Adoption records

Overview

The Post Adoption Registry keeps sealed adoption records for all adoptions of minors 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.

Identifying information is only released to the adopted person or birth parent. 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

Only birth parents and adult birth siblings 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)

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:

• medical information
• non-identifying information about the birth family
• a photocopy or certified copy of the Adoption Order

To request any of the above, please submit a written request to our office, along with 2 pieces of identification, one of which is photo identification.

Adult birth sibling

An adult birth sibling of an adopted person can request the following:

• a non-identifying profile of the adoptive parents containing information regarding the child and the adoptive family that was gathered at the time of adoption

To request a non-identifying profile, please submit a written request to our office, along with 2 pieces of identification, one of which is photo identification.

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.

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.

How to apply

Step 1. Complete the form

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]

Adoption records from outside of Alberta

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.

For more information visit the Canadian Post Adoption Registries page:

British Columbia
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
Ontario
Quebec
New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
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