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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
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I would like to make contact with a daughter I placed for adoption. Alyssa was born January 11, 1990 and was adopted by Joe and Anna in Queens (I believe). She has four brothers and I would like to meet her to see who she has become. I chose Joe and Anna to be her parents and know they gave her a loving home and are terrific parents for her. If she wants to know her birth family we would like very much to see her. I pray for you always and love you.
I am 72 years of age . My mother gave birth to a child in Arkansas City Kansas In or about 1947 ? Her name at the time was Marion Louise Hopkins ( maiden name Schmitt) Gave birth and adopted the child to ? Before I die I would like to know whom this was .
Thank you , Bill Hopkins
yes, my name is sasha hampton,i am the birth mother of marissa payne/ aka shiela marissa lynn welch and i already done the information about her adoption and please please i have been waiting for 8yrs for something anything and even yall said u’d contact me with results and still nothing. pertty please, i dont even know if she’s alive or dead, please someone anyone i’m begging for help??????? thanks i will be so very greatful, sincerly SASHA HAMPTON
I am looking for any of my family. I was born 5-12-1955 in Union, New York. My name when I was born was Paul Gerald Bird. My adopted family has passed on and I really would like to know if I do have family out there.
i am looking for my mom sister daughter she was born in grafton west virginia her name was dorothy ann potts born april she is 33 years old, so if any can help please do so thank you
I am Looking for my siblings .. i was born Dorothy Ann in stoughton MA march 7, 1969 My Mother’s Name was Annette and My father’s Name was Bert. My mother was in a state mental hospital when she got pregnant with me and i was pretty much a love child.. I have half brother’s and sisters out there i would love to meet.
I am Also Looking for my sisters birth siblings. My sister was born Elizabeth on august 20, 1967 her birth mother’s name was Eileen (not sure of the spelling)She was also a love child. her bio father was a mechanic or something in the millitary. She was Born In New Bedford MA. Any one with any information would be greatly appreciated. we do know that my sister’s mother has passed away.
i would love to make contact with my baby girl born october15 1980 in jefferson county tennessee her name at the time of her adoption was rebecca joanne smith her adoption was around june 1985 please help if you have any information
My mother found out late in life that she was adopted. since then I have tried to find her birthmother and father to no avail, since her adopted father sealed the records. I was able to get a copy of her adoption papers but no birthcertificate. Her adopted parents have passed away and also my mom. I made a promise to myself that I would find her birthfamily. It’s been a long haul and still searching and still can’t get a birth certificate or an amended one. can anyone help?
Hi, Carol. I have been looking for my 1/2 sister, who was adopted at birth, for about a month. Actually, off and on for alot longer. I posted a comment here yesterday, in hopes that I would find out something. It has been next to impossible to find anything out. My mom received a call from someone claiming to be her oldest grandaughter (My mom only has one grandaughter, which is my daughter). The girl was crying. I don’t know, but, something told me that it could possibly be the daughter of Mom’s child who was adopted. I was about 2 years old when she was born, I am now 53. I have been hoping to find her for a long time. Good luck in your search, and God bless you for continuing this search for your mom.
Have you petitioned the adoption agency or the state for a copy of her “non-identifying” information? There’s often a lot of information that gives you some clues for further searching. Your mother is entitled to this information.
my mother had twins thare b day is 10/25/1962.
I was born in Jackson, MS at St. Dominics on July 30, 1972. I am looking for my birth family
I was born in burlingame, CA in 1968. My adopted mother died in 1987. I’m an only child and I just alwas wandered if I have sibings.What my birth mother looks like, sounds like. I geuss I just need view of what I am and who I’m made of.
hey am looking for my real family i was born in Gwinnett County,Georgia. all i have to go on is my real mother and father birth dates.( mother born in the year of 1947)(Father born in the year of 1910. i know i have 2 older brother’s and i was adopted with one of my real bother’s. and my father was married before my mother and had kid’s then to. if this sounds like anyone in your family plz help me find them.
I am looking for my birth brother, born november 4th 1974 at st josephs or st anthonys hospital in louisville, ky to a rebecca thompson. I really want to find you and be a family like we should be, love your sister jessi.
