About Virginia’s Putative Father Registry

Virginia has established a confidential database called The Virginia Putative Father Registry, that is designed to protect a putative father’s rights by:

• Helping to establish paternity
• Notifying you of termination of parental rights or adoption proceedings for a child you may have fathered

You are considered a putative father, if:

• You are not married to the child’s mother; or
• A court has not determined that you are the child’s father; or
• You have not signed a written agreement acknowledging you are the child’s father; or
• You have not adopted the child.

This registry is designed to protect the rights of a putative father who wants to be notified in the event of a proceeding for adoption of, or the termination of parental rights regarding a child he may have fathered.

If you think you may have fathered a child – you can protect your rights as a parent by registering. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to play an important role in your child’s life. By registering, you take one step toward proving you’re the father of the child and protect your rights in the event the child is placed for adoption.

To register, please click here.