A law recently signed by Governor Luis Fortuño  - passed as an effort to combat identify theft - will invalidate all Puerto Rican birth certificates effective July 1, 2010.  Those born on the island of Puerto Rico will need to apply for a new birth certificate and will need to use the new birth certificate for all official transactions requiring a birth certificate, including signing up for Social Security and Medicare benefits.

To obtain a new birth certificate you must:

1.  Complete and sign the application

2.  Mail the application, a photocopy of official photo identification (only drivers license or passport are acceptable), a self addressed postage paid envelope where the birth certificate should be sent, and a $5.00 money order to:

Secretary of The Treasury of Puerto Rico

Vital Records P.O. Box 11854

San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910