Gather any adoption records, birth certificates, hospital records, or legal documents you already have
Ask your adoptive parents, relatives, or guardians for any information they may know
Contact the adoption agency, attorney, hospital, or state vital records office involved in the adoption
Check whether your adoption records are sealed and learn the laws in your state or country
Request non-identifying information from the agency or court, if available
Search for clues such as your original name, birth date, place of birth, or birth mother’s age
Use reunion registries and adoption search registries
Take an at-home DNA test and upload results to matching databases
Search public records, social media, and online people-search tools
Join adoption search support groups and reunion communities
Hire a licensed private investigator or adoption search specialist if needed
Prepare for possible outcomes and respect privacy and legal boundaries
If you find a likely match, verify the connection through records or DNA before making contact
Reach out carefully and respectfully if contact is appropriate
Consider counseling or support before and after the search