Today marks a historic shift for thousands of North Carolinians. As of January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 248 (now Session Law 2025-9) has officially gone into effect, fundamentally changing how adopted individuals and their families interact with the state’s vital records system.
For decades, North Carolina adoptees faced a separate, often frustratingly slow bureaucracy compared to their non-adopted peers. That era of centralized red tape ends today.
The News: Local Access for a Local Milestone
Prior to the implementation of North Carolina adoption law 2026 reforms, anyone seeking a certified copy of an adoptive birth certificate was required to go through the North Carolina Office of Vital Records in Raleigh. This process was notorious for delays, sometimes taking weeks or even months to fulfill a single request.
Under SB 248, the authority to issue these records has been decentralized. Starting this morning, North Carolina adoptees can walk into their local Register of Deeds office to obtain a certified copy of their birth certificate—just like any other resident.
“This legislation is a tremendous win for adoptees and their families. By moving these records to the local level, we are ending a discriminatory and time-consuming process.” — Statement from North Carolina legislative supporters during the 2025 session.
A Guide to Securing Your Records Under SB 248
While the process is now significantly faster, it is important to understand the specifics of the new law to ensure your visit to the Register of Deeds is successful.
Who is Eligible to Request the Record?
The new law permits the following individuals to obtain a certified copy of the post-adoption birth certificate:
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The Adoptee (if 18 or older).
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The Adoptive Parents.
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The Adoptee’s Spouse.
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The Adoptee’s Children.
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Siblings within the adoptive family.
How to Make a Request
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Identify the County of Birth: You should visit the Register of Deeds in the county where the birth occurred.
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Verify Digitization: Most records after 1971 are already in the statewide electronic system. If your record is older and not yet digitized, the Register of Deeds can request digitization, which the State Registrar is now legally required to complete within two business days.
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Provide Identification: Standard government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) is required to verify your relationship to the record.
What the Law Does (and Does Not) Change
It is vital for adoptee rights NC advocates to note that while this law increases convenience, it does not change the confidentiality of original adoption records.
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What is Available: This law grants local access to the amended birth certificate—the one that lists the adoptive parents and the child’s new legal name.
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What Remains Sealed: The original birth certificate (listing biological parents) and all associated adoption court records remain sealed under North Carolina law. Accessing those records still requires a court order or the use of the state’s confidential intermediary program.
Conclusion
The implementation of SB 248 is a massive step forward in recognizing the dignity and equal standing of adopted families in the eyes of North Carolina law. However, navigating the intersection of vital records, privacy protections, and the complexities of the adoption process can still feel overwhelming. Whether you are seeking to clarify your rights under this new law or are beginning the journey of expanding your family through adoption, expert legal guidance is essential. To ensure your family’s legal interests are protected under the latest 2026 statutes, contact Lforlaw today to connect with the expert North Carolina adoption attorneys who can help you navigate this landmark transition and secure the vital records your family deserves.
Sources
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North Carolina General Assembly: Session Law 2025-9 / Senate Bill 248 – Birth Certificates for Persons Adopted (Enacted June 2025).
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Iredell County Register of Deeds: New legislation streamlines access to birth certificates for adoptees (Dec 31, 2025).
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Buncombe County Government: Registers of Deeds to Begin Issuing Adoptive Birth Certificates in 2026 (Dec 30, 2025).
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UNC School of Government: Bill Summaries: S248 (2025-2026 Session).
