Open Sealed Files

The Office of Vital records maintains sealed files in the case of name changes, surrogacy, and adoption.  

Individuals who are authorized to request opening a sealed file include anyone listed on the birth certificate created by that sealed file.

In order to request an original birth certificate in a sealed file, you must fill out an Open Sealed File Request Form OR provide our office with a written request that is signed and includes the full name after adoption, full name prior to adoption, date of birth, place of birth, full adopted mother’s maiden name, and full adopted father’s name, along with the fee of $25 and a photocopy of your photo ID.

Please note that for sealed files being requested that were sealed between October 1, 1985 and October 1, 1997 a Court Order is required.

A Court Order is also required when requesting any documents other than the birth certificate in the sealed file regardless of when the file was sealed.

Please mail the certified Court Order along with the fee of $25 and a photocopy of your photo ID to our office.

*For requests that are needed for tribal enrollment, please also include a statement or checklist on the tribe’s letterhead stating that a copy of the original birth certificate is needed to enroll.

Corrections to Certificates:
For any questions, please contact Micah Hall at 406-444-9039.

Surrogacy and Court Ordered Name Changes and Open Sealed Files
For any questions, please contact Vicky Root at 406-444-4226.