An adopted person age 18 or older has automatic access to their OBC in Alaska, Kansas, and, in some cases, Ohio, Tennessee, and Montana. Access in these states depends on which year the adoption was finalized.

State Info on OBC,
State Registries,
And
State Adoption Law.

Passive registries

are also known as mutual consent or volunteer registries.They require both parties to register their permission for the release of their information before a match can be made. Once the match occurs, both parties are notified. These systems depend on both parties being registered, a match being found, and a notification by a registry administrator. Many times one party or the other are not aware of the registry. Passive registries in the United States have a match rate of about 10%.

STATES WITH PASSIVE REGISTRIES

Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Active registries

do NOT require that both parties register their consent. Once one person is registered, an individual (often an agency or a court representative) is assigned to contact the person being sought and determine their wishes for the release of information. Active registries have a success rate of 50-90%.

STATES WITH ACTIVE REGISTRIES
Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oregon.

These registries have many different forms. Below are four examples of active registry procedures.

Search and Consent

Search and consent procedures authorize a public or private agency to help a searching person to locate a triad member to determine if they agree to the release of identifying information, or to meet with the requesting person. If consent is given, the disclosure of information may then be authorized by the court. In many states counseling is required before information is received.

Confidential Intermediaries

Confidential intermediaries are state employees or volunteers sanctioned by the courts, and have access to sealed adoption records in order to conduct a search. The confidential intermediaries are hired by the searching person to conduct searches for an adopted adult or birth parent, to make contact with each person, and obtain each person's consent or denial for the release of information. Depending on the laws of the state contact maybe attempted once, after a specific time period, or the file may close permanently if the person being sought is not found. STATES WITH CONFIDENTIAL INTERMEDIARIES
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

The Affidavit System

In an affidavit system persons can give prior written permission giving consent to the release of identifying information by placing an affidavit detailing the permission in the adoption file. This written permission is sometimes be referred to as a consent, waiver or authorization form. The affidavit system is used many times with the search and consent system.

The Veto System

A veto is a document filed by one party to the adoption in which they register their refusal to be contacted or for release of their identifying information. In an access veto or nondisclosure request system, an adopted adult may receive identifying information about another person if no veto is on file. Some states may have provisions for a contact veto, permitting a person seeking information access to identifying information, including an original birth certificate, but prohibiting contact between the parties.

STATES WITH ACCESS VETO OR AFFIDAVIT SYSTEMS

Alabama, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin

STATE WITH CONTACT VETO Tennessee

In many states, new adoption laws are only proactive- that is, the law only affects the adoptions finalized after the date of the passage of the new law. This leads to the existence in many states of hybrid rules, where the laws surrounding access are different depending on the date of finalization. The variations of these are listed below.

Hawaii: The State utilizes a "notice and consent" provision for adoptions before 1991, where parties being sought are sent a notice through certified mail. If the party does not respond, confidentiality is assumed to have been waived, and identifying information is released. For post-1991 adoptions, an access veto system is in place.

Indiana: Those whose adoptions were finalized through 1993 are serviced through an active registry system, while post-1993 are subject to an access veto system.

Michigan: The State system combines access veto, passive and active registry systems. Use of these plans is determined by the date of termination of parental rights, with division between those whose rights were terminated before 1945, between 1945 and 1980, and after 1980.

Montana: The State passed a bill allowing those born before 1967 to obtain their original certificates. Those born between 1967 and 1997 must go to court to obtain their records. Those born after October 1997 will have access to their original birth certificates unless a birth parent has filed a non-disclosure request.

Nebraska: An access veto system is in effect for adoptees placed after 1988. As for adoptions before that date, there is an active registry. A birth parent registry, to which affidavits can be submitted, also exists.

Ohio: Ohio has different access provisions for pre-1964 adoptions, adoptions finalized from 1964-1996, and those finalized after 1996. Pre 1964 adoptees have full access, with an affidavit system in place for adoptions 1964-1996, and access veto system applying to post-1996 adoptions.

Tennessee: This state enacted a statute in 1995 granting access to all records to those adopted before 1951, and providing a contact veto system for other adults starting in 1996. As of April 1998, the statute is under an injunction and is being appealed to the Tennessee Supreme Court.

