Adoptions
An adopted person who has been adopted in Northern Ireland and is over 18 years of age can apply for a copy of their original birth entry.
How an adopted person may obtain a copy of his or her pre-adoption birth entry
Requirements
You may apply if you are over 18 years of age and have been adopted in Northern Ireland.
If you were adopted before 18 December 1987, you should complete application form ACR14 giving your details and state the location where you would prefer the required interview with a social worker to take place.
The social worker may give you two application forms to assist you in obtaining -
(i) the name of the Adoption Agency (if one was involved) who arranged your adoption.
This application form should be forwarded directly to the court (whose address is stated on the form).
(ii) a copy of your birth entry which will give details of your natural mother.
This application form should be forwarded to the General Register Office for a search to be completed and the relevant certificate prepared.
If you were adopted after 17 December 1987, you should complete application form ACR15 and forward it to the General Register Office.
Fees
£ 12.00 for a pre-adoption birth certificate and
£ 6.00 search fee if you do not state your adoption entry number on the application form. (This number can be obtained from any certificate in your possession, issued from the Adopted Children Register)
How to Apply
Application forms can be downloaded using the links above, requested by telephoning 028 9025 2000 or writing to:-
General Register Office
Oxford House
49-55 Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 4HL
Completed application forms should be forwarded to the above address.
Adoption Contact Register
An adopted person who was adopted in Northern Ireland or a birth relative of a person adopted in Northern Ireland may apply for entry to the Adoption Contact Register which can assist those who wish to make contact with each other.
The names and addresses of adopted persons are held on Part 1 of the register and the names and addresses of birth mothers and relatives are held on Part 2 of the register.
Part 1
Requirements
If you are over 18 years of age and have been adopted in Northern Ireland you may apply for entry onto Part 1 of the Adoption Contact Register.
You should complete application form ACR7 giving your details. All information will be treated in strict confidence.
Should your birth mother or any other birth relative apply for entry onto Part 2 of the Contact Register we will advise you of their name and address.
Your name and address will not be given to your mother or any other relative.
Fees
£ 9.50 - Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable to the Registrar General.
Part 2
Requirements
If you are over 18 years of age and a member of the birth family of a person who was adopted in Northern Ireland you may apply for entry onto Part 2 of the Adoption Contact Register.
You should complete application form ACR11 giving details and enclose copies of the relevant birth/marriage certificates to show your link with the adopted person. All information given will be treated in strict confidence.
Should the member of your birth family who was adopted apply for entry into Part 1 of the Adoption Contact Register he or she will be given details of your name and address.
You will not receive any of the adopted person's details therefore it is up to the adopted person to make contact with you.
Fees
£ 27.50 - Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable to the Registrar General.
How to Apply
Application forms can be downloaded using the links above, requested by telephoning 028 9025 2000 or writing to :-
General Register Office
Oxford House
49-55 Chichester Street
Belfast
BT1 4HL
Completed application forms should be forwarded to the above address.