I was born JUly 24 1965, at the Florence Critten home in Sioux City Iowa, Please if you are out there, I need to know.
I am a male born Francis Xavier James on September 16,1939 in presbytarian hospital in Chicago Illinois. My birth mom was Florence Pauline Poznack. My birth father was Francis Joseph James who was born in Chicago about 1918. I do not have any info about him other than his name from the original birth certificate I was recently able to get. My mother Florence Poznack(James at the time she remarried) married William Forster Rasmussen in 1943 and he adopted me and changed my name. My adoptive dad told me before he died last year that he was not my birth father. I am seeking any information on my birth parent Francis Joseph James and where he went after he and my mother parted. He was born about 1918 in Chicago. The address I was born at was on 2859 west 38th place in Chicago. I could have half brothers and sisters if Francis joseph james remarried. If he were alive he would be around 92, but I believe he had younger siblings including Thomas James and Doris James who would be 75 to 80. Adele James also signed my baptismal certificate.
HI,MY NAME IS MICHELLE AND I WAS ADOPTED AT 6 MONTHS OF AGE,I HAVE MY BIRTH CERT,BUT OF COURSE MY FATHER LEFT OUT HIS REAL LAST NAME…MY BIOLOGICAL’S MOTHER’S NAME IS SHERYL LEE FRANCE OR(BELLOTIEE)PLEASE…PLEASE…PLEASE..I WILL BE 30 YRS OLD NEXT YEAR AND I HAVE ONLY GOT TO GLANCE AT A PICTURE I ONCE HAD OF MY MOTHER,BUT SOMEONE FROM MY ADOPTED SIDE TOOK IT AND IVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO SEE MY MOTHERS FACE AGAIN…:( PLEASE I HURT EVERY DAY BECAUSE IM JUST SO ALONE…I HAVE A LITTLE GIRL NOW,SHE JUST TURNED THREE AND I WANT HER TO ATLEAST KNOW WHO THEY WERE WHEN SHE GETS OLDER…THANKS…MICHELLE…
Hello,
I was born on May 16th, 1981 in salem or. I was told my father was David L Hathaway he was a hemiphiliac a vetran and met Jackie Wilson in salem possible an ambulance driver at the time ? not sure about that I am an only child biologically I have two children 10 year old girl 9 year old boy they have never understood what an aunt or uncle grandma or grandpa was please if I have any family out there just a reason or information about health for my little girls sake would be healpful the family lived in Gold Beach oregon is what I was told. thank you so very much and God bless you all.
Hi im looking for my brother he was put up for adoption by my mom and dad in Omaha Nebraska. My moms name was Laura Kubes at the time she put my brother up for adoption. He would of been born in 1977 or 1978.
this earl lamont thomas. but since ive been adopted i was 7 and now im 25 going on 26. my last name has been change to holmes and the last time i heard of my mother my adopted mom told me the people didnt know were she was and said she’s an bad drug addict…please if you can help me all i know is her name is amos…
and i forgot to mention i need to find brother,andre and my sister iris… im hoping we have the same last name. but we have 3 seperate adopted parents….
At birth, 11/11/1932, my mother’s name was Mary Brown? and my father’s name was William Cummins. I was born at Veil Hospital in West Chester, PA. I have my real birth certificate.
My mother was a Home girl for William Cummins and his family in Towson, MD. I was adopted from a convent in Allentown, PA by Alexander M. Read, Jr and Ethel Preston Read when I was 11 months old.
Who are you hoping to contact?
dob 04/13/1961
homestead adoption fort worth tx any info?
Hi! My name is Megan. I was adopted at birth. I wish to find my birth mother for medical and personal reasons. I was born 10-15-1984 in either dallas TX or Tyler TX. My adoptive parents names are Micheal and Patricia McCarthy. When I was adopted they lived in Kansas City Kansas. Please if there is any info contact me. Thank You
hi i am looking for my birth mother. i was borned sept 15 1964. at mercy hosp. in hamelton ohio. my birth mother tryed to keep me. she had me about 3mo. and i was in 2 foster homes and then adopted in jan of 65. realy need to find her. or my birth father. if anyone can help please do so. thank you
Have you tried looking at the birth announcements in the newspaper archives ? You’d be surprised at what you can find on there. You know that the name may have been changed,but the birth date will always be the same. I don’t like the way the State handles adoption cases either. Some laws need to be changed. I believe if someone is being honest,they shouldn’t need to change the records,or lie to the adopted child. They could seal the records when the child is adopted,but then they should release them as soon as the child turns 18. This would make it easier for adoptees to find their birth parents. Unless there’s a specific request by the birth parent that there should be no contact. The other exception would be if the parent had a felony criminal record that involved the child.(I guess I can’t change the world,or how it operates,and it really gets to me) I have also been through a lot in my life. I sure hope this info helps. You could also use a “skip trace” to find her, I think
I don’t really know how to do this,but I’ve heard of it.