Legislative Activity Concerning Adoption Laws

Current and Recently Passed Legislation

Arkansas: House Bill 2202 would allow adopted adults age 21 or older to receive their original birth certificate. On March 8, 1999 it was filed in the house.

Colorado: House Bill 1188 allows for adoption records of adoptions finalized after July 1, 2001 to be available to an adopted adult, birth parent of an adopted adult, an adoptive parent, adult sibling or half-sibling or the adult descendant of an adoptee or adoptive parent. In adoptions that were finalized before July 1, 2001, adoption records should remain confidential allowing access only through the appointment of a confidential intermediary.

Delaware: House Bill 522 allows adopted adults age 21 or older to receive a copy of their original birth certificate. House Bill 522 has been passed and signed into law.

Illinois: House Bill 631 creates the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange. It is waiting to be signed by the Governor.

North Carolina: House Bill 286 regards access to adoption records and a registry for North Carolina. On April 19, 1999 it was re-referred to finance.

Texas: House Bill 13 allows an adopted adult age 21 or older to receive a copy of their original birth certificate. On March 1, 1999 the House left it pending in committee.

The following abbreviations are used:

AA=Adopted Adult
AP=Adoptive Parent
BP=Birth Parent
BS=Birth Siblings
BGP=Birth Grandparents
CI=Confidential Intermediary


Alabama Dept of Human Resources Office of Adoption S. Gordon Persons Building 50 Ripley St. Montgomery, AL 36130 (205) 242-9500. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Probate Court. Age of Majority: 19 yrs. old. Year Records Closed: N/A
Non-identifying information: AA (age 19), AP, BP
Identifying information: Search and Consent with Affidavit System for AA (age 19). Court appointed intermediary by AA request when no consent on file.

Alaska (an open records state for adult adoptees to request their original birth certificates) Dept. of Health & Social Services Pouch H-05 Juneau, AK 99811 (907) 465-3191. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Superior Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old.
Non-identifying information: AA (age 19), AP, BP
Non-identifying information: AP, AA
Identifying information: AA 18 or older can receive the original birth certificate. BP can receive names and addresses if there is consent on file.

Arizona Dept. of Economic Security Admin. for Children, Youth, & Families 3001 W. Indian School Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85017 (602) 277-3564. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Superior Court in the county where the adoption occurred. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA (age 18), AP, BP
Identifying information: Search and Consent for AP, AA , BP, BGP. Court order showing "good cause". AA age of adulthood is 21 for identifying information.
Arizona Confidential Intermediary Program:
Arizona Supreme Court
Torin Scott
1501 W. Washington
Phoenix, AZ 85007
(602) 542-9586 or (602) 542-9580
Arizona for AA, AP, BP, and BGP.

Arkansas Dept. of Human Svcs. Division of Social Services: Adoption Services P. O. Box 1437 slot 808 Little Rock, AR 72203 (501) 682-8345. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact the State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: Probate Court. Age of Majority: 21 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA(age 18) and BP
Identifying information: Passive registry for AA (age 21), BP, and Birth Relatives to the second degree. (1 hour counseling required.)
Each agency must retain a registry.
Court order for confidential intermediary.
Arkansas Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry
P.O. Box 1437, Slot 808
Little Rock, AR 77203-1437
(501) 682-8462
Initial request must be in written form in order to obtain necessary forms.

California Dept. of Social Services Adoption Branch 744 P St., MS 19-31 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 973-3827. State Reunion Registry: None (waiver system). Court of Jurisdiction: Superior Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old Year Records Closed: 1920's
Non-identifying information: AA (age 18), AP, BP
Identifying information: Affidavit system for those adoptions finalized after January 1, 1984, either through a licensed agency or through the state for AA and BP. AA and BS can file a waiver for contact with a sibling. AA age of adulthood is 21.
Passive Registry
Department of Social Services
Adoption System Unit
774 P Street, MS 19-31
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 322-3778
California users should scroll down the page to locate the appropriate information.

