Adoption records in the United States are mostly sealed by default. What you can access depends on the state, the type of adoption, and whether the records have been opened by court order or state law. This page links to the federal and national resources — state-by-state reunion registries, law summaries, waiting-child photo listings, and agency directories.
What this page covers: Federal adoption clearinghouses, national reunion registries, state law summaries, waiting-child databases, and adoption agency directories. What it does not cover: Individual sealed court files (those require a petition to the court in the state where the adoption was finalized).
Where to start: If you are searching for a birth parent or adopted person, start with the national reunion registries. If you need to understand which states allow access to original birth certificates, start with the Child Welfare Information Gateway. If you are looking for a child to adopt, start with the waiting-child photo listings.
Common mistake: Many people assume there is a single national adoption database. There is not. Adoption records are state-level court records, and most are sealed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for my birth parents using these databases? ▼
Are original birth certificates available for adoptees? ▼
What is the difference between a reunion registry and an adoption agency search? ▼
Where are the actual sealed adoption court records? ▼
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