Puerto Rican birth certificates to expire July 1

The Latino Puerto Rican Affairs Commission (LPRAC) is launching a statewide publicity

Latino Puerto Rican Affairs Commission launches statewide campaign to inform CT residents born in Puerto Rico to renew their birth certificates campaign to inform Connecticut residents born in Puerto Rico that they need to renew their birth certificates. Starting July 1, 2010, all previously issued certificates will be canceled. Puerto Rican Governor Luis Fortuño signed Law 191 in December of 2009, putting the “Law Prohibiting Public and Private Entities from Retaining, Storing, or Holding Certified Copies of Birth Certificates” into effect. The new certificates being issued will utilize technology designed to reduce or eliminate forgery.

The LPRAC hopes that their campaign will inform the state’s Puerto Rican community about the process of obtaining new birth certificates that can be used for official purposes, such as getting a Connecticut driver’s license, for example. While the deadline is quickly approaching, the LPRAC suggests that those individuals who do not have an immediate need for a new birth certificate should delay applying for one to avoid a backlog of requests.

“We don’t want everyone affected by this law to run out to renew their new birth certificate all at once, but we do want people to begin to do so after July 1st, especially everyone that needs it for official purposes,” said Werner Oyandel, the acting executive director for the LPRAC.

The campaign is being launched in collaboration with ASPIRA of Connecticut, Inc. and the Connecticut Hispanic Bar Association and with the monetary support of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and State Farm Insurance.

“We know that state residents who were born in Puerto Rico want localized information regarding this new law, and it is why the commission is proactively launching this campaign,” said Oyanadel.

The cost of the new birth certificate is $5. People over 60 years of age and veterans will be exempt from paying the fee. All citizens born in Puerto Rico that reside in Connecticut can apply for their new birth certificate on line at www.pr.gov. Those without Internet access or those who prefer to fill out the form in person can mail-in their application beginning July 1.

The LPRAC will also provide advice on how and where to carry out this process in the state of Connecticut. Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Vice President for Programs, Maria Mojica, added, “It is fitting that as the Foundation celebrates its 85th anniversary this year, it continues to actively participate in helping to address the needs of the important and vibrant Puerto Rican community that calls Connecticut home.” More information regarding the new law is available in English and Spanish on the Puerto Rican Federal Affairs Administration website at www.prfaa.com/birthcertificates/ or by calling 212-252-7300. The State of Connecticut has also developed an informational website at www. ct.gov/prbirth.