Apply for a tracing service

If you are actively seeking to locate and make contact with a birth relative, a tracing service is available to you. The Tracing Service can assist with sharing information while supporting a level of contact (if any) that both you and the person you are seeking are comfortable with. You can now apply for both a domestic and intercountry tracing service.

Who can apply for a tracing service?

You can apply for a tracing service if you are a person in one of the following three categories:

1. Relevant person*

  • If you were adopted in Ireland and are over 18 years of age
  • If you were born in Ireland but adopted outside of the state
  • If you were in a mother and baby home, county home or institution
  • If you were illegally registered
  • If you suspect that you were illegally registered
  • If you were boarded out or nursed out

2. A birth relative of a relevant* person

3. A relative

*A relevant person is the term used in the legislation to describe people who can apply for information.

How do I apply for a tracing service?

Domestic Tracing Service

Completing the application online is the quickest and most secure way for you to apply, but we also accept applications by post. Once your application has been received, Tusla will initially assess your tracing request. Depending on where your records are held either Tusla or the Adoption Authority of Ireland will carry out the trace.

Intercountry Tracing Service

You can also apply for an intercountry adoption trace directly with the Adoption Authority of Ireland by clicking the link to the online form below.

For more information on the tracing service, please review our frequently asked questions.

If you need assistance filling in your application form, please contact the Adoption Authority of Ireland on 01 2309 300 or Tusla on 0818 44 55 00.

If you prefer working on paper, you can still download the form, print it out and return it to Tusla by post to:

Tusla Birth Information and Tracing Contact Support Centre
PO Box 13018
Dublin 15
Ireland

Please note that intercountry tracing applications can only be completed online with the Adoption Authority of Ireland