Unless otherwise noted, adoption records in each State are sealed after the adoption is finalized. Sealed adoption records can only be inspected with court approval. In some States a petitioner must prove "good cause." States usually define "good cause" in statute, but case law decisions may also affect how the term is interpreted in subsequent judicial rulings.

State laws vary considerably in how information is obtained, which parties are allowed access to information, and the type(s) of information released. Non-identifying information is descriptive social and medical information from the adoption records but omits details that could be used to positively identify any person who is a party to the adoption. A few States restrict non-identifying information to the adoptee's medical history. Identifying information includes the names of birth parents, their birth dates, and possibly addresses contained in court files, in addition to non-identifying information. Restricted access may depend on the adoptee's date of birth or whether the birth parents have filed a consent for release of information or a request for non-disclosure. Only Alabama, Alaska, Kansas, Oregon, and Tennessee routinely provide an uncertified copy of the original unaltered birth certificate to adopted adults. Some States allow restricted access to birth certificates (subject to birth parent veto, or restricted to adoptions completed before or after a specified date).

Registries allow parties to the adoption to consent or not to consent to have their identifying information released. Passive registries, also called mutual consent or volunteer registries, depend on both parties registering, a match being found, and the follow-up notification by a registry administrator. Active registries require one party to register. A designated individual is then assigned to contact those persons being sought and determine their wishes for the release of information. Confidential intermediaries, assigned by the courts, have access to sealed adoption files for the purpose of conducting a search. They make contact with each party and obtain each person's consent or denial for the release of information.

In an affidavit system, parties can give prior written permission affirming their consent to the release of identifying information. A veto is a document in which one party registers his or her refusal to be contacted or for release of his or her identifying information. Some States may have provisions for a contact veto permitting a party seeking information access to identifying information, including an original birth certificate, but prohibiting contact between the parties. Most States allow an adoptee to petition the court to receive identifying information.