Adoptees in NY State Can Now Obtain Birth Certificates

Good news for adoptees who want to know who their birth parents are. According to Governor Cuomo's Office, now, in New York State, adoptees are allowed to receive a certified copy of their original, or pre-adoption, birth certificate after they turn 18-years-old. If the adoptee is deceased, direct line descendants, such as a child, grandchild or great-grandchild of the adoptee, may request a copy of the adoptee’s birth certificate. Also, a lawful representative of an adoptee or a deceased adopted person’s direct line descendant may also apply. Applications can be made online with the State Department of Health.