CHAPTER 587
An Act to amend and reenact §§ 32.1-261 and 63.2-1246 of the Code of Virginia, relating to adult adoptees; access to vital records.
[H 301]
Approved April 13, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §§ 32.1-261 and 63.2-1246 of the Code of Virginia are amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 32.1-261 . New certificate of birth established on proof of adoption, legitimation, or determination of paternity, or change of sex.
A. The State Registrar shall establish a new certificate of birth for a person born in the Commonwealth upon receipt of the following:
1. An adoption report as provided in § 32.1-262 , a report of adoption prepared and filed in accordance with the laws of another state or foreign country, or a certified copy of the decree of adoption together with the information necessary to identify the original certificate of birth and to establish a new certificate of birth; except that a new certificate of birth shall not be established if so requested by the court decreeing the adoption, the adoptive parents, or the adopted person if 18 years of age or older.
2. A request that a new certificate be established and such evidence as may be required by regulation of the Board proving that such person has been legitimated or that a court of the Commonwealth has, by final order, determined the paternity of such person. The request shall state that no appeal has been taken from the final order and that the time allowed to perfect an appeal has expired.
3. An order entered pursuant to subsection D of § 20-160 . The order shall contain sufficient information to identify the original certificate of birth and to establish a new certificate of birth in the names of the intended parents.