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Rhode Island has allowed adult adoptees direct access to their original birth certificate since July 1, 2012. What the statute covers and what to confirm.
South Carolina requires a biological parent's affirmative consent, or proof of death, to release an adult adoptee's original birth certificate. Forms and fees.
South Dakota adult adoptees get their original birth certificate directly at 18, no court order needed. The adoption court file needs a separate court petition.
Tennessee adult adoptees and other eligible relatives can request sealed adoption records through DCS for $150. Here is who qualifies and how it works.
Texas seals adoption records by default. Most adult adoptees need a court order, but a narrow exception applies if you already know both parents' names.
Utah now defaults to open access: adult adoptees can see their adoption papers without a judge, unless a birth parent has petitioned to seal them.
Vermont has released the original birth certificate to adult adoptees on request since July 2023, with no birth-parent veto over the certificate itself.
Since July 1, 2026, Virginia adult adoptees can request their original birth certificate directly from the state, with no court order required.
Washington releases original birth certificates to adult adoptees by default, unless a birth parent filed the specific blocking Contact Preference Form option.
West Virginia keeps adoption records restricted. Identifying information, including the original birth certificate, requires consent or a court order.
Wisconsin releases the original birth certificate once matching consent affidavits are on file with DCF's Adoption Records Search Program, for $40.
Wyoming seals adoption records with no adoptee self-service option. Every path to the original birth certificate requires a court order.