I am looking for the birth parents. I was born on March 21, 1978 in Cleveland Ohio. It was a private adoption and I have no idea where to begin. Can anyone pleae help me?
I am looking for my husband’s birth mother or sister. He was born 5/27/1977, birth name Robert Aikman at Flushing Hospital & Medical Center in New York. His mother was an only child born in Jamaica, West Indies and came to New York in 1974. He has a sister that was born 4/15/1976, today is her birthday! They went through Little Flower adoption agency and his adopted parents were Robert and Leonora Hoyle. If someone could help us find them or one of them, it would be a miracle!
I was born Jan, 30, 1962 in Grand Rapids, MI at the Salvation Army Home. My mothers name was Karen Johnson. She went to Muskegon High School. I am looking for my father or any info on him, mainly for my medical Hx. and possibly any siblings
I seen your blog on here.. I have called the courts and they told me those records are sealed forever… I have ordered a birth certifcate… The agency i used has fallen off the face of the earth…What did they do with my records…i found the social security thing interesting… I am looking for my daughter but do not have her name..Do you have any suggestions to help…God is calling me to find her…Please help
i was born in san bernadino county in december 1967 and i would like to find my birth mother and sister.my sister is 2 years older.my moms maiden name is patterson her first name is debbie. please help me find them.
I was born in Kokomo IN on mar 22,1956 and would like to contact birth mother. I know I also have 2 younger sisters by same mother. she was 20,birth father was 21. they weren’t married. I was adopted through Howard Co Welfare dept. Anybody????
I just found out that my children were both “adopted” as adults. The children and I remain in contact. I was never told about this until recently.
I would like to see for myself what was signed. The state is Massachusetts.
Can you help?
EFW
I am searching for birthfamily. Born 11/13/1968 in Norfolk Va, but birthmom lived in Lowell, MA. Adopted thru Catholic Charites in Boston 02/1969 (?). My mom is at the end of her life and she has always wanted me to meet my birthmom. She wants me to thank her for providing her the ability to be a mother.
im looking for my brother he was given up for a adoption when he was 2 or 3 years of age his name at the time was aron micheal zehren and was born in march 1986. i want to meet him and let him meet his nieces and nephews. my mother passed away in 2001 and my grandpa and grandma also passed away. im hoping he will see this and contact me.
i am looking for my birth mother i was born june 17 1967 in greenwich ct i was adopted through the catholic charity of bpt ct can anyone help mr please
My name is Jasmine, and I was born on May 28, 1988 in Sheffield Alabama. I was given up for adoption, and I believe my birth name was Leah. I am looking for my birth family.
My fathers name is Craig Brown. He was born July 1st 1960 in Boston Mass. His mothers name was Jean E. Jackson. She was 17 when she had him. His mother was Native American and African American. She onced live at 112 Glenway st in Dorchester Mass. Any help would be apperciated.
Hey im lakeya and im looking for my 2 adopted brothers.We were all adopted but for sum reason them 2 was split from the rest of us. They were born in atlanta georgia, i have no idea what their names are or anything, i jus wish to find them soon!!! can u guys please help
Hi, my name is Mary, I was born 7/19/1964 in Flomaton, AL at Escambia County Hospital and was the 6th child born to my birth mother. When I was 7 months old we were all taken into the custody of the state for abuse and neglect. I was malnourished and stayed under doctor’s care while my 5 siblings were returned to our birth mother. My siblings were removed from the home a 2nd time and their paternal grandmother was granted custody. She did not seek custody of me because her son, my legal father, denied I was his child. According to the State of Florida adoption record’s non-identifying information that was released to me he was http://www.omnitrace.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_lol.gifin prison at this time. I remained in the custody of the State of Florida until he signed that it was in my best interest to be adopted. I was adopted by Viola Lavanda Williams Egan (4/16/18) and Patrick Joseph Egan (6/6/30). My birth mother had 2 children after my birth; one of which died prior to my adoption in 1968.
