SECTION 181.45. Registration in the Voluntary Adoption Registry System

(a) To register with the Central Adoption Registry (CAR) or any other authorized registry as defined in Texas Family Code, §162.403(b), a person must comply with the following requirements:

(1) complete registration form (VS - 2271) and any other information the authorized registry deems necessary to identify the person(s) the applicant is searching for. Form VS - 2271 shall provide a space to include the registry's mailing address if different than the CAR; and

(2) provide proof of age and identity, in the form of a government-issued photo ID and, if the applicant's name has changed due to marriage, a copy of his or her birth certificate or marriage certificate. If the applicant is a birth sibling, a copy of his/her birth certificate shall be included. If his or her name has been legally changed, a certified copy of the court order shall accompany the registration form; and

(3) meet the eligibility requirement for registration in the Texas Family Code, §162.406.

(b) If the applicant is a male birth parent, he may register, but will not be recognized as a birth parent unless:

(1) the birth mother in her application to the registry names him as the biological father and other information on the adoptee is consistent with the father's claim of paternity;

(2) he was adjudicated as or presumed to be the biological father under Texas Family Code, Chapter 160; or

(3) he signed a consent to adoption, affidavit of relinquishment, affidavit of waiver of interest in the child, or other written instrument releasing the child for adoption. If he signed a document or other instrument denying or refusing to admit paternity, he shall not be recognized as a birth parent.

(c) A registrant's application will be reviewed within 45 days after the date the application is received. If accepted, an application is valid for 99 years unless a shorter period is specified or the registration is withdrawn.

Source Note: The provisions of this §181.45 adopted to be effective March 4, 1999, 24 TexReg 1618; amended to be effective July 3, 2003, 28 TexReg 4904; amended to be effective July 22, 2004, 29 TexReg 6936; amended to be effective August 11, 2013, 38 TexReg 4896