Colorado Dept. of Social Services Post Adoption Services 1575 Sherman St. Denver, CO 80203 (303) 866-5700. State Reunion Registry: Voluntary Adoption Registry 4210 E. 11th Ave. Denver, CO 80220 (303) 320-8333). Court of Jurisdiction: In Denver: Juvenille Court. All Others: District Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old for women/21 yrs. old for men
Non-identifying information: AA, BP
Identifying information: Search and Consent AA, AP, BP and BS. Age of adulthood is 21.
Passive Registry
Colorado Voluntary Adoption Registry
Colorado Department of Health
4300 Cherry Creek Drive, South
Denver, CO 80222-1530
(303) 692-2188
for AA, AP, BP and BS.
Colorado Confidential Intermediary Services
P.O. Box 260460
Lakewood, CO 80226-0460
(303) 237-6919

Connecticut Dept. of Foster & adoption Services: State Office Building 80 Washington Street Hartford, CT 06105 (860) 550-6578 OR (800) 842-2106. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Each agency is required to maintain its own registry. Court of Jurisdiction: Probate Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, BP
Identifying information: Limited Search and Consent for AA (age 18) and BP.
Each agency must maintain a registry.
Active Registry
Connecticut Department of Children and Families
Office of Foster and Adoption Services
505 Hudson Street
Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 550-6578
(860) 550-3453 (fax)
for AA, BS and BP.
Search

Delaware Dept. of Services for Children, Youth & their Families Division of Child Protective Services Attn: Adoption Coordinator 1825 Faulkland Rd. Wilmington, DE 19805-1195 (302) 633-2655. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Family Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP, BP
Identifying information: Search and Consent with an Affidavit system AA (age 18), AP (with minor ) and BP.

District of Columbia Dept. of Human Services Adoption & Placement Rsrcs. 609 H Street, NE, 5th Floor Washington, DC 20002 (202) 727-5930. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: 1956-Present: U.S. Superior Court for District of Columbia. Before 1956: U. S. District Court for District of Columbia. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: No provisions
Identifying information: Only via court order showing "good cause".

Florida Dept. of Health & Rehabilitative Services Family & Child Services 1317 Winewood Blvd. Bldg. 8, Rm. 100 Tallahassee, FL 32301 (904) 488-8000. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Registration: $35 Updates: $10. Court of Jurisdiction: Circuit Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". AA, AP and BP register with disclosure to AA, BP, BGP, and BS. Age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry*
Florida Adoption Reunion Registry
Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitation Services
2811-E Industrial Plaza Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32301
(850) 353-0679 or (800) 962-3678 for AA, BP, and AP
*if no consent by BP then AA can request a CI to contact BP to be advised of the registry.

Georgia GA Dept. of Human Resources State Adoption Unit, Rm 501 878 Peachtree St. NE Atlanta, GA 30309 (404) 894-2641. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: Superior Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA
Identifying information: Search and Consent for AA.
Age of adulthood is 21.
Passive Registry
Office of Adoptions
Permanency Support Unit
Attn: Reunion Registry
Suite 13-400
2 Peachtree Street, NW
Atlanta, GA 30303-3142
(404) 657-3559 fax (404) 657-3624 for AA, BP and BS.

Hawaii Dept. of Human Svcs. Child & Family Svcs. P. O. Box 339 Honolulu, HI 96809-0339 (808) 548-2211. State Reunion Registry: No, formal registry on state level. 1st Circuit Family Court maintains a registry for the 1st circuit only. Court of Jurisdiction: Family Court. City & County of Honolulu: 1st Circuit/Family Court. County of Maui: Second Circuit Court. County of Hawaii: Third Circuit. Court County of Kauai: Fifth Circuit Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old (Limited access effective 1/1/91)
Non-identifying information: AA, AP (ethnic and medical)
Identifying information:
Before January 1991 - Notice and Consent for AA .
After January 1991 - Access Veto System for AA.
Age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry
Family Court Registry
Court Management Services
777 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96811
for AA and BP.

Idaho Dept. of Health & Welfare: Adoption Dept. 450 W. State Street Boise, ID 83720 (208) 334-5697. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact Vital Statistics Agency: Bureau of Vital Statistics State Dept of Health & Welfare: Statehouse Boise, ID 83720 (208) 334-5988). Court of Jurisdiction: Probate or Magistrate Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA (medical information only).
Identifying information: Medical Registry for AA (age 18), BP, BS and relatives of deceased and birth parents.
Passive Registry
Voluntary Adoption Registry
Vital Records Section
Center for Vital Statistics and Health Policy
450 W. State Street
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
(208) 334-5990
Information is in the third column.

