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:
In the following situations, Montana Law requires a certified court order to be submitted with your request:
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).
- $25.00 processing fee plus $16.00 per document (See the Fee Schedule for more information).
- Photocopy of a valid Government-Issued Photo ID.
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.