Adoption Records Availability by State

from U.S. Adoption Records by Tina M. Musso
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State Adoption Records Availability LEGEND
A - Adoptee
B - Birth Parent
CI – Confidential Intermediary
ID - Identifying Information
Non-ID – Non-Identifying
OBC - Original Birth Cert.
1Hawaii has a 120 day time limit for the CI to find the birth parents. If not accomplished in 4 months, then the court can release ID to the adoptee. The birth parent can request a copy of the original birth certificate.
2Idaho allows adoptees to petition the courts without cause.
3Maryland and Ohio allow adoptees born before 1947 and 1964, respectively, to obtain copies of their original birth certificates.
4In Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri, identifying information is available to adult adoptees who were adopted after 1980, 1982 and 1986, respectively.
5Minnesota and Missouri require the use of a CI if the adoption took place before 1977 and 1986, respectively.
6A 1999 Oregon law allows identifying information to be released. Stays ran out May 30, 2000.
7A 2000 Alabama law allows original birth certificate and pre-adoption information to be released to adoptees. It should go into effect August 1, 2000 unless a law suit is filed.
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