Illinois Dept. of Children & Family Services 406 E. Monroe Springfield, IL 62706 (217) 785-2519. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: County Circuit Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA (age 18), AP
Identifying information: Passive registry for AA, BP, and BS operated by the Midwest Adoption Center. AA (age 21) and BS; those between 18 and 21 can register only with consent of APs.
Passive Registry
Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
Adoption Registry
605 W. Jefferson
Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 782-6553.
Confidential Intermediary Service of Illinois
Nancy Golden
3166 Des Plaines River Road
Suite 23
Des Plaines, IL 60018
(847) 298-9096 fax (847) 298-9097 AA at age 18.

Indiana State Dept. of Public Welfare Social Services Division 141 Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46225 (317) 232-4956. State Reunion Registry: Yes. IN Adoption History Registry State Registrar of Vital Stats. P. O. Box 1964 Indianapolis, IN 46206-1964 (317) 633-0274). Court of Jurisdiction: Circuit, Probate and Superior Courts. Age of Majority: 21 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP; medical history can be released to any interested person.
Identifying information: Active registry for those adoptions finalized through December 31, 1993 for AA, BP, and BS. Access veto finalized after December 31, 1993 for AA. Search and Consent for pre-adoptive siblings. Passive registry for AA, BP, AP, BS, and family members of deceased AA and BP.
Age of adulthood is 21.
Court order for confidential intermediary.
Active Registry
Indiana Adoption History Registry
Attn: Registrar, Vital Records Division
P.O. Box 1964
Indianapolis, IN 46206-1964
(317) 383-6280

Iowa Dept. of Human Services: Division of Adult, Children & Family Svcs. Hoover Building Des Moines, IA 50319 (515) 281-5358. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: District Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA
Identifying information: Affidavit system for AA and BP. Court order showing "good cause" for AA and AA seeking BS. Age of adulthood is 21.

Kansas (open records state to adult adoptees to request their original birth certificate). Dept. of Social & Rehabilitative Services: Division of Children & Youth 300 SW Oakley Topeka, KS 66606 (913) 296-2500. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: District Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP
Identifying information: Original Birth Certificate Available for AA.
Search and Consent for BP, AA.
AP and BP of minors may be contacted in cases of health or medical need.
Age of adulthood is 18.

Kentucky Dept. for Social Services Cabinet for Human Rscrs. 275 E. Main St. - 6th Floor W Frankfort, KY 40621 (502) 564-2136. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Circuit Court. Age of Majority: "Adult adopted person" = 21 yrs. old. Year Records Closed: 1940* (If finalized prior to 1940, case records are normally available.)
Non-identifying information: AA, if information is updated AA or AP of minors will be contacted
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause" Search and Consent for AA.
Sibling Registry for pre-adoptive sibling and AA (age 18 for both).
Age of adulthood is 21.
Active Registry
Program Specialist
Department for Social Services
275 East Main Street
Sixth Floor, West
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-2147

Louisiana Office of Human Development Adoption Program P. O. Box 3318 Baton Rouge, LA 70821 (504) 342-4040. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Must be over 25 yrs. old. Contact the State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: District or Juvenile Courts. Age of Majority: not certain.
Non-identifying information: AP at placement; BP can place an affidavit at placement.
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". AA age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry*
Louisiana Adoption Registry
P.O. Box 3318
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
(504) 342-9922 or (800) 259-2456
*1 hour of counseling within 30 days of registration for BP, BS, AA, AP.
LA Registry

Maine Bureau of Child & Family Svcs. Main Dept. of Human Svcs. 221 State Street State House, Station 11 Augusta, ME 04333 (207) 289-5060. Adoption Unit. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact Vital Statistics Agency: Office of Vital Statistics ME Dept. of Human Svcs. 221 State St., State House Station 11 Augusta, ME 04333 (207) 289-3184. Court of Jurisdiction: County Probate Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old. Year Records Closed: 1953 (Records open at Probate Court where finalized, if done bef Aug. 8, 1954)
Non-identifying information: AP, AA. Once an adoptee reaches adulthood, medical and genetic information is released
Identifying information: Birth Certificates open before September 23, 1953.
AA age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry
Maine State Adoption Reunion Registry
Office of Vital Records
221 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330-0011
(207) 287-3181
for AA, AP of minors, BP and BS.

