Do I get a new birth certificate after stepparent adoption?

Yes! After the adoption is finalized, you can request a new birth certificate that lists the adoptive stepparent as a legal parent.

How it works:

1. The court sends the final adoption order to your state's vital records agency

2. You submit an application for a new birth certificate

3. The new certificate is issued with the adoptive parent's name

4. The original birth certificate is sealed (not destroyed)

What the new birth certificate shows:

• The child's name (can be changed as part of the adoption)
• Both legal parents: your spouse and you
• Original birth date and birth location remain the same

Timeline: Usually 4–8 weeks after the court sends the order

Cost: Typically $15–$30 per certified copy

How many copies to order: We recommend 3–5 certified copies for:

• School enrollment
• Passport application
• Medical records
• Insurance
• Your personal records

We include instructions for ordering the new birth certificate in your document package.