Identifying information is any information that may lead to the positive identification of an adopted person, natural parents, or other natural relatives. Identifying information includes the current name of the person. It usually also includes an address or other contact information so that adopted persons and natural relatives can arrange personal contact.

The statutes in nearly all States permit the release of identifying information when the person whose information is sought has consented to the release. New Jersey, the District of Columbia, and Guam require a court order for release of identifying information. The Virgin Islands requires a court order for release of information to any person other than the adult adopted person. The statutes Puerto Rico do not currently address the issue of the release of identifying information.

Many States ask natural parents to specify at the time of consent or relinquishment whether they are willing to have their identity disclosed to the adopted person when he or she is age 18 or 21.5 If consent is not on file, the information may not be released without a court order documenting good cause to release the information. In New Jersey, the District of Columbia, and Guam, identifying information can be released only by order of the court. In the Virgin Islands, identifying information can be released only to the adult adopted person or by court order.

A person seeking a court order must be able to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that there is a compelling reason for disclosure that outweighs maintaining the confidentiality of a party to an adoption.

Access to information is not always restricted to natural parents and children. Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming allow biological siblings of the adopted individual to seek and release identifying information upon mutual consent.

Some States have imposed limitations on the release of identifying information. Arkansas, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas require the adopted person to undergo counseling about the possible consequences of contact with his or her natural family before any information is disclosed. In Connecticut, release of identifying information is prohibited if it is determined that the requested information would be seriously disruptive to any of the parties involved.