as His and my adopted mother passed away august 16th of 2010 and our adopted father passed on in 1976 and he desperately wants to have contact his birth parents or any siblings he has he wants to know about his family and where he came from. Please im begging you if you have any information at all or you know his parents or are possibly a sibling please contact me leave me a message here on this message board if you are family but wish to not be contacted please send me any pertinent health info so I can pass it on to my brother.
I havent heard anything from anyone yet but im still hoping for a miracle for my brother. If you’re out there please contact me.
Looking for baby girl born December 2, 1966 in Rochester NY by Catholic Family Center is where adoption took place. Found out she is looking for me as well..Last address is not current. Possible married last name might be Mariani
Looking for baby girl born December 2, 1966 in Rochester NY by Catholic Family Center is where adoption took place. Found out she is looking for me as well..Last address is not current. Possible married last name might be Mariani..Hospital was Rochester General..My maiden name was Iwasko and went by the name Janice..If you are out there please update address at New York State adoption registry.. You have sisters and nephews who want to know you..But me most of all..
Looking for a baby girl that was born July 24 1981 at Strong memorial hospital in Rochester N.Y. I went thru the Catholic family center and I lived at the Melita house while I was pregnant
I dont have a name to go by or where to look
Kelly did you try putting in identifying information at the New York state adoption registry..That was how i got my match between my birth daughter she also sumitted the same info and catholic family center sent me a letter they had a match and said they needed final consent form from myself and b-daughter. However when they mailed the letter to her the address was not current and there was no forwarding address
Its worth a try if you have not already done that..Now I am back at square one but she may update her address..Good Luck to you..They also have search groups for birth parents at the Hillside care center if you live in Rochester.
im a black male. i think was born 4/19/1970 in arizona. looking for birth parents.
my name is lorrraine. i was born 1-17-1960 at somerset hosptial in somerset,ky.my real mother was from mcreary co. ky. her name was lorraine collins-hatfield.married to jack hatfield. he wasnt my father. i have brothers and sisters. if any one could help me i would appreciate it
hi im barbara looking for bronzie nicole waller…think shes some where in new mexico…jill and terry waller adopted her…i have ss#,dob and all..id like to find her..can someone help??every lead i get is no good…
My name was Mary Margaret Stauch at birth. Im looking for birth parents. Born at Mercy hospital, in San Diego CA.
Date: 6-30-1954. Also looking for any Bro. or Sis. I now live in the CA. Bay area.
I am looking for my birth mother and/or brother. I was born in Van Nuys, Ca Feb 13 1955. All I know is her nick name is/was “Rusty” she had red hair and I think of Irish desent. I have a brother about 3 yrs old than me. oh yes… she names me Patrick. Hope someone can help.
looking for troy edward hall has a borther james thomas hall and a sister betty jean hall sister looking for him was adopted by diffiet family
What City and state was he born and or adopted in and do you know any info on the adopted parents like a city or town they are from. I cant seem to find My adopted brothers birth family so Id like to do what I can to help someone else.
What is his birthday?
troy edward hall if you are out there let us know borther and sister looking for you
I am looking for my sisters adopted daughter, her name as I recall was Emily Burzynski. I do not know her adopted last name. I would truly love to find her, she is my niece.
She was born in 1951/52.
I sincerely hope to find her.
Louise
I am looking for my birth mother who was born on July 6,1949. She lived in Versailes KY. I was born on July 16,1965. At birth I was named Karen Denise Maxberry.The adoption took place in Paducah KY.
at the age of 14 yrs. i was forced to give up a baby ,male on 12-31-69.dr holman @jackson county memorial hospital in altus okla.. was the dr. he found your adoptive parents. i think they were from hobert okla. i would love to finnally meet you . dr.holman promised me that your parents would inform u about me when u were 18 yrs. i have just been waiting. i didn’t want to mess up your life. if u c this and don;t want to speak i do understand. i will always have you in my heart.bur if u do want to meet please reach me. i heard that u were in texas. I THINK THAT MY LIFE WOULD B PRETTY MUCH COMPLETE IF I HEARD FROM YOU,,
IF YOU DON’T WANT TO MEET ME OR DISRUPT YOUR LIFE I DO UNDERSTAND. I AM BEING VERY SELFISH IN DOING THIS HUNT. MY ONLY HOPE FOR YOU IS TO BE HAPPY, HEALTHY,AND HAVE A GREAT FAMILY LIFE, THAT I COULD NOT HAVE GIVEN YOU. I KNOW THAT YOU ARE HANDSOME FOR YOUR FATHER WAS . I AM JUST OK,. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE MY CHILD THAT I NEVER REALLY GOT TO HAVE…
on behalf of my fiance, i am just now starting a search for his birth mother. born in jacksonville, fl at university hospital, adopted after 6 mos. no name is known. his name is joseph curley raised in palatka, fl. any one know him, any info would be great. adopted mom is deceased and adopted father does not know that he knows he was adopted and does not want to discuss with him…dead end
I am trying to help my cousin find his birth family. He was born October 10, 1961 in Florida, he has no information on them, the adoption took place in Florida in early 1962. please if any one has any information please contact me. Thank you from both of us.
