For adoptions finalized on or after July 1, 1994: When the adoptee is 21 years of age or older, the birth parent may apply to receive identifying information on the adoptee. At anytime, birth parents can send letters, medical history, and relative information to VDSS. This information will be added to the adoption record, to be included in the adoption record.
For adoptions prior to July 1, 1994: Birth parents can send letters, medical history, and relative information to VDSS. This information will be added to the adoption record. If the adoptee submits a request to VDSS, the information will be provided to them.
How Do I Apply?
- Complete the Birth Parent 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 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.
How do I add information to a record?
Birth parents can send letters to VDSS to be included in the adoption record at any time.
- Complete the Relative Update to an Adoption Record form
- 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
Notification of Critical Medical Information
In circumstances where a critical hereditary condition has been identified, a birth parent may submit an application to notify the adoptee. 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 adoptee be notified.
- Complete the Birth Parent 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