If anyone has any information on my 1/2 siblings or my birth parents any help would be appreciated.
Have you checked any Probate records yet? You may find a lot of info there. County courthouse,archives(newspaper)?
I know it isn’t very much info,but it looks like you have done a lot of searching already. I hope you find out something
My name is Rebecca. I was born April 9,1976 at McLaren Hospital(?) in Flint Michigan. Adoptive parents names are Theral (Delong) Hager and Joseph William Hager. Any info on any biological relatives would be greatly appreciated.
I am looking for my birth Mother I was born in 1964, My State does not have open records and I was adopted through Luthern Social Service so I have been told I lived with my birth Mother for 2 or 3 months. All I have is my date of birth and my adoptive parents name is there any help for me. I would love to know where my daughter gets some of her looks Is there hope for me…
Have you contacted the Luthern agency and asked them for “non-identifying” information? This will often lead you to other clues. They are obligated to give you that info.
My name is Sandra. I am looking for two kids I put up for adoption. the first is 12. she was born in Grand Junction Co. on Feb. 11, 1999 she was adopted to a family that lived, at the time, in fruita Co. they Are Manonites (religion) She was born in St. Marys Hosp. in Grand Junction her birth name was Meaghan NIcole Tamburelli
My second son was born on 3/5/08 at UAMS hospital in Little Rock Ar. he was 2 weeks old when i gave him up. The adoption agency, called adoption advantage was found, through the courst, to be doing very illegal things and told him he had to relinquish all of his files. of course he did not he is in hiding. my sons name at birth was Zachery Sheldon Young.
please,please if anyone has anynews please help me
tage, was found doing very illegal things. The courts pulled his license in Little Rock
My mothers name was Shirley Clark, Some time between 1963 to 1965 my mom had a little girl. She was born in Long Beach Ca. Either at Long Beach Memorial or Community Chest Hosp. in the city of Long Beach. I don’t have very much info. The doctor told my mom that the adoptive parents were well off and had no children of their own. I don’t know if were ever told you were adopted but now that my mother is gone, I would like very much to meet you and for you to understand why our mother couldn’t keep you. Some one told me once that she did what she thought was best for you, she already have 4 children at home. Your father, my stepfather paniced when mom told him about you and left us but when he came back it was to late to get you back. We, your brothers and sisters had a big gaping hole when mom did not bring you home. We have thought of often and have hoped you had a good life. I hope that you may be looking for us. If this sounds familar please talk to your parents and get in touch with me . PLEASE
I am female born November 17, 1958 in Gulfport, Mississippi to a 16 year old unwed mother. I am looking for my birth mother. I was told my birth mother was the daughter of a Baptist minister. The physician was Dr. Gray who put my adoptive parents in touch with my birth mother. In the hospital I may have been called “Rose Burnitt” (or Burnett.) The birth mother was from Louisiana and staying with family in Mississippi during the pregnancy. I left the hospital at 5 days old with my adoptive parents who were living in Biloxi at that time. They returned to Texas after the adoption. Their names are Addison Carl Stone, Jr. and Geraldine (Jere) Ada Mercer Stone, both now deceased. I would just like medical and ethnic history and perhaps pictures. Thank you for any help.
I am looking for my adopted mothers birthparents. She was born Jan.2, 1902 in Michigan, Pharma Township, Jackson County. She was adopted as an infant. She died at my birth in Torrance CA. about July 2, 1932. She was adopted by Ralph L. Ray and Ida Mae in Michigan. She married my father Daniel Morton Leonard, had one daughter Dorothy before me. Thank you for any help and for your time, Ray
The main reason I am seeking information on my birth parents is due to having a son who was born with epilepsy, brain damage and autism. I would like to know any medical records that are available that would shed some light (perhaps) on why this happened.
