May a Biological Parent Registration Identification Form be updated?
No. If a name or address is changed, it will be necessary to complete a new form.
[Back to Top]
Can a biological parent withdraw his or her consent once it is filed?
Yes. To withdraw consent, it will be necessary for a biological parent to complete a Withdrawal of Biological Parent Consent form. This form may be requested by calling 1-877-PA-HEALTH or (724) 656-3100 or by mailing a request to:
Division of Vital Records
Attn: Adoption Registry
101 S. Mercer Street, Room 401
PO Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16101
[Back to Top]
How An Adoptee Can Find Out If A Biological Parent Has Registered
Who may obtain information regarding biological parents?
What information is required to find out if a Biological Parent Registration Identification Form is on file?
Is there a search fee to find out if a Biological Parent Registration Identification Form is on file?
Are there any other requirements?
How may I request whether the biological parent(s) consented to release information?
What information is received if both biological parents have filed Parent Registration Identification Forms?
What happens if only one biological parent files a Biological Parent Registration Identification Form?
What happens if neither biological parent files a Biological Parent Registration Identification Form?
What happens if a biological parent files a consent form after the Division of Vital Records processes a request?
[Back to Top]
Who may obtain information regarding biological parents?
To determine if a Biological Parent Registration Identification Form is filed, a request may be submitted by an adoptee who is at least 18 years of age. The adoptive parent or legal guardian of an adoptee who is less than 18 years of age may also submit a request.
[Back to Top]
[Back to "How An Adoptee Can Find Out If A Biological Parent Has Registered"]
What information is required to find out if a Biological Parent Registration Identification Form is on file?
· Name of child after adoption (first, middle, last)
· Date of birth
· City, boro, township of birth
· County of birth
· Adoptive father's name
· Adoptive mother's maiden name (first, middle, last)
· Applicant's mailing address
· Applicant's daytime telephone number, including area code
[Back to Top]
[Back to "How An Adoptee Can Find Out If A Biological Parent Has Registered"]
Is there a search fee to find out if a Biological Parent Registration Identification Form is on file?
Yes. There is a $10.00 fee to conduct this search.
[Back to Top]
[Back to "How An Adoptee Can Find Out If A Biological Parent Has Registered"]
Are there any other requirements?
Yes, it will be necessary to submit a completed application form with a legible copy of government issued photo identification of the adoptee or adoptive parent. Examples of acceptable identification are a state issued driver's license, state issued non-driver photo ID, etc.
[Back to Top]
[Back to "How An Adoptee Can Find Out If A Biological Parent Has Registered"]
How may I request whether the biological parent(s) consented to release information?
All requests must be submitted on an Application for Certified Copy of Birth Record form and include the signature and photo ID of the adoptee or adoptive parent submitting the request. Indicate on the application form in the entry entitled "Intended Use of Certified Copy" that you are requesting if the biological parent(s) have filed a consent form. You may download the application form
[Back to Top]
[Back to "How An Adoptee Can Find Out If A Biological Parent Has Registered"]
What information is received if both biological parents have filed Parent Registration Identification Forms?
The Division of Vital Records will release the current names and addresses of the parents as well as a certified copy of the original birth record prior to adoption.
[Back to Top]
[Back to "How An Adoptee Can Find Out If A Biological Parent Has Registered"]
What happens if only one biological parent files a Biological Parent Registration Identification Form?
The Division of Vital Records will release the current name and address of the consenting parent only.
[Back to Top]
[Back to "How An Adoptee Can Find Out If A Biological Parent Has Registered"]
What happens if neither biological parent files a Biological Parent Registration Identification Form?
Under these circumstances, information cannot be released by the Division of Vital Records. The requestor is then referred to the appropriate court of adoption for further assistance.
[Back to Top]
[Back to "How An Adoptee Can Find Out If A Biological Parent Has Registered"]
What happens if a biological parent files a consent form after the Division of Vital Records processes a request?
If consent is received at a later date, the identifying information will not be sent to the adoptee. Therefore, an adoptee may wish to request periodically to determine if a consent form has been filed.