Maryland Dept. of Human Resources 311 W. Saratoga Street Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 333-0235. State Reunion Registry: Yes. MD Mutual Consent Registry 311 W. Saratoga St. Baltimore, MD 21201 ($25 enrollment fee). Court of Jurisdiction: Circuit or Probate Courts (usually Equity Division). Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old (21 for enrollment in registry)
Non-identifying information: AA, BP
Identifying information: Passive registry for AA (age 21), BP and BS.
Passive Registry
Maryland Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry
Social Services Administration
Sharon Hackett
311 West Saratoga Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 767-7372
Information

Massachusetts Dept. of Social Services 150 Causeway St. Boston, MA 02114 (617) 727-0900. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Probate Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA (age 18)
Identifying information: Affidavit system for both BP, AA (age 21).
Passive Registry
Adoption Search Coordinator
Massachusetts Department of Social Service
24 Farnsworth Street
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 727-0900

Michigan Dept. of Social Services P. O. Box 30037 Lansing, MI 48909 (517) 373-3513. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: Probate or Juvenile Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: All Parties
Identifying information: Access veto for adoptions finalized before May 5, 1945 and after October 12, 1980 for AA. Search and Consent for adoptions finalized between May 5, 1945 and October 12, 1980 for AA.
Age of adulthood is 18.
Court order for confidential intermediary
Passive Registry
Central Adoption Registry
Michigan Family Independence Agency
Mary Arens
P.O. 30037
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 373-3513
Written requests only.

Minnesota Dept. of Human Services 444 Lafayette Rd. St. Paul, MN 55155-3831 (612) 296-0584. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Probate or Juvenile Courts. Age of Majority: 19 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: All Parties
Identifying information: Access veto for adoptions finalized after August 1, 1982 for AA.
Affidavit system for BP. Search and Consent for AA. Search and Consent to find BS if AA has a medical need.
Age of adulthood is 19.
Court order for confidential intermediary.

Mississippi Dept. of Public Welfare 855 S Plaza Drive Jackson, MS 39284 (601) 373-3526. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Chancery Court. Age of Majority: 21 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA (18), AP
Identifying information: Search and Consent for AA (age 21). Affidavit system for BP.

Missouri Division of Family Services Dept. of Social Services P. O. Box 88 Jefferson City, MO 65103 (314) 751-2981. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Attn: Adoption Information Registry. Court of Jurisdiction: County Circuit Court - Juvenile Division. Age of Majority: 21 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA
Identifying information: AA (age 21) can petition through the court (adoptions finalized before August 13, 1986 the AP must be notified and must consent).
Passive Registry
Missouri Division of Family Services
Adoption Information Registry
P.O. Box 88
Jefferson City, MO 65103
(573) 751-3171 or (800) 554-2222
Information

Montana Dept. of Social & Rehabilitation Services: Social Svcs. Bureau 111 Sanders Street Helena, MT 59601 (406) 444-5622. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: District or Tribal Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: All Parties
Identifying information: AA can receive original Birth Certificate by written request if their adoption was finalized before 1967. AA can receive original Birth Certificate by court order if the adoption was finalized between July 1, 1967 to Sept. 30, 1997. AA can receive original Birth Certificate by written request if BP hasn't registered a notice of non-consent.
Age of adulthood is 18.
Court order for confidential intermediary.

Nebraska Dept. of Public Welfare Division of Social Services P. O. Box 95026 Lincoln, NE 68509 (401) 471-3121. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: County Court. Age of Majority: 19 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP
Identifying information: AP can file a notice of non-consent. Access Veto for adoptions finalized on or after September 1, 1988 for AA.
Search and Consent for adoptions finalized before September 1, 1988 for AA.
BP, BR can file affidavits with the Bureau of Vital Statistics. AA age of adulthood is 25 if adoption was finalized before 9/1/88.
AA age of adulthood is 21 if the adoption was finalized on or after 9/1/88.

