Adoption Information

The Ohio Department of Health 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:

• Ohio Adoption Registry

• Adoptions Prior to Jan. 1, 1964 – Adoption Records Open to Adopted Person with Proper ID

• Adoptions Between Jan. 1, 1964 and Sept. 18, 1996 – Adoption Records are Sealed and Only Opened by a Court Order (H.B. 84)

• Adoptions After Sept. 18, 1996 – Adoption Records are Open if Adopted Person is between 18-21 Years of Age (H.B. 419)

For more information contact: