Vermont Adoption Registry

The registry is the clearinghouse for information about all adoptions that have taken place in Vermont since 1940.

NEW ADOPTION LAW! Vermont Bill H.629 (Act 100) was signed into law on May 3, 2022.

THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE

NON-IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
A summary of information in the adoption record — about the adoption; the adoptive parents, biological/former parents, and birth siblings; and the adopted person's health, genetic and social background.
WHO CAN REQUEST IT	Adult or emancipated adopted people Their custodians/guardians, adoptive parents, and direct descendants Their biological/former parents, grandparents, and siblings
WHERE TO GET IT	The agency that handled the adoption will provide this information. If you don't know the name of the agency, the registry can refer you to the appropriate one. The registry can provide the non-identifying information if there was no agency involved, the agency is no longer active, or it was a state adoption.

IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
Facts that will help establish the identity and whereabouts of the adopted person, biological/former parents, or a birth sibling (e.g., a full name, date of birth, and last known address).
WHO CAN REQUEST IT	Adult or emancipated adopted persons and their direct descendants Biological/former parents and siblings (18+)
WHAT IS REQUIRED	For adoptions finalized before July 1, 1986, the mutual consent of the adult adopted person and biological/former parent or sibling is required. For adoptions finalized on or after July 1, 1986, identifying information about: A biological/former parent may be released to the adopted person as long as the parent has not requested nondisclosure. An adopted person or birth sibling can only be released with their consent.
WHERE TO GET IT	Only the registry may release identifying information without a court order.
STARTING JULY 1, 2023: The new adoption law will allow an adopted person 18+ (and their direct descendants) to get identifying information about the biological/former parents — as long as the adoption was finalized in Vermont and the parents have not filed a request for nondisclosure.

ORIGINAL BIRTH CERTIFICATE
A non-certified copy of the adopted person's original (pre-adoption) birth certificate.
WHO CAN REQUEST IT	Biological/former parents Adopted persons born in Vermont and legally entitled to identifying information
WHERE TO GET IT	Birthparents: send a copy of identification such as a driver's license, along with your request, to Vermont Vital Records, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT, 05402-0070. Adopted persons: send a copy of a letter from the registry or order from a probate court authorizing the release of your birth certificate to Vermont Vital Records, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT, 05402-0070.
STARTING JULY 1, 2023: The new adoption law will allow an adopted person 18+ (and their direct descendants) to get a certified copy of their original birth certificate if they were born in Vermont. They can also get a copy of any Contact Preference Form completed by a biological/former parent.

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ADOPTED PERSONS

What if I'm denied information?

Non-Identifying Information: if you're denied information you are entitled to by law, you may petition the probate court to get it.
Identifying Information: if you are an adoptee and the Registry has denied you information you are entitled to by law, you may petition the probate court to get it. The judge will consider several factors when reaching a decision, including your reasons for wanting this information, whether the person you are seeking is alive, and whether that person filed a request for nondisclosure. If the person has not filed such a request, the court will make a reasonable effort to contact that person to find out his or her response to your petition (this is often done by a third party at the judge's request). The judge will then consider any response received when reaching a decision.

How do I petition the court?

Contact the registry. We can refer you to the appropriate court and answer any questions you have about the process.

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS FOR BIOLOGICAL/FORMER PARENTS

What if I want to be found?

File a Statement About The Release Of Identifying Information consenting to the release of identifying information about you. Inform the registry if you move.

File a Contact Preference Form indicating your preference for contact with the adopted person.

What if I don't want my identity to be disclosed?

You have until July 1, 2023 to file a Statement About The Release Of Identifying Information stating that you do not consent to the release of identifying information about you. This does not guarantee, however, that you won't be found.

File a Contact Preference Form indicating your preference for contact with the adopted person.

FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS FOR ADOPTION CONSTELLATION MEMBERS

What about newly available health information?

Adoptive parents, adoptees, or birth family members who become aware of health information that could seriously affect the health or reproductive decisions of another party should contact the registry. We will attempt to notify the affected party; however, a certified statement from a physician is required.

Is there a cost?

Courts, agencies, and the registry may charge a reasonable fee for costs associated with compiling and releasing information. Any fees will be disclosed to you in advance.

ADOPTION REGISTRY FORMS

CONTACT PREFERENCE FORM
Contact Preference For Biological/Former Parents Of Adopted Persons
STATEMENT ABOUT THE RELEASE OF IDENTIFYING INFORMATION
Adopted Person
Adult Descendant of Adopted Person Who Is Now Deceased
Biological/Former Parent
Biological/Former Sibling
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
Request For Non-Identifying Information
INFORMATION ABOUT FAMILY HISTORY/BACKGROUND
Biological/Former Father
Biological/Former Mother