Adoption Search Application

Use of form: Completion of this application is required to request adoption information from the Adoption Records Search Program.  This form should only be used if the adoption was finalized in the state of Wisconsin. . Regardless of place of birth, the program will only have records if the adoption was finalized in the State of Wisconsin. Stop and call the Adoption Records Search Program if uncertain about place of adoption. Personal information you provide may be used for secondary purposes [Privacy Law, s. 15.04(1)(m), Wisconsin Statutes].

Instructions: To request information about an adoption completed in Wisconsin, complete and sign this application with the appropriate attachment(s). You will then need to proceed to the payment portal to pay the $40.00 application fee.

If you have any questions or would prefer to complete a paper application, contact the Adoption Records Search Program at (608) 422-6928 or DCFAdoptionSearch@wisconsin.gov. You can also access a printable copy of this application.

Applicant Information

Access to confidential adoption information is restricted to the following requesters age 18 or older. Check the box that applies.

Information to Locate the Adoption Record

Attach proof of this relationship below.

Was this a stepparent or relative adoption?
Were you adopted more than once?
Was the adoptee adopted more than once?
Is the adoptee deceased?
Have you completed DNA testing or other relative search programs (e.g., Ancestry.com, 23andMe)?
Are you in touch with any birth family members?
Is either birth parent known to be deceased?
If "Yes," which birth parent(s) is/are known to be deceased?
Information Requested

Check the box next to each type of information you are requesting.
This may include information concerning the circumstances of adoption and birth parent(s) family medical and social history information collected at the time of planning and placement.
A search for birth parent(s) will be conducted to obtain requested information.
If eligible for enrollment, the Adoption Records Search Program will assist with the enrollment application process. A copy of the adoptee’s Social Security card may be required for tribal enrollment.
Note that birth fathers can only be contacted if paternity was legally established.
Only available to adoptees born in Wisconsin.

Complete this section if you have requested identifying information. Birth parent(s) often carefully consider your reasons for searching before they make a decision about your request. Use the space below to tell us what you would like to share with your birth parents. This statement will be provided to your birth parent(s). Identifying information about you and / or photos cannot be shared with your birth parent(s) at this time.

You may also choose to leave this section blank and instead attach a scan of a handwritten outreach statement below. 

Information Requested

Check the box next to each type of information you are requesting. 

All information leading to the identity of the birth parent(s) will be redacted. Identifying information may be available to the offspring of an adoptee if the adoptee and birth parent(s) are found to be deceased.
This may include information concerning the circumstances of adoption and birth parent(s) family medical and social history information collected at the time of planning and placement.
A search for birth parent(s) will be conducted in order to obtain requested information.
If eligible for enrollment, the Adoption Records Search Program will assist with the enrollment application process. A copy of the adoptee’s Social Security card may be required for tribal enrollment.
Only available to the offspring of adoptees born in Wisconsin.

Confirmation of Applicant Identity

All applicants must complete this part. Requests for confidential adoption information requires proof of identification. Complete and sign the below confirmation of identity and attach the appropriate document(s) with your application.

All applicants must submit a photocopy or scan of ONE of the below identifying items.

A copy of the following identifying document is attached (check ONE):

Check this box to indicate this documentation is attached.

Unlimited number of files can be uploaded to this field.
500 MB limit.
Allowed types: gif, jpg, png, bmp, eps, tif, pict, psd, txt, rtf, html, odf, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, xml, avi, mov, mp3, ogg, wav, bz2, dmg, gz, jar, rar, sit, svg, tar, zip.

All applicants must include a nonrefundable application fee of $40.00. Upon submission of this form, you will proceed to the payment portal to pay the $40.00 application fee.

Please read and confirm the following statements:

Sign above

After receiving your submission, an Adoption Records Search Specialist will contact you to discuss your application and / or request any missing information or attachments. 
Please allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing of your records request.

DCF-F-CFS0144-E (R. 09/2024)