18+ General Discussion Forum

Thanks, Marcia.
I think each state or adoption agency has a different procedure. I'll search more to see if I can come up with a generic system.

*edited to add*
In case it may be of use to others: The original birth certificate is sealed and a new one is given with the names of the adoptive parents in place of the birth parents. This is called an amended birth certificate.
Birth certificates may also be amended if there is a sex change.
Application procedures and requirements change from state to state. Also some states allow opening up the sealed birth records (some with a court order) while others do not.