Requesting Records
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For many adoptees, searching for and accessing your personal history can feel like opening a door to a part of yourself that’s been hidden for too long. It’s a journey filled with hope, questions, and sometimes pain — but it is your right to understand where you come from, who you are, and the story of your life.
Adoptees in the UK and Scotland have a legal right to access information about themselves. This includes birth records, adoption documents, and other personal information related to your adoption. However, the process can feel confusing, frustrating, or even overwhelming at times.
We understand that often information has been withheld or kept secret to protect others — but your need to know your own history is valid and important. This information belongs to you.
A Brief History of Your Rights
The 1976 Adoption Act was a turning point in the UK, making it possible for adoptees to request their birth records and adoption information. Before this, many adoptees had no legal means to access these vital pieces of their identity. In Scotland, the law has always recognized the right of adoptees to access their birth index, but UK legislation helped pave the way for stronger rights across all nations.
Since then, access has improved, but the journey to obtain your records can still be complicated by different rules, sealed documents, and bureaucracy.
Personal,
Pre Adoption Medical Records
Adoption Records
Adoption Court Process Papers
Birth
Certificate, Age Dependent
Birth
Certificate
Birth
Certificate
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Registry
Birth & Adoptions Certificates
TO FIND OUT MORE IN
In Scotland, adoptees have always had the right to access their birth certificates from the age of 16. In England and Wales, this right begins at 18 years old. Recently, Ireland also granted adoptees the right to request birth certificates and care/adoption information.
Most countries and states allow some degree of “openness” for adoptees, but many still impose restrictions.
In Scotland, the National Records of Scotland (NRS) holds the birth and adoption registers. You can apply for copies of both birth and adoption certificates through NRS.
Find out more about birth and adoption records in your area from the list across the site.
Americas
Mapped Updates On States Rights To Request
ABBREVEATED BIRTH CERTS
SAAM is aware of the concerns of Late Discovery Adoptees on the issuing of (Free) Abbreviated Birth Certificates, throughout the Four Nations of the UK. SAAM is seeking clarity on there validity as well as the future of these in circulation as well as the right of informant of the legal adoption process to remedy the fact.
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Court Request's
Adoption Process Papers
Any records relating to your care or adoption are usually kept in your adoption file, which is typically held by the agency that arranged your care or adoption. This could be local councils, charitable organisations, or religious institutions.
Unfortunately, personal files for adoptees have not always been well preserved. Some files have been lost or damaged, especially for historic adoptions, and record keeping has often been poor. Many records have ended up scattered across other collections, making them difficult to trace. Intermediary services may be necessary to assist you.
Access to adoption records is managed by registered adoption practitioners. For adoptions prior to 1976 in England and Wales, a counselling session will usually be required before the adoption file is released.
Court Appeals
SAAM is aware of the concerns of Adoptees in regards Annulling/ Setting Aside Adoption Orders. SAAM seeks the Scottish Government to remedy this on a no claims basis. SAAM has gone further to seek Duel Identity for Adoptees allowing both Birth and Adoption identity to be of Legal Identity.
Adoption Court Process Papers
Adoption Records
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Adoption Records
Care/ Adoption Records
Any records relating to your care or adoption are usually kept in your adoption file, which is typically held by the agency that arranged your care or adoption. This could be local councils, charitable organisations, or religious institutions.
Unfortunately, personal files for adoptees have not always been well preserved. Some files have been lost or damaged, especially for historic adoptions, and record keeping has often been poor. Many records have ended up scattered across other collections, making them difficult to trace. Intermediary services may be necessary to assist you.
Access to adoption records is managed by registered adoption practitioners. For adoptions prior to 1976 in England and Wales, a counselling session will usually be required before the adoption file is released.
WHERE TO GO
Adoption 100 Years Unsealing, What Does That Mean?
SAAM is aware of the concerns of Adoptees in regards Annulling/ Setting Aside Adoption Orders. SAAM seeks the Scottish Government to remedy this on a no claims basis. SAAM has gone further to seek Duel Identity for Adoptees allowing both Birth and Adoption identity to be of Legal Identity.
Adoptees
ARE
Unique
Personal,
Pre Adoption Medical Records
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GP PRACTITIONORS
Medical Records
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Adoptees in Scotland have the right to request pre-adoption medical records relating to themselves. These can be requested through your registered General Practitioner (GP) practice manager.
If your medical records are held within NHS archives, such as hospital treatment records, there may be costs involved in retrieving them.
To learn more about how NHS Scotland manages your personal data and how NHS services across the UK process adoption-related information requests, please refer to the links provided throughout the site.
Note: Personal information requested relates only to you, not to family members. Access to family medical records may require a court order or appeal.
For More on NHS Scotland's Personal Data handling
Court Requests and Adoption Process Papers
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If you were adopted in Scotland, you have the right to access your adoption court records from age 16 (age 18 in the rest of the UK).
Adoption records are retained permanently. Initially, they are held for:
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5 years by the Court of Session
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25 years by Sheriff Courts
After this period, records are transferred to the National Records of Scotland (NRS).
Adoption case records may be held in up to three places:
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The court that granted the adoption order (containing the legal process papers).
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The adoption agency involved (usually a local council or independent organisation).
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The National Records of Scotland, for older or archived cases.
You may require intermediary support to access older or complex records. Further guidance is available in our Records Help section.
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Further Support
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We understand that navigating the process of requesting records can be overwhelming and emotional. We are here to support you by providing information, guidance, and signposting to intermediary services that can help you access your information safely and effectively.
Helping Make Sense
Of The Journey
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