Nevada Dept. of Human Rscrs. Welfare Division 251 Jeanell Drive Capitol Mall Complex Carson City, NV 89710 (702) 687-4760. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: District Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". AA age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry
Division of Child and Family Services
Adoption Registry
Capital Complex
711 E. Fifth Street
Carson City, NV 89710-1002
(702) 687-4968
for relatives within the third degree of consanguinity.

New Hampshire Dept. of Health & Welfare Bureau of Child & Family Services 6 Hazen Dr., Concord, NH 03301 (603) 271-6202. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Probate Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP
Identifying information: Search and Consent for BP, AA (age 21).

New Jersey Dept. of Institutions & Agencies: Division of Youth & Family Services P. O. Box 510 Trenton, NJ 08625 (609) 292-8816 (609) 292-5268. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Limited Access. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: County Surrogate, Superior or Juvenile Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: prospective AP; AP and AA with court order.
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". Search and Consent for AA, BP through private agencies. Search and Consent for AA through public NJ agencies.
Active Registry for DYFS of NJ Placements only
Department of Human Services
Division of Youth and Family Services
50 E. State Street
P.O. Box 717
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 292-9139
Information

New Mexico Human Services Dept. Social Services Division Adoption Services P. O. Box 2348 Santa Fe, NM 87504-2348 (505) 827-8413. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: District Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: All Parties
Identifying information: AA, BP can file consents.
Age of adulthood is 18.
Court order showing "good cause".
Court order for confidential intermediary.

New York Dept. of Social Services NY St. Adoption Services 40 N. Pearl St. Albany, NY 12243-0001 (518) 474-2868. State Reunion Registry: Yes. NY St. Health Dept. Adoption Information Registry Corning Tower - Room 208 Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12237-0023 (518) 474-1746). Court of Jurisdiction: Family, Surrogate, or Supreme Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old - but must be 21 to request adoption-related information.
Non-identifying information: AA (through registry or agency)
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". AA age of adulthood is 18. Each agency may retain a registry
Passive Registry*
Adoption and Medical Information Registry
Department of Health
Public Health Representative
Corning Tower, Room 208
Albany, NY 12237
(518) 474-9600 for AA and BP
*child must be born and adopted in New York for parties to register

North Carolina Dept. of Human Rscrs. Child Services Bureau Division of Social Services 325 N. Salisbury Raleigh, NC 27611 (919) 733-0598. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Superior Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old. However, must be 21 to receive non-identifying information.
Non-identifying information: AP, AA (or minor AA who is a parent) may receive health related info.
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". AA age of adulthood is 18.

North Dakota Children & Family Services Russell Building P. O. Box 7 Bismarck, ND 58505 (701) 224-2316. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: District or Probate Courts. Age of Majority: 21 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP, BP
Identifying information: AA (age 18), AP has search and consent. BP and BS (if AA is 21) has search and consent.
Passive Registry
ND Department of Human Services
Adoption Search/Disclosure
ND Department of Human Services
600 East Boulevard
Bismarck, ND 58505
(701) 328-4805 for AA and BP.

Ohio OH Dept. of Human Services Div of Social Services Bureau of Child Services 30 E. Broad St 30th Floor Columbus, OH 43215 (614) 464-4000. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact Vital Statistics Agency: Ohio Dept. of Health Division of Vital Statistics 65 South Front Street Columbus, OH 43266-0333 (614) 466-2531. Court of Jurisdiction: Probate Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old. Year Records Closed: 1964

Oklahoma Dept. of Human Services Division of Child Welfare P. O. Box 25352 Oklahoma City, OK 73125 (405) 521-2778. State Reunion Registry: Yes. But only for adoptions arranged by the state. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: District Court where the adoptive family resides. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". Access veto for those adoptions finalized after November 1, 1997. AA age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry
Voluntary Adoption Reunion Registry
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
(405) 521-4373 for AA, BP, BR, AP (of minor AA), adult descendants of AA and BP.
Confidential Intermediary Search Program
Oklahoma Department of Human Services
P.O. Box 25352
Oklahoma City, OK 73125
(405) 521-4373 for AA, BP, AP, and BR.

