Apply for adoption information
On this page
- Who can apply for adoption information
- How to apply
- Counselling is not required before receiving information
- After you receive information
Download the application form below:
People affected by adoption have their own experience of adoption, which may change across their life. Many find it beneficial to seek the records that were created at the time of their adoption.
The information which may be available usually comes from:
- the Register of Adoptions held by Births Deaths and Marriages
- the records from the Court that made the adoption order
- the records created by the adoption agency.
The Victorian Adoption Act 1984 provides eligible applicants the right to find information about an adoption that is connected to Victoria.
An eligible applicant may also seek a copy of the adopted person’s original birth certificate. Learn more about applying for a birth certificate.
Who can apply for adoption information
Adult adopted people, their natural parents and their natural children are eligible to receive information that will identify other natural family members.
Sometimes other applicants can access information about the adoption but generally, information that identifies that adopted person can only be given with their consent.
Open all
- I was adopted
People who have been adopted can receive information from their records, including information that may identify their natural parents and other family.
- I am the natural parent of an adopted person
You can receive information from the records of your child’s adoption.
While adult adopted people have had access to identifying information about their parents since 1984, mothers and fathers can also obtain identifying information about their adult adopted children following legislative changes in 2013.
Natural parents can receive identifying information that includes:
- a copy of the adult adopted person’s adoption order, and
- information from the records of adoption.
- My parent was adopted
The child of an adoptee can access the following information from their parent’s adoption record:
- The name and any former name of the adopted person, including the adopted person’s name before and after the adoption.
- The date of birth of the adopted person.
- The name and any former name of each natural parent of the adopted person.
- The date of the adoption.
- The entity that arranged the adoption. In some cases, additional information may be available. When you apply, the Adoption Information Service will explain what other options might be accessible to you.
- I am a natural relative of an adopted person
A grandparent, brother, sister, uncle or aunt of an adopted person can access the following information from their parent’s adoption record:
- The name and any former name of the adopted person, including the adopted person’s name before and after the adoption.
- The date of birth of the adopted person.
- The name and any former name of each natural parent of the adopted person.
- The date of the adoption.
- The entity that arranged the adoption. In some cases, additional information may be available. When you apply, the Adoption Information Service will explain what other options might be accessible to you.
- Other people
If you are not a relative, you cannot apply to the Adoption Information Service for information. You can apply for adoption information to the County Court of Victoria under section 100 of the Adoption Act.
How to apply
If you are eligible to receive adoption information you can apply:
- by contacting the Adoption Information Service, or
- via our application form.
You can contact the Adoption Information Service by:
- emailing adoptionrecords@justice.vic.gov.au, or
- calling 1300 194 757 (local call cost) and requesting a call back.
Counselling is not required before receiving information
Counselling is no longer required when applying for adoption information. This comes following an amendment to the Adoption Act 1984 in 2022.
A case manager will offer counselling and talk to the applicant about what information may be available. This will include letting them know that the information may be distressing. The extent of the support provided will vary depending on the needs of that person.
After you receive information
Many people seek adoption information to search for family.
Learn more about searching for and contacting a family member separated by adoption.
Updated 29 January 2026
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