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Montana Open Sealed File Request Form

Official state formAdoptionFree downloadLast verified November 10, 2026

Request by a person named on the current birth certificate for an informational copy of the original birth certificate held in a sealed file, for example after an adoption. It is sent to Montana Vital Statistics.

Who can use this form

  • Only people listed on the current birth certificate
  • Everyone else, including children of the person, needs a court order
  • Step-relatives, in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, ex-spouses and birth parents of an adopted child are not eligible

What to send with it

  • The completed form
  • An enlarged, legible photocopy of both sides of a valid photo ID with signature, or have the application notarized
  • The fee payable to Montana Vital Records
  • A certified court order if the file was sealed between October 1, 1985 and October 1, 1997, or if documents other than the birth certificate are requested
  • For tribal enrollment: a statement on official Tribal letterhead

Where to send it

Mail to
Montana Vital Statistics 111 N Sanders Rm 6 or PO Box 4210 Helena, Montana 59604-4210
State fee
$25.00 to open the sealed file, $16.00 per informational copy of the original birth certificate, and $16 per informational copy of the certificate of adoption if it is in the file. Fees are non-refundable.
Typical processing
Not provided
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Montana Open Sealed File Request Form | Montana Form