My adoption was a closed adoption and I have idea how to begin persuing this information.
My birthdate is June 26th, 1938 and I was born in Richmond VA. I was adopted at approximately 6 months of age from a private adoption agency. I do not know the name of the agency.
My adoptive parents names were Everett Arthur and Dorothy Kelley Ludley. They are now deceased. At the time of my adoption they were living in Charlotte NC.
Your adoption had to be registered with the state even if it was closed. I would start by writing the state and asking for your “non-identifying” birth information. If you can get that it will give you many more clues. Look up Virginia Vital Statistics.
Hi I was born march 4 1960. I was sent to the christian adoption agency. I was adopted at the age of 10 months. I was born in Milwaukee WI. My birth mother wrote that she was polish. My father was Irish. She was to young to keep me and my father went back to Ireland at notice of pregnancy.My mother was from Milwaukee WI. Last I heard I still had family in WI. I am hoping to find any family members. I don’t no if my mother or father ever had any other children. I would like to know and meet them and any other family members. Oh my mother also wrote she was allergic to orange juice. I and my son are to. Please mom I would really like to meet you and the rest of my family. this is sent with love.
Hello. My name is Debbie and I am searching for my 1/2 sister, who, from what I was told, was adopted at birth. She was born to an unwed mother, by the name of Barbara, between the years of 1959 and 1961. She was born in or near Poughkeepsie, New York. I have no information about her biological father, but, we share the same mother, and I have information about her. I was born in 1958, I would have been about 2 years old at the time. Our mother was quite young at the time of her birth, probably about 18-20 years old. I was told that her adopted parents were unable to have kids of their own, and they paid all of my mom’s medical expenses while she was in the hospital. Since the records are sealed in NY state, I have not been able to find anything else out. I would love to know her or at least know about her, and if she has had a happy life, and if she is ok. From what I understand, my mother would have kept her, except for the fact that my sister’s dad’s mother and dad did not want him to marry into a “ready made family”. He listened to his parents, and did not marry my mother. At that time, being an unwed mother was not as accepted then, as it is today. So, my mother’s father said she’d have to give the baby up for adoption, which is what she did. My mother has not had an easy life, and has alot of “baggage” that has not been resolved. She does not know that I am looking for my sister. If this senario sounds like it may be you, or someone that you know, please contact me. Thanks so much for reading this, and God Bless.
Just a note to my sister: I love you, even though we have never met, but, you are a part of me, and even if we never get the chance to talk, I want you to know that I wish you the best of everything, and you are in my prayers, always.
Love from my heart, Your sister, Deb.
I am seeking my half-brother who was born in March 1949 in Waukesha Wi to Alice Benesch and Robert Engerson. I don’t have a birth certificate, so it is possible that my mother altered her name on the certificate, but I have the little bracelet provided by the hospital and other paperwork that leads me to believe that Engerson was his surname. My maternal grandmother told me of his birth when I was quite young. I never discussed this with my mother, but would be happy to share any information about her. And, how cool to meet your brother!
Looking for my adopted sister. My mother told me her name was Deborah ann. She was born 1960s at heamstead hospital N.y my mothers name is janie.please eny info will be helpful..
i am a 25 year old female who was adopted at about 4 months from Lowell General HHospital in MASS. i have brown hair and brown eyes, 5′ 10′ with a beautiful 3 yr old little girl.
i am looking for my sister, her name was “rachel kimberly cave” before the adoption. she was born in anderson,indiana.her birthdate is either 3/8/1972 or 3/9/1972 or 1973.she was born with cerebral palsy. i have been looking for her forever.please if anyone has any information on my sister, or ways to help me find her please,please let me know!thank you!
my three cosins were taken by child protective services in ft worth tx the case worker was debbie moore the kids are francis marie newton john casey newton and james larry newton parents at birtth were george larry newton and janice ann newton they were adopted out we want to find them
mather is looking for her twins and the Daughter name is connie lea mullins and the name of the son is Ronnie lee mullins mather name is Joyce marie mullins married name is (valenzuela) and the father name is Donald Ray muncy I am the Daughter of Joyce marie mullins. thare barthday is 10-25-1962.thare are barn in Fairmont, Marion, West Virginia, USA.??????