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I Am An Adoptee

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.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

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(800) 828-1120, or 711

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