New Birth Certificate Policy Affects Puerto Ricans

March 10, 2010

Author: Catherine M. Callery (Kate) | Louise M. Tarantino

There are some major changes coming for identity measures if a person was born in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican birth certificates will become void as of July 1, 2010 - part of a new law designed to reduce identity theft and passport fraud.

The U.S. State Department reports that 40 percent of the 8,000 cases of identity theft and passport fraud in the United States are related to stolen Puerto Rican birth certificates.  Some think that birth certificates are too accessible in Puerto Rico where they are needed for enrolling children in school, registering to vote, and even signing kids up for dance lessons.

According to U.S. Customs and Immigration, a Puerto Rican birth certificate runs for about $5,000 to $10,000 on the black market.  Puerto Ricans born on the island receive an American Social Security number and are eligible for a United States passport from birth.

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Health will issue new birth certificates to people upon request.  There will be a $5 charge.

If you were born in Puerto Rico, you will need to  reapply.

The address for the Department of Health in Puerto Rico is:

Demographic Registry
P.O. Box 11854
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910

You will need to provide photo identification to receive a new birth certificate and send a $5 money order. Checks are not accepted.  Make your money order payable to the Secretary of the Treasury.  Also include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the certificate can be mailed to you.

For more information, call (787) 767-9120 ext. 2402 or visit the government of Puerto Rico’s web site: http://www.salud.gov.pr. (Be forewarned, it’s in Spanish).