On January 1, 2010, the Government of Puerto Rico enacted a new law aimed at strengthening the issuance and usage of birth certificates to combat fraud. This law invalidates all birth certificates issued before July 1, 2010 by the Puerto Rico Health Department, through its Vital Statistics Record Office.

As of October 31, 2010, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) will no longer accept Puerto Rico birth certificates, issued prior to July 1, 2010, as a source document for age and identity and lawful status. It is important that you obtain an official certified birth certificate from the Government of Puerto Rico (issued on or after July 1, 2010) or present another source of age and identity and lawful status. Please refer to Sources of Proof for required documentation.