All adoption records are confidential following state and federal laws.
Adoption records are archived through DCYF headquarters office in Olympia for:
- All adoptions completed through DCYF
- Families who adopted a child in state foster care
Identifying Information
Washington state does not have a central registry to search for a biological parent or child. To access confidential identifying information, you must get a court order. Washington state uses court-appointed confidential intermediaries to help with the search process.
State laws about releasing information:
- Confidential Intermediaries (RCW 26.33.343)
- Birth certificates (RCW 26.33.345)
- Releasing adoptee's information (RCW 26.33.347)
- Washington Adoption Reunion Movement (WARM)
- Adoption Search in Washington state
Non-Identifying Information
To obtain non-identifying information for children who have been adopted through DCYF, send a written request to:
DCYF Public Records
(360) 407-5520
Fax (360) 407-5571
dcyf.publicdisclosure@dcyf.wa.gov
PO Box 40992
Olympia, WA 98504-0992
Please include:
- Date of birth and adoptive name
- Name of adoptive parents
- Return mailing address
For private adoptions, contact the agency that you worked with.
