Adoption Information

A — Z Index: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

The Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, houses birth and adoption records of persons born in Ohio and adopted anywhere in the United States.

Below is the list of Adoption laws and procedures that are used in Ohio:

Adoptions Prior to Jan. 1, 1964 – Adoption records open to people who were born and adopted in Ohio, with proper identification.
Adoptions Between Jan. 1, 1964 and Sept. 18, 1996 – Adoption records are sealed and only opened by a probate court order (H.B. 84)
Adoptions After Sept. 18, 1996 – Adoption records are open to adoptive parents when the adopted person is between 18-21 years of age. If the adopted person is 21 years or older, the records are open to the adoptee. (H.B. 419)

For more information contact:

Ohio Department of Health
Office of Vital Statistics
P.O. 15098
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Telephone: (614) 466-2531

Last reviewed: 1/27/12

Ohio Department of Health, 246 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio 43215