Ohio State Regulations - Access to Adoption Records
Adopted adults, birth parents, and birth siblings can receive non-identifying information if the adoption was finalized before January 1, 1964, or after September 18, 1996. If the adoption was finalized between January 1, 1964, and September 18, 1996, adopted adults must petition the probate court to receive information.
Age of adulthood: 21
Obtaining Identifying Information:
An adopted adult whose adoption was finalized before January 1, 1964, may request and receive the adoption record, birth certificate and information regarding the birth parents. An adopted adult whose adoption was finalized on or after January 1, 1964, and before September 18, 1996, must petition the probate court for the information regarding birth parents. An adopted adult whose adoption was finalized after September 18, 1996, can receive information if the consent of the birth parents is on file. Birth parents and birth siblings related to an adopted adult whose adoption was finalized before September 18, 1996, can file consent to have information released. For adoptions finalized after September 18, 1996, an adopted adult can sign a consent form to have information released to birth parents and birth siblings.
Obtaining an Original Birth Certificate:
An adopted adult can receive birth certificate through the Ohio Department of Health, if the adoption was finalized before January 1, 1964.
Unless a copy of the *book document* is requested you will receive only a computer generated abstract of birth and death certificates as well as marriage and divorce documents. These computer generated documents will *not *include all the information that the book document does. The cost, reportedly is the same. Note that this procedure pertains to *all* documents requested for any reason.
Documents in the Adoption Envelope usually include a copy of the OBC and the adoption decree. Complete an Affidavit of Adoption and send in $20. The Affidavit should be sent to:
Ohio Department of Health
Vital Statistics
35 East Chestnut Street
P. O. Box 15098
Columbus, OH 43215-0098
Attn: Special Registrations
Download the Affidavit here or obtain a copy from the Dept. of Health/Vital Statistics.
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Adapted from: National Adoption Information Clearinghouse. Reprinted with permission.
