The government of Puerto Rico has enacted a new law (Law 191 of 2009) aimed at strengthening the issuance and usage of birth certificates to combat fraud and protect the identity and credit of all people born in Puerto Rico.
The new law was based on collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to address the fraudulent use of Puerto Rico-issued birth certificates to unlawfully obtain U.S. passports, Social Security benefits, and other federal services.
Under the new law, all Puerto Rico birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010, will be invalidated so that new, more secure certificates can be issued. Until that date, all birth certificates will remain valid.
The government of Puerto Rico recently launched an on-line application process for the new, more secure birth certificates. On-line applications are currently being accepted at www.pr.gov (then click the Certificado de Nacimiento button); the new certificates will be issued starting July 1, 2010. Or call 787/767-9120.
Mail-in applications will be accepted starting July 1, 2010, applicants need to wait until July 1 to apply by mail.
It is important to understand that there is no need to rush out and get a new birth certificate on July 1. It is suggested that only people who have a specific need for their birth certificate for official purposes need request a new birth certificate right away.
Those Puerto Rican-born living in the states will be able to request and receive their new birth certificates through a simple process by mail. The fee is $5, but will be waived for people over 60 and veterans.
For further info contact the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs, 202/778-0710, fax: 202/778-0721 or info@prfaa.com.
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