Adoptions

Once an adoption is legally finalized, the Montana Office of Vital Records establishes a new birth certificate and creates a sealed file for the original record.

What to Submit by Mail

To protect the integrity of these legal records, we require original certified documents. We cannot accept applications via email or fax. Please mail the following to our office:

1. Certified Adoption Decree: A court-issued document with a raised seal or colored stamp.

2. Certified Montana Certificate of Adoption: The official state form confirming the adoption details, certified by the court.

3. Photocopy of a Valid Photo ID: From the requesting parent or legal representative.

4. Processing Fee of $41.00: This includes the $25.00 legal action fee and $16.00 for the first new certified birth certificate.

Mail your completed packet to:
Office of Vital Records
PO Box 4210
Helena, MT 59604

Timeline & Expectations

• Processing Time: Please allow 3-4 weeks for our office to create the new certificate and mail it to you.

• Order of Processing: To ensure fairness for all families, applications are processed strictly in the order they are received. No exceptions can be made to this timeline.

Important Reminder for Parents
The $41.00 fee covers your first certified copy of the new birth certificate. If you require additional copies for school registration, passports, or insurance, please include an additional $16.00 per copy with your initial request.

Need Assistance?
If you have specific questions regarding the adoption registration process, please reach out to our office:
Vicky Root: 406-444-4226 or Vicky.Root@mt.gov