Adoption Records Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an attorney or a court order to get access to a record?

In most cases you do not need an attorney or a court order to get access to the record.

Will my adoptive parents know I am requesting my adoption record?

No. We do not notify adoptive parents when an adoptee requests a record.

How long does it take to receive my records?

The process could take up to 3 months.

Is there a fee?

Yes, there are fees associated with many services we offer.

Request for access to sealed adoption record: $150

Request for non-identifying information in the sealed adoption record: $45

If you cannot afford the fee, you can discuss the possibility of waiving the fee with your assigned Program Specialist.

Waivers are granted and no fees are charged if you can provide documentation that you or someone in your household unit currently receives benefits such as:

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Food Stamps (SNAP)
Medicaid/TennCare
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Youth ages 18 - 23 receiving Bright Futures services

Or any means-tested program that the person’s income and resources would fall below the Federal Poverty Guidelines as published in the Federal Register.

Persons who cannot show evidence of any of the above benefits can complete and submit the Affidavit of Income and Resources for Waiver of Sealed Records Fees form to determine eligibility.

What is the difference between non-identifying information and complete access?

Non-identifying information contains medical information, descriptions such as height, weight, and ethnicity. All identifying information will be removed. Complete access is everything in the record that can be released by law.

What can be released if I request complete access?

Complete access to the sealed records means that we provide you will all the records we have associated with your case. This could include birth family information, medical information, birth information, court documents. Complete access usually offers more information regarding the circumstances of the adoption.

I want to find my birth parents, siblings, and/or a child I placed for adoption.

The first thing you must do is request access to their, or your, record. Once you complete the request for access and the department determines you are eligible to see the file.

If I access my record does this mean I must make contact with my birth family?

No. You do not have to search for birth relatives. You can access the information without contacting anyone.

If my parental rights were terminated, or I voluntarily surrendered my rights, can I get proof of an adoption for the Child Support Office?

You need to request the information through your Child Support Office. DCS can only release the information directly to the Child Support Office.