Oregon Dept. of Human Rsrcs. Children Services Division Adoption Services 198 Commerical St. SE Salem, OR 97310-0450 (503) 378-6224. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: Circuit or District Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP, BP
*Identifying information: Search and Consent for AA, BP, BS. AA age of adulthood is 18. Each agency has their own registry.
Active Registry
Oregon State Office for Services to Children and Families
Assisted Search and Registry Program
Permanency and Adoptions Services Unit
HRB, 2nd Floor
South 500 Summer Street, NE
Salem, OR 97310-1017 or (503) 945-6643 for AA, BP, BS, AP of deceased AA.
Information
*Recent changes in legislation will allow adopted adults to receive a copy of their original birth certificate. Contact OR for implementation date.

Pennsylvania Dept. of Public Welfare Office of Children, Youth & Families P. O. Box 2675 Harrisburg, PA 17120 (717) 787-7750. State Reunion Registry: Yes. For birthparents only. Adoptees should write frequently to check registry. Court of Jurisdiction: Court of Common Pleas. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP non-identifying medical
Identifying information: Search and Consent for AA. AA age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry (non-identifying information only)
Adoption Medical History Registry
Hillcrest, Second Floor
P.O. Box 2675
Harrisburg, PA 17105-2675
(717) 772-7015 or (800) 227-0225 for BP and AA.

Rhode Island Dept. of Children & Their Families 618 Mt. Pleasant Avenue Providence, RI 02908 (401) 457-4708. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Family Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA, BP, BS
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". AA age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry*
State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
Family Court, Juvenile Division
One Dorrance Plaza
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 277-3352 for AA, BP, BS, surviving relatives of AA and BP.
*1 hour counseling required.

South Carolina SC Dept. of Social Services Adoption & Birth Parent Svcs. P. O. Box 1520 Columbia, SC 29202-1520 (803) 734-6095. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Agency. Court of Jurisdiction: Family Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA, AP, BP at agency's CEO discretion
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". AA age of adulthood is 21.
Passive Registry*
South Carolina Department of Social Services
Adoption Reunion Register
P.O. Box 1520
Columbia, SC 29202-1520
(803) 734-6095 or (800) 922-2504 or (803) 734-6285 for BP, BS, AA.
*counseling required.

South Dakota Dept. of Social Services Richard F. Kneip Bldg. 700 Governor's Dr. Pierre, SD 57501 (605) 773-3521. State Reunion Registry: Voluntary. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: Circuit Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA
Identifying information: Court Order showing "good cause" for AA and AP.
AA age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry
DiAnn Kleinsasser
South Dakota Voluntary Registry
700 Governor's Drive
Richard F. Kneip Building
Pierre, SD 57501-2291
(605) 773-3227 or fax (605) 773-6834
for AA, BP, BS or any family relatives.

Tennessee Dept. of Human Services Post Adoption Branch 400 Deaderick St. Nashville, TN 37248-9000 (615) 741-3263. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: - Before 1950: Probate or County Courts - After 1950: Chancery or Circuit Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old - must be 21 yrs. old to access records.
Non-identifying information: AP(of a minor), AA (age 18), BP, AA relatives
Identifying information: Adoptions finalized before March 16, 1951 have open records for AA.
After March 16, 1951 to July 1, 1996 AA or legal representative have access to records.
Contact veto for adoptions finalized after July 1996 for AA, AA's spouse or descendant, BP, BGP, BR.
Court Order showing "good cause".
AA age of adulthood is 21.
Open records is still being debated in TN.

Texas Dept. of Human Resources 706 Bannister Ln. P. O. Box 2960 Austin, TX 78709 (512) 450-3011. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact Dept. of Health: Texas Dept. of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics 1100 W. 49th St. Austin, TX 78756. Attn: Voluntary Mutual Consent Registry (512) 458-7111) Court of Jurisdiction: District Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". AA age of adulthood is 18. Each agency may have its own registry, but will be referred by central registry.
Passive Registry*
Central Adoption Registry
Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 140123
Austin, TX 78714-0123
(512) 458-7388 for AA, BP, BS
*all registries require 1 hour counseling

Utah Dept. of Social Services Division of Family Services 120 N. 200 West Salt Lake City, UT 84103 (801) 468-5465. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact Vital Statistics Agency, Attn: Adoption Registry (801) 538-6363. Utah State Dept. of Health Bureau of Vital Statistics P. O. Box 16700 Salt Lake City, UT 84116-0700 (801) 538-6380). Court of Jurisdiction: District Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA (and descendants), BP, BS
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". AA age of adulthood is 21.
Passive Registry
Utah Department of Health
Vital Statistics
288 North 1460 West
Salt Lake City, UT 84145-0500
(801) 538-6105 for AA, BS and BP.

