FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 2026
Media Contact: Tristen Franklin, tristen.franklin@vdh.virginia.gov
Virginia Removes Court‑Order Requirement for Adoptees Seeking Original Birth Records
RICHMOND, Va. — Adult adoptees born in Virginia can now request a copy of their original birth certificate without obtaining a court order, following the enactment of House Bill 301, which took effect July 1, 2026. Previously, adoptees were required to secure a court order before accessing their original birth records.
Under the new law, they may request a copy by submitting an application, proof of identity, and the required fee to the Virginia Department of Health Office of Vital Records (OVR). Birth parents may also file a Contact Preference Form, indicating whether they wish to be contacted, prefer no contact, or request contact through an intermediary. OVR will provide the completed form to the adoptee with the original birth certificate.
“Knowing your own history is a fundamental part of a person’s identity. For years, a court order stood in between adopted Virginians and their original birth certificate. This law removes that barrier by allowing adoptees to access their birth records like everyone else,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Cameron Webb. “VDH is committed to supporting adoptees in their search for personal history while ensuring that the process remains respectful of everyone involved.”
“We understand how important it is for Virginia’s adoptee community to access their original birth certificates,” said State Registrar Seth Austin. “We are pleased to begin processing these requests and to provide adoptees with these meaningful documents.”
The Office of Vital Records expects a high volume of requests based on years of inquiries it could not fulfill under the previous law.
For more information on obtaining Virginia vital record documents, visit the VDH Office of Vital Records or call the Vital Records Call Center at 804-662-6200.
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