Open Sealed Files
The Montana Office of Vital Records maintains sealed files for specific legal actions, including Adoptions, Surrogacy, and Court-Ordered Name Changes.
Who is Authorized to Request a Sealed File?
Access to these files is restricted. Generally, access is granted to:
- Any individual named on the birth certificate created by that specific sealed file.
- Individuals with a valid Court Order.
How to Request Your Original Birth Certificate
To request the original birth certificate contained within a sealed file, please choose one of the following methods:
- Standard Application: Complete and mail the Open Sealed File Request Form.
- Written Request: If you prefer not to use the form, you may submit a signed letter including:
- Full name after adoption or name change.
- Full name prior to adoption.
- Date and place of birth.
- Full names of adoptive parents (including mother’s maiden name).
Required for all requests:
- $25.00 Processing Fee (See the Fee Schedule for more information).
- Photocopy of a valid Government-Issued Photo ID.
Important Legal Exceptions (Court Orders)
In the following situations, Montana Law requires a Certified Court Order to be submitted with your request:
- Date Restriction: Any file sealed between October 1, 1985, and October 1, 1997.
- Additional Documents: If you are requesting any documents from the sealed file other than the birth certificate, regardless of when the file was sealed.
- Tribal Enrollment: Please include a statement or checklist on official Tribal letterhead confirming that the original birth certificate is required for enrollment.
Contact Our Specialists
If you have specific questions regarding your unique situation, please contact our program leads directly:
For Surrogacy, Court-Ordered Name Changes, or Open Sealed Files:
- Vicky Root: 406-444-4226
For Corrections to Certificates:
- Connie Robinson: 406-444-9039