Amendments to legislation will improve access to adoption information for adult adoptees, birth parents and siblings.
Read more about time sensitive changes that could affect adult adoptees and birth parents (PDF, 32 KB).
Read more about changes to the Post Adoption Registry.
Overview
The Post Adoption Registry keeps sealed adoption records for all adoptions in Alberta.
If you were born in Alberta and adopted in another province, see the Adoption records from outside Alberta section.
Types of information
Adoption records
Adoption records can include a variety of different documents containing identifying and non-identifying information.
Examples of identifying information include:
- full names
- date of birth if known
- place of birth
Examples of non-identifying information include:
- year of birth or age
- province of birth
- education level
- physical description
- interests
- medical history
Adoption order
Only adult adoptees and adoptive parents are able to request a certified copy of the Adoption Order.
An order includes:
- date the adoption was granted
- the child’s birth name and name after adoption
- adoptive parents’ names
A certified copy of an Adoption Order may be required for legal purposes. The Post Adoption Registry can request this from the court house on your behalf. To request a certified copy of the Adoption Order, please submit a written request along with 2 pieces of identification, one of which is photo identification.
Non-identifying profile
Birth parents of minor adoptees are able to request a non-identifying profile.
An adoption profile is non-identifying information regarding the child and the adoptive family that was gathered at the time of adoption.
Information provided regarding the child may include:
- hair and eye colour
- a brief physical and personality description
- any medical issues at that time
Information provided regarding the adoptive parent(s) may include:
- age
- ethnic origin
- level of education
- religion
- personality traits
- occupation
- interests
Who can access information
You can access information from adoption records if you are:
- an adult adoptee 18 years of age or older
- a birth parent of an adoptee
- an adoptive parent of an adoptee
- an adult birth sibling
- an adult descendant of a deceased adoptee (a child or grandchild of the adopted person)
- an adult birth family member of a deceased birth parent
Adopted person
Once an adopted person turns 18 years of age, they can request a copy of their identifying information found in adoption records, which includes:
- a Registration of Birth
- birth family information
- medical and developmental history
- a copy of the Adoption Order
Request for Release of Adoption Information (PDF, 275 KB)
You can also request this form by calling our office.
Birth parent
A birth parent can request the following information once the adopted person is 18 years and 6 months of age or older:
- a copy of identifying information found in adoption records, which includes:
- a Registration of Birth
- medical and developmental history
- a copy of the Adoption Order (which provides the child’s name after adoption)
Request for Release of Adoption Information (PDF, 275 KB)
You can also request this form by calling our office.
A birth parent can also request a non-identifying profile of the adoptive parents by submitting a written request to our office, along with 2 pieces of identification, one of which is photo identification.
Adoptive parents
Adoptive parents can request the following:
- a photocopy or certified copy of the Adoption Order
To request an Adoption Order, please submit a written request to our office, along with 2 pieces of identification, one of which is photo identification.
Adult birth sibling
Once an adopted person is 18 years and 6 month of are or older, an adult birth sibling of an adopted person can request the following:
- a copy of the Adoption Order (which provides the adoptee's name both before and after adoption)
Request for Release of Adoption Information (PDF, 275 KB)
A birth certificate or other document which names your parent must be submitted with the Request for Release of Adoption Information.
An adult descendant of a deceased adoptee (a child or grandchild of the adopted person)
Adult children or grandchildren of a deceased adopted person (descendant) may apply to get a copy of identifying adoption records, which includes:
- a Registration of Birth
- birth family information
- medical and developmental history
- a copy of the Adoption Order
Request for Release of Adoption Information (PDF, 275 KB)
You can also request this form by calling our office.
Along with 2 pieces of ID, a death certificate, obituary notice or funeral card must be submitted with the Request for Release of Adoption Information (PDF, 275 KB).
You can also request this form by calling our office.
An an adult birth family member of a deceased birth parent
Once an adopted person is 18 years and 6 months of age or older, an adult birth family member of a deceased birth parent can request the following:
- A copy of the Adoption Order (which provides the adoptee’s name both before and after adoption)
Request for Release of Adoption Information (PDF, 275 KB)
You can also request this form by calling our office.
Along with two pieces of ID, a death certificate, obituary notice or funeral card must be submitted with the Request for Release of Adoption Information (PDF, 275 KB)
How to apply
Step 1. Complete the form
PDF form issues
Fillable PDF forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save the form:
- Save the PDF form to your computer – click or right-click the link and download the form.
- Open the PDF form with Adobe Reader. Fill it in and save it.
If you are still having problems opening the form, contact PDF form technical support.
Request for Release of Adoption Information (PDF, 275 KB)
You can also request this form by calling our office.
Step 2. Photocopy 2 pieces of identification
A photocopy of 2 pieces of identification must be provided, one of which must be photo identification. If you are not sure whether your ID meets requirements, contact our office.
Step 3. Submit the form and photocopies of identification
You can mail, email or fax the form and photocopies of your identification.
Address:
Post Adoption Registry
10th Floor, Sterling Place
9940 106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2N2
Fax: 780‑427‑2048
Email: [email protected]
Records from across Canada
Each province keeps its own adoption records. Adults born in Alberta and adopted in another province should connect with the province where their adoption was finalized.
British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia – Adoption records in Nova Scotia will become open on May 1, 2022.
Prince Edward Island
Yukon
Northwest Territories
Contact
Connect with the Post Adoption Registry:
Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-427-6387
Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta)
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Post Adoption Registry
10th Floor, Sterling Place
9940 106 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 2N2
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