Adult adoptees (eighteen and older) can receive non-identifying information from the adoption record and apply to receive identifying information on their birth family.
How Do I Apply?
- Complete the Adoptee Application for Disclosure
- Applications notarized electronically should be emailed to: adoptionsearch@dss.virginia.gov
- Ensure the application is notarized and mail the original to:
Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)
Attn: Adoption Disclosure
5600 Cox Road, 3rd Floor West
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
What To Expect?
- Within 30 days of the time your application is received, your request will be assigned to the agency involved in your adoption.
- You will be provided with the name and contact information for the agency.
- The agency will have 90 days to process the request.
- If additional time is needed, you will be notified and an extension to your case may be granted.
- When non-identifying information is requested, a hard copy of the information will be provided to the adoptee.
- When an adoption search has been requested, to include identifying information, the individual being sought must first consent to the release of their name and contact information.
- Based on the recommendations of the agency conducting the search, the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services will make a final decision regarding release of identifying information.
- Upon consent of the individual being sought and the approval of the Commissioner, the agency assigned to conduct the search will release the name and contact information.
- The record remains sealed under a court order.
Notification of Critical Medical Information
In circumstances where a critical hereditary condition has been identified, an adoptee may submit an application to notify the birth parents and/or adult birth siblings. Per the Code of Virginia § 63.2-1247, a letter from a physician must accompany the application. The letter must identify the diagnosis, verify the hereditary nature, and state it is critical that the birth parents and/or adult birth siblings be notified.
- Complete the Adoptee Application for Disclosure
- Submit the required letter from a physician
- Applications notarized electronically should be emailed to: adoptionsearch@dss.virginia.gov
- Ensure the application is notarized and mail the original to:
Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS)
Attn: Adoption Disclosure
5600 Cox Road, 3rd Floor West
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
Who do I contact if I have questions?
- For additional assistance, email an Adoption Disclosure Specialist at adoptionsearch@dss.virginia.gov
