Issuance of New Birth Certificates for Residents of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
This memo is to share information about new legislation enacted by the Commonwealth of
Puerto Rico to re-issue certified birth certificates for its residents. The legislation is designed to
reduce the risk to the security and well-being of Puerto Ricans by limiting the issuance and use
of certified birth certificates. This law will effectively invalidate all birth certificates issued prior
to July 1, 2010. On July 1, 2010, the Commonwealth began to issue new birth certificates and
established a three-month transition period, extending the validity of birth certificates issued
prior to July 1, 2010 through September 30, 2010.
Issued by: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Issue Date: September 20, 2010
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