Obtaining Non-Identifying Information:
Adoptive parents and adopted adults (age 19) may obtain non-identifying information.

Obtaining Identifying Information:
Identifying information is provided on the original birth certificate, which is released according to the provisions below.

Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:
An adopted adult can request a copy of the original birth certificate. At this time the Commissioner of Human Services will attempt to locate the birth parents to obtain consent to release the original birth certificate. If each birth parent is located and consents are given, the original birth certificate will be released. If there is no reply or contact with the birth parents, for adopted adults adopted before August 1, 1977, the adopted adult must petition the court for release of the original birth certificate. If the adoption was finalized on or after August 1, 1977, then the original birth certificate will be released to the adopted adult if the birth parents have not filed an access veto.

Accessing Adoption Records:
Adoption records are confidential for 100 years at which time they become public record.

Search Resources for this State

Source: National Adoption Information Clearinghouse. Reprinted with permission.

Related Topics

Birth
Adopted
Birth Certificate
Original Birth Certificate

Birth Parents
Adoptive Parent
Access Veto
Identifying Information