Adoption Information

New Birth Certificates After Adoption or Other Legal Action

Alabama law directs the State Registrar to establish a new birth certificate, for persons born in Alabama, after an adoption, legitimation or paternity determination takes place. The new birth certificate is substituted for the original birth certificate in the files, and the original birth certificate and evidence of adoption, legitimation, or paternity determination are placed in a "sealed file."

Original Birth Information Available to Adoptee

Alabama vital records law allows an adult adoptee or other person whose original birth certificate was placed in a "sealed file" to obtain a non-certified copy of that record and any other documents in the "sealed file."

Parents Can State Their Preference for Contact

Alabama vital records law also allows a birth parent to place information in the "sealed file" of the child who was adopted. The birth parent may state his or her wishes regarding being contacted and may provide medical history information. Note: If an adoptee wishes to obtain his or her current legal birth certificate, follow the procedures on the Birth Certificate page.

Application to Prepare a Certificate of Foreign Birth

The Center for Health Statistics may prepare and register a Certificate of Foreign Birth upon receipt of a request from adoptive parent or an adopted individual 19 years of age or older. A Certificate of Foreign Birth may be put on file for a child who has automatically acquired United States citizenship following a foreign adoption and who possesses a Certificate of Citizenship in accordance with the Child Citizenship Act. Upon receipt of the required and consistent documentation with the appropriate fee, the Center for Health Statistics will prepare a Certificate of Foreign Birth showing the child's new name and the name(s) of the new parent(s).

Effective May 1, 2017, identification will be required to obtain a restricted birth certificate. View ID Requirements for more information.

For more information view the following links or call an Adoption Clerk at (334) 206-2643 or (334) 206-2745.

• Adoptee Seeking Original Birth Information
• Birth Parent of Adopted Child
• Adopting Parent or Legal Representative Requesting New Birth Certificate Following Recent Adoption
• Application to Prepare a Certificate of Foreign Birth

Questions

If you have questions or would like information, please call an Adoption Clerk at (334) 206-2643 or (334) 206-2745.