Virginia Adoptee Rights Alliance

08/08/2026

A bill pending in the state Legislature would allow people adopted in the state to get the unmodified birth record.

08/05/2026

07/28/2026

Wish they had not used all imagery of children when this is for adults…but alas…more PR on OBC access!

It’s now easier for adopted children born in Virginia to access a c...

07/21/2026

https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/adoptees-birth-records-no-court-order/?fbclid=IwZnRzaATMqd9wZG9mBWZkaWQWUK9u5_NbtR44OJdB2WpjpSvf6ctX92V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4TOc78Y3rzaK1E8BsJL2lOmWbuf4uzo_GvIVUQMKtyNS-AmBdP1Plo3Qv8IQ_aem_5XmSfS7d3HtxKAhjeKma7w

Adult adoptees across Virginia can now request a copy of their original birth certificate without a court order.

07/21/2026

Press release from VDH! https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/virginia-removes-court-order-requirement-for-adoptees-seeking-original-birth-records/?utm_campaign=20260721_&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&fbclid=IwVERDUATMqUBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUK-hUW1g_K4VxDq3QdNznWQCEFA3N2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6gyKBP1CA9yDSBCwdxGXP5F9weFnxdp03IyOdwSdyLYqa7Exe_GC5dpnVcvg_aem_yp1sAxHbB_3JlHDTlqT41g

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 21, 2026 Media Contact: Tristen Franklin, [email protected] 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 w...

07/17/2026

For folks who requested by mail - can you let us know whose recieved them and what date you requested? We are curious to know average time frames for mailed obc’s!

07/06/2026

**IMPORTANT UPDATE TO BELOW MESSAGE**
FROM TALKING WITH VITAL RECORDS TODAY WE LEARNED- the message you all were receiving is NOT an indication they cannot find your OBC - it was a template they chose to use not realizing the language of it was more concerning to our population...but essentially all it meant to convey was they have the application and need to do further research/normal research to locate the file and verify it's correct before sending it out. They are switching to a different templated message that should work better (not perfect, but better). Everyone who got the message below - it just means they received your application and will be locating and verifying the OBC before sending it back out. it does NOT mean they can't find it...

Have you received this message after submitting your application for your pre-adoption birth certificate?

Understandably, this message can be deflating, but do not be discouraged! We have spoken with Vital Records and they are most certainly continuing to look over each application and research the records.

Also, from our experience in other states, this is not an uncommon situation and most records are located upon further research.

Please exercise patience with the Vital Records staff as they receive a higher volume of applications and phone calls during this time. If your application is in progress, we recommend holding off on calling the office unless it is absolutely necessary, in order to allow staff to focus on searching and filling applications.

07/03/2026

REMINDER! The Office of Vital Records is closed today, July 3, 2026 and will reopen on Monday, July 6.

You can still submit online applications for vital records, but keep in mind that holidays can add to the expected turnaround time.

https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records/applications-for-a-vital-record/

07/02/2026

This article is now available:

Adult adoptees in Virginia can now obtain copies of their original birth certificates under a new state law that took effect Wednesday.