State Recognition of Intercountry Adoptions Finalized Abroad - Alabama

Effect and Recognition of a Foreign Adoption Decree

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Readoption After an Intercountry Adoption

This issue is not addressed in the statutes reviewed.

Application for a U.S. Birth Certificate

Citation: Ala. Code § 22-9a-12(i)

The State registrar shall, upon request, prepare and register a certificate in this State for a person born in a foreign country who is not a citizen of the United States and who was adopted through a court in this State. The certificate shall be established upon receipt of:

• A report of adoption from the court decreeing the adoption
• Proof of the date and place of birth of the child
• A request from the court, the adopting parents, or the adopted person, if he or she is age 18 or older, that a certificate be prepared

The certificate shall be labeled 'certificate of foreign birth' and shall show the actual country of birth. A statement shall also be included on the certificate indicating that it is not evidence of U.S. citizenship for the child for whom it is issued.

After registration of the birth certificate in the new name of the adopted person, the State registrar shall seal and file the report of adoption. It shall not be subject to inspection except by court order or as provided by statute. Any person age 19 or older who has had a certificate of foreign birth prepared in Alabama may, on written request, receive a copy of any information about the adoption.