Puerto ricans can apply for new birth certificate today!

Tomorrow, July 28 Cleveland’s Legal Aide Society will be at the House of Praise International Church in Lorain Ohio, to assist native born Puerto Ricans in filling out applications for new birth certificates.

The Puerto Rican government is asking all native born to get new birth certificates by Sept. 30. This is to combat a growing problem of identity theft caused by stolen birth certificates

On the island of Puerto Rico, it is not uncommon for one person to go through multiple birth certificates in their lifetime. Unlike in the United States, it is common practice for parents to give the original copy of their child’s birth certificate to schools, athletic coaches etc. The parents then get issued a new, original copy.

Only those born on the island need new birth certificates. Ann Porath, managing attorney for the Cleveland Legal Aide Society said. Those who come to fill out an application need to bring a valid, government issued photo ID and if you go by more then one name, please bring documents with the other name as well.

Once the application is filled out completely, the Legal Aide Society will give an envelope that must be mailed with a five dollar money order; no other form of payment is acceptable. However, the five dollar fee is waived for veterans and those who are over the age of 60.

Interpreters will be available for those who wish to speak in Spanish. The event will be from 1pm to 4pm.