How To Get A Birth Certificate If You Were Adopted

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Getting your birth certificate is usually easy-- fill out a form and pay a fee.

However, if you were adopted, it's a bit more complicated.

Once you're adopted, your original birth certificate is sealed, and a new one with your adoptive parents' names is made.

Here's a simple guide to help you get your birth certificate if you were adopted.

1. What Happens to Birth Certificates After Adoption?

When you're adopted, the state issues an amended birth certificate.

This new certificate has the same information as the original like your name and birth details, but it lists your adoptive parents instead of your biological parents.

Reasons for amending a birth certificate

Adoption
Fixing errors
Updating name or gender information

While an adoption certificate can sometimes stand in for a birth certificate, they are different documents.

2. Steps to Get Your Birth Certificates

How to get an amended birth certificate

Know What You Need:
- Decide if you need the amended birth certificate or your original one.
Contact Vital Records Office:
- Reach out to your birth state's Vital Records office to request the amended birth certificate. You'll need to fill out a form and pay a fee. (You can also do this online through State Vital Records)
Follow State Rules:
- Each state has its own rules for issuing birth certificates. Make sure you know these to avoid delays.

How to Access Your Original Birth Certificate

To get your original birth certificate, you'll need to go through a different process since these records are sealed after adoption.

Contact the County Clerk
- Contact the county where the adoption happened to learn how to access your sealed records.
Submit a Petition
- You might need to file a petition to get a court order to unseal your records. This usually involves explaining why you need the original birth certificate.
Attend Court Hearing
- If your petition is approved, you'll go to court to explain your request. If the judge agrees, you'll be able to get your original birth certificate.

4. Secure Your Birth Certificate with State Vital Records

Need an official certified copy of your birth certificate?

Contact State Vital Records!

Why us?

Our efficient process makes replace your birth certificate easy and affordable.

Simply fill out an online application, and we'll expedite the entire process.

We also provide tracking so you can monitor your order's status and ensure it gets delivered securely.

HOW STATEVITALRECORDS WORKS

Order online – Submit the form on State Vital Records through our online order form.

Notarization Through NotaryLive - In terms of notarization, some states require notarization of an application or a sworn statement – because of State Vital Records' partnership with NotaryLive, a remote online notarization platform that provides fast, secure and convenient notarization 24/7. ((Note: Keep in mind there are added fees when using NotaryLive for convenient, remote online notarization.)
- Upload Your Document
- VerifyYour Identity
- Connect Online With An Online Notary
- NotaryLive Routes Your Documents to State Vital Records Automatically

State Vital Records – After notarization through NotaryLive, State Vital Records will send the application to the jurisdiction. This is where the jurisdiction is responsible for the rest of the application process.

Jurisdiction – Will complete order and mail copy of the requested vital records to you

If you require assistance in notarizing your document, please contact [email protected]. Interested in the notarization process? Click here to learn more.

Looking to order your state vital records? Click here to make a request. Have any questions, contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an Adoption Certificate the Same as a Birth Certificate?
- No, they are different. An adoption certificate lists your adoptive parents, while a birth certificate has your birth details.
Can Adoptive Parents Change a Child’s Name?
- Yes, they can usually change the child’s full name, and this will be shown on the amended birth certificate.
What Is on an Amended Birth Certificate?
- It has details like your name and birth info but lists your adoptive parents instead of your biological parents.