Order official Puerto Rico Birth Certificates and Vital Records online

A birth certificate is a critical document that serves as an official record of a person's birth. It is essential for various purposes, including obtaining a passport, enrolling in school, applying for a job, and proving citizenship. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to obtain a Puerto Rico birth certificate, including the application process, necessary documents, cost, and processing time.

Who Can Request a Birth Certificate?

In Puerto Rico, the following individuals are eligible to request a birth certificate:

• • The person named on the certificate, if they are 18 years or older;
• • Parents or legal guardians of the person named on the certificate;
• • A legal representative with notarized authorization;
• • Direct descendants (e.g., children, grandchildren).

What Documents Are Required?

When applying for a Puerto Rico birth certificate, you will need to provide the following documents:

• • Completed birth certificate application form, which can be downloaded from the Puerto Rico Department of Health's website;
• • Valid photo identification (e.g., driver's license, passport);
• • If applicable, a notarized authorization if you are a legal representative.

How to Obtain a Puerto Rico Birth Certificate

There are several methods to obtain a birth certificate from Puerto Rico:

In Person

You can visit the Demographic Registry Offices located throughout Puerto Rico. It's recommended to check for the nearest location and operating hours on the official website of the Puerto Rico Department of Health.

By Mail

You may send a completed application form, along with the required documents and the appropriate fee, to the central offices. Ensure that the mailing address is correct and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your document.

Online

For convenience, you can also order a birth certificate through VitalChek, which is the authorized online service for processing vital records in Puerto Rico. Follow the instructions on the website to complete your application and make the payment.

How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost?

The cost for obtaining a Puerto Rico birth certificate is generally around $5.00 per copy. Additional fees may apply for expedited services or additional copies. If you are using the service provided by VitalChek, a processing fee will be added to your total cost.

Processing Time

The processing time for a Puerto Rico birth certificate varies depending on the method used to obtain it:

• • In Person: Immediate if the office is not busy;
• • By Mail: Approximately 6-8 weeks;
• • Online: Around 7-10 business days, plus mailing time, for standard processing. Expedited options are available for faster service.

Obtaining a birth certificate is a straightforward process if you follow the outlined steps and ensure all required documents are correctly submitted. This important document is essential for various legal and personal transactions. If you have any specific questions or encounter any issues, it is highly recommended to reach out directly to the Puerto Rico Department of Health for assistance. For more details, visit their official website.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.