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States With Open Adoption Records
Looking for your birth parents can be an emotional and challenging journey, but if you were adopted in a state with open adoption records, you have a better chance of finding the answers you seek. In these open record states, adult adoptees can request their original birth certificates and potentially access more adoption record information.
Even with open adoption records, your search will likely be difficult. You will need to track down your birth mother’s current name and location, which can be challenging, particularly if she has changed her name multiple times or moved out of state. Don’t worry, OmniTrace is here to assist you. We are experts at locating birth parents, regardless of whether you were born in an open or closed record state.
If you were born in one of the following states, you may have access to open adoption records, and OmniTrace can help you get them.
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona (before June 20, 1968)
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware (birth parents can sign a no-contact veto)
Hawaii (born and adopted in Hawaii only)
Illinois (with restrictions)
Indiana (with restrictions)
Iowa (with restrictions)
Kansas
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland (with restrictions)
Massachusetts
Michigan (if birth parent’s rights were terminated before 05/28/1945 or on or after 09/12/1980)
Minnesota (access to original birth records available beginning July 1, 2024)
Missouri (with restrictions)
Montana (with restrictions for birth certificates from 30 years ago or more)
Nebraska (complex laws in effect)
New Hampshire
New Jersey (original birth certificates have been open since 01/01/2017)
New York
Ohio (with restrictions)
Oklahoma (for adoptions finalized after 11/01/1997)
Oregon
Pennsylvania (access to original birth certificates available since 11/3/2017)
Rhode Island
South Dakota (access to original birth records available beginning 7/1/2023)
Tennessee (with restrictions)
Vermont (records will be open as of July 1, 2023)
Washington
Please note the restrictions on the availability of adoption records in some states. Additionally, OmniTrace does not guarantee the accuracy of the above information. If you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know, and we will make the appropriate changes.
If you have any questions about obtaining your open adoption records or need help with your search, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 888-965-6696. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to support you every step of the way.