Vermont (Believed to be an Open Records State) Dept. of Social and Rehabilitation Services 103 S. Main St. Waterbury, VT 05676 (802) 864-7467. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Probate Court. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA, BP, BGP, BS
Identifying information: Consent by BP for adoptions finalized before July 1, 1986 for release of info. to AA. Affidavit system for adoptions finalized after December 31, 1997 for AA, BP, AP.
Access veto for adoptions finalized on or after July 1, 1986 for AA, AP, BP.
BS can access with AA consent.
Search and Consent for AA, BP, AP, BS.
AA age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry
Vermont Adoption Registry
103 South Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05671-2401
(802) 241-2122 for AA, BS and BP.
Information

Virginia VA Dept. of Health Division of Social Services Adoption Reports Unit 8007 Discovery Dr. Richmond, VA 23229-8699 (804) 662-9855. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Circuit Court, Chancery Division. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause" for AA, BP, and BR.
Search and Consent for AA.
Adoptions finalized after July 1, 1994, BP and BS may receive AA (age 21) information and AP of minors may apply for information.
AA age of adulthood is 18.
Confidential intermediary appointed at AA request.

Washington Dept. of Social & Health Services: Bureau of Children's Services Office Building #2 Olympia, WA 98504 (206) 753-7039. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Superior or Family Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA (age 21 or 18 with AP permission) and BP
Identifying information: Search and Consent for AA (age 21 or 18 with AP permission), BP, BS.
Access veto for adoptions finalized after October 1, 1993 for AA (age 18) and BP.
BP can receive copies of original birth certificates.
Court order for confidential intermediary.

West Virginia Dept. of Social Services 1900 Washington St. E Charleston, WV 25305 (304) 348-4098. State Reunion Registry: Yes. Contact State Adoption Dept. Court of Jurisdiction: Juvenile or Circuit Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AA (and children and spouse of a deceased AA), AP (of a minor), BP
Identifying information: Court order showing "good cause". AA age of adulthood is 18.
Passive Registry*
West Virginia Mutual Consent Voluntary Adoption Registry
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services
Laura Goodman
Office of Social Services
Building 6, Room 850B
State Capital Complex
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-2891 or (304) 558-8800 (fax) for BP and AA.
*1 hour counseling required.

Wisconsin Dept. of Health & Social Services: Division of Community Services 1 W. Wilson St. Madison, WI 53702 Attn: Adoption Search Coord. (608) 266-7163. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: Probate or Circuit Courts. Age of Majority: 18 yrs. old
Non-identifying information: AP, AA (age 18)
Identifying information: Search and Consent for AA.
Before Feb 1, 1992 Affidavit System for BP.
AA before Feb 1, 1992 can request birth certificate if affidavits for release are on file.
AA age of adulthood is 21.
Court order for confidential intermediary.
Passive Registry
Attn: Adoption Search Coordinator
Wisconsin Division of Children and Family Services
P.O. Box 8916
Madison, WI 53708-8916
(608) 266-7163
Information

Wyoming Dept. of Health & Social Services: Division of Public Assistance & Social Services Hathaway Bldg. Cheyenne, WY 82002 (307) 777-7656. State Reunion Registry: None. Court of Jurisdiction: District Court. Age of Majority: 19 yrs. old.
Non-identifying information: AA, AP (medical history)
Identifying information: Search and Consent for AA, AP, BP, BS, BGP.
Court order showing "good cause".
AA age of adulthood is 18.
Wyoming Confidential Adoption Intermediary Services
Hathaway Building, Room 366
2300 Capitol Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002-0710
Bill Rankin
(307) 777-3570; (307) 777-3693 (fax)
for AA, AP, BP, BS, and BGP.

The Links Below Have More Information on State Laws

United States Adoption ~For more on the above states information.

State and Local Government

Where to Write for Vital Records