Wisconsin Adoption Search Application (DCF-F-CFS0144)
Wisconsin Department of Children and FamiliesAdoptionForm DCF-F-CFS0144Free downloadLast verified November 10, 2026
Requests adoption record information for an adoption finalized in Wisconsin, including the original birth certificate for adoptees born in Wisconsin. It goes to the Adoption Records Search Program of the Department of Children and Families, not to the vital records office.
Who can use this form
- Applicants must be age 18 or older
- An adult adopted in Wisconsin, or a person whose birth parents' rights were terminated in Wisconsin
- An adoptive parent, guardian or legal custodian of such a person
- An offspring of a person adopted in Wisconsin, or the parent or guardian of a minor offspring of a deceased adoptee
- An agency or social worker assigned to the person
What to send with it
- The completed, signed application (Part A or B, and Part C)
- A photocopy of one ID: state driver's license or ID card, US government photo ID, US or foreign passport, tribal ID or military ID
- Proof of relationship to the adopted person, for adoptive parents, guardians and offspring
- A $40.00 check or money order payable to Department of Children and Families (no cash)
Where to send it
- Mail to
- Adoption Records Search Program P.O. Box 8916 Madison, WI 53708-8916
- State fee
- $40.00 nonrefundable application fee
- Typical processing
- Please allow 4 to 6 weeks
- Issued by
- Wisconsin Department of Children and Families
- Form revision
- R 12/2025
- Source
- Official government page