Adoption Records

Need something else?

Birth Certificate Order for copies of pre-adoption birth certificates

Adoption records are sealed at the time of the adoption and are not public. You need a court order to open them.

To get a court order, contact the Adoptions Clerk at the Surrogate Court or Family Court in the borough where you think the adoption took place. If you were adopted in New York City but don't know in which court, check both.

The New York State Department of Health has an Adoption Information Registry. The Registry doesn't release adoption records, but it can provide general information about birth parents and the name of the agency that arranged the adoption. If all parties register, the State Registry can help parents, children, and siblings reunite.

Online

Learn more about the Adoption Information Registry.

By Phone

Agency: New York State Department of Health
Division: Adoption Information Registry
Phone Number: (518) 474-9600
Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

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