Gather any available adoption records, names, dates, and locations
Ask adoptive family members for details they may know
Review birth certificates, court papers, and hospital records if accessible
Contact the adoption agency or attorney involved in the adoption
Check state or country adoption registries and reunion registries
Request non-identifying information from the adoption agency or state office
Search public records, census records, and archives
Use online people-search tools and genealogy websites
Take a DNA test through a reputable testing service
Compare DNA matches and build a family tree from matches
Join adoption reunion support groups and search communities
Search social media for names, locations, and family connections
Hire a licensed private investigator or adoption search specialist
Contact mutual relatives if they can be identified
Verify identities carefully before making contact
Prepare for different outcomes and respect privacy boundaries