FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 9, 2010

Union County Clerk Offers Updated Information about Birth Certificates
to Native Puerto Ricans Living in Union County

ELIZABETH, NJ – Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi reports that the government of Puerto Rico recently approved an amendment that extends the validity of Puerto Rican birth certificates for three months, through September 30. The extension provides a transition period as Puerto Rico begins issuing new, more secure birth certificates.

“The extension gives our Puerto Rico-born citizens greater flexibility in applying for their new birth certificates which are often used for school enrollment, travel, new passports and other activities,” Ms. Rajoppi said. “During the three-month window, native Puerto Ricans living in Union County may use their current birth certificate, which will still be valid.”

“An adult Puerto Rican who wants to renew a passport does not need a new birth certificate,” Ms. Rajoppi added. “But for a child’s passport renewal, or for a first-time passport for any native Puerto Rican, a new birth certificate will be required.”

According to the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration (PRFAA), only those who need a birth certificate for an upcoming transaction or official purpose need apply right away. Those who want to obtain a copy for their private records can do so at a later date to avoid an unnecessary rush of applications.

County Clerk Rajoppi urges native Puerto Ricans, who are U.S. citizens at birth, to visit the PRFAA website at: www.prfaa.com/birthcertificates/ or telephone 787-767-9120 for more information about the birth certificate law. Completed applications for a new birth certificate may be mailed to the Puerto Rico Vital Statistics Record Office, P.O. Box 11854, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00910.

The law to invalidate previously issued birth certificates was enacted by Puerto Rico after collaboration with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The legislation called for issuing new, security-enhanced certificates to combat the unlawful use of Puerto Rico-issued birth certificates to commit fraud and identity theft.

For further information about passport applications and other services of the Union County Clerk’s office, please call 908-527-4966.