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Check eligibility to get a pre-adoption birth record

Access to birth records established prior to an adoption may be restricted. Find out if you are able to order a pre-adoption birth certificate.

Can I apply?

You are able to apply for a copy of a birth record established prior to an adoption (without first obtaining a court order) if you are:

An adoptee who was born in Massachusetts on or before July 17, 1974.
An adult child (18 years or older) of a deceased parent who was an adoptee born in Massachusetts on or before July 17, 1974.
The parent or legal guardian of a child (under 18 years of age) whose deceased parent was an adoptee born in Massachusetts on or before July 17, 1974.
The adoptive parent of a child (under 18 years of age) born in Massachusetts on or after January 1, 2008.
An adult adoptee (18 years or older) who was born in Massachusetts on or after January 1, 2008.