I gave up a baby boy in 1972, Johnathan Benedict Breuer, I have been looking all over for him. He was adopted out of Knoxville TN, but really from Wahpeton ND. He has 2 full blood siblings, a brother and a sister. I married his father after another 6 years after you were born. I want to find you so bad, my life has not been complete without you. You were NEVER unloved. I begged my foster parents to let me keep you. Their answer was….. who is going to babysit him while you are in school, sure as hell won’t be me. I had no other options given to me.
am looking for david robert brown, mother donna, i am married to your dad, rick, please contact me at tonibrown2001@hotmail.com, you would be approximately 21 years of age today
i am looking for my son, david robert brown, approx. 21 years of age, i am your dad, rick brown, we lived together for awile in pomona, california, with your mom, donna, please contact me at tonibrown2001@hotmail.com, i really need to talk with you….
Looking for my son born on Feb. 13, 1983 at Jackson Hospital, Marianna, FL. Went through adoption agency in Pensacola, FL.
Son, I never wanted to give you up for adoption. I had to. I wanted you to have the best and a family with a home with a mother and father. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make. I was not married and was living with my mother in Sneads, FL. I had to do what was best for you. I want you to know I have missed you more than words could ever say. Please know that I have loved you from the start and always will.
I have searched for you and have not had any luck finding you. I pray the God will bring us together so that you will know me and your 2 sisters. Always love you~ Your biological mom.
looking for a male born on 2/2/1964 at scott white memorial hospital in temple texas, race mexican, mother was only 16 yrs old and family forced her to put the baby up for adoption.
What was the mother’s name on the birth certificate?
looking for the baby boy – possibly named Mark – born in Bakersfield, Ca 1963 or 1964. He has siblings that would love to meet him.
I am looking for my birth siblings. My adopted mother was my birth mothers 1st cousin. Both set’s of parent’s are now gone. I need to find three more siblings. I am number three out of nine children. I also need to find out whatever background info I can. No one is left anymore that I know of that could help. It was an open adoption. Paul Burr Blackmun and Betty Jane Styers (maiden name). Any help would be appreciated. TY!
Do you know the siblings names and birthdates?
Paul & Betty Blackmun. I meant to add that they are from Jackson Michigan, the town I was born in. TY!
I am looking for my birth parents. I was born on November 5th 1976 in evanston IL, and was adopted through catholic charities i don’t know my birth name. If anyone has any information PLEASE let me know
i was born 10/30/1949 twins, my sister and i are searching for original birth ceritificate in knoxville,tn-we have adoption papers but no birth record on file,please help
I might have some information for you. There is a Bradley Martin born on the date of your son and his mother’s name is Toni. They live in Hollywood, fla.
I am looking for the child that I gave up . He was born 11-23-65. I named him Dennis Richard. He had many medical problems Father was deceased. I had know surport. born at Un. of Il. hospital, lived at St Vincents orphanage for a while. I just want to know if you are happy. You have a brotherand sister and 3 nieces. We talk about you all the time.
I am looking for my son born in phx az. his mother is Heather Lipko and had adopted hit out. the only other onfo i have is he was born in march 22,1999 and his name is Tanner.If anyone has any information please contact me through my e-mail.
I gave my daughter up for adoption in 1979 in Bridgeport Connecticut. I named her kelly marie. I think birthday was aug 12 but not 100% sure I had alot going on in my life. I would love to find her to at least know she is ok. I found mybirth mother and its been awesome getting to know her. god please guide me in my search to find her.
I am looking for my brothers and my sister they was adopted in 1999 my sister’s names is kayla her birthday is jun.28,1991, my brother rodeny and his is apirl 17,1990 and my other brother is micheal his is jan.07 or the 08, 1994 i would so love to see them again
I had a son when I was 15, he was born in grand rapids mi @ Butterworth Hospital, the dr name was Riekse. I had no means to take care of him and no place to live at that time. He was placed through a agency called Lutheran Childrens Society ( no longer seem to be in existance.) He was given the name Jason Blake Mattoon at birth. Do not wish to upset his life in anyway, he is just on my mind constantly 38 years later, he also has 2 sisters and 2 brothers…………..
I am searching for information on my birth mother/family history. I was given the name Grace when I was born on 12/6/1967 at Elizabeth General Hospital, NJ. I have been told I was adopted through an agency run by the state of NJ in August of 1968. Neither of my adoptive parents ever allowed me to read the papers associated with my adoption after I was old enough to understand them. My adoptive parents, last name Hnot, divorced in 1978. My adoptive mother and I no longer talk, my adoptive father passed away a few years ago but hinted at the idea that my mother gave me “misinformation” in regard to my adoption. I look very much like her – and many other relations on her side of the family. I now am a mother of 4 beautiful girls and would like some history, both medical and genealogical to share with my daughters as they will soon enough become mothers themselves and deserve a full history of both sides of their family. I am not sure that I will find what I am looking for, but hope this search helps me to at least find a way to obtain my adoption records. Any and all feedback is helpful and appreciated.
Do you have an original birth certificate? Have you applied for your non-id information from the state of New Jersey? That would be your starting point.
My husband was born in Sioux City Iowa on Feb 18, 1955. I would like to help him find his birth parents.
I am looking for my grandson on behalf of my daughter, her name is Sherri Chafin, her son was born Aug, 1990, at mercy hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, she named him Cory Chafin but adoptive parents changed it to Zachery, last name unknown. I do know that he was residing in Nebraska at the time. Please contact me if any one knows where he may be.
Hello, my name is Sheliy, I am looking for my birth mother Betty Jean Tharp Pritt. Last known place she lived was Parsons, West Virginia. I would love to find her and meet any brothers or sisters I have. Any information would be extremely helpful! Thank you so much!