A fracture mechanics model to estimate the energy release rate of adhesive-bonded single-lap composite joints under tension has been developed. The stress distributions of the adhesive-bonded single-lap composite joint were determined by the laminated anisotropic plate theory. Based on the stress resultants, the crack tip forces were obtained and the energy release rate of adhesive-bonded single-lap composite joints with a crack were determined by the classical plate theory version of virtual crack closure method. The ASTM D3165 and D1002 test specimen geometries were followed in the derivations. The symbolic computation tool, Maple 8, was used as the mathematical tool. The finite element analysis using virtual crack closure technique (VCCT) was utilized to verify the analytical model. The finite element model with VCCT was built by the commercial finite element analysis package ABAQUS. The results from analytical model show a good agreement with finite element solutions. Even though the finite element methods can be performed to determine the energy release rate, analytical models provide a more effective way for parametric studies and design optimization.