How to file a paternity recognition in Puerto Rico

The Demographic Registry defines recognition as the process in which a father admits paternity of a child by signing a paternity certification at the Demographic Registry, or through a sworn statement before a notary public. It is an administrative act with an effect on the birth certificate: amending the certificate is part of the same process, which is why the fees speak of “recognition and amendment to the birth certificate” as a single thing. There are also two related items the Registry charges for separately: the literal paternity certification to amend Social Security records, and the removal of Act #104 where applicable.

The process is initiated by the father admitting paternity. One condition depends on the age of the person being recognized: if they are of legal age, the Registry states they must appear in the sworn statement accepting the recognition, meaning it is not a unilateral act in that case. The Registry also mentions bringing the Court Filiation Order, which points to situations where recognition follows a judicial process. If your case involves a dispute, a court order or doubts about filiation, that is a matter to consult with an attorney before going to the Registry.

• Signing the paternity certification at the Demographic Registry, or making a sworn statement before a notary public: the Registry names those two routes.Verified against the official source
• If the person being recognized is of legal age, that they appear in the sworn statement accepting the recognition.Verified against the official source
• Bringing the Court Filiation Order, which the Registry expressly mentions as part of what to bring.Verified against the official source
• Going to the Central Office: the Registry states this process is carried out only at the Central Office, Metro Center, Calle Mayagüez #5, San Juan, PR 00910.Verified against the official source

• Current photo identification issued by the government of your state or country of residence. The Registry names a driver license, a passport or a state ID; foreign nationals must present a current passport, visa or residence card.
• The birth certificate, which the Registry requires to be an original.
• The Court Filiation Order.
• The internal revenue stamps corresponding to your case, depending on elapsed time and any additional items you need.

1. 1

   Step 1: Count the 90 days

   It is the only point where you can save money in this process, and only if you act in time. The Registry charges $20.00 for the recognition and the birth certificate amendment within 90 days, and $35.00 after 90 days. If you are inside the window, resolving it now costs less; if it has passed, there is no way to recover the difference.

2. 2

   Step 2: Choose the route: certification at the Registry or a sworn statement before a notary

   The Registry names both: signing a paternity certification at the Demographic Registry, or making a sworn statement before a notary public. Which suits you depends on your case and on whether the other party can appear, so it is worth asking before moving paperwork.

3. 3

   Step 3: If the person recognized is of legal age, coordinate their appearance

   The Registry is specific: if the person recognized is of legal age, they must appear in the sworn statement accepting the recognition. So the father’s will alone is not enough; the person being recognized must be present and accept. Coordinating that appearance is usually what takes longest when the child is already an adult.

4. 4

   Step 4: Gather the original birth certificate and the court order

   The Registry requires the birth certificate to be an original, not a copy. It also mentions bringing the Court Filiation Order. If you have no order because your case did not go through court, ask directly at the Central Office before going, rather than discovering it at the counter.

5. 5

   Step 5: Buy the stamps that apply, including those for the additional items

   Beyond the recognition stamp, work out whether you need the literal paternity certification to amend Social Security records, which is another $20.00, or the removal of Act #104 where applicable, another $20.00. Knowing beforehand saves having to step out for another stamp mid-process.

6. 6

   Step 6: Go to the Central Office in San Juan

   Like late registration, this process is not done at a local office: the Registry states it is carried out only at the Central Office, Metro Center, Calle Mayagüez #5, San Juan, PR 00910.

Only at the Demographic Registry’s Central Office: Metro Center, Calle Mayagüez #5, San Juan, PR 00910. The sworn statement, when that is the chosen route, is made before a notary public.

• Letting the 90 days pass without knowing the stamp rises from $20.00 to $35.00 once that mark is crossed.
• Going to a local Demographic Registry office, when this process is carried out only at the Central Office in San Juan.
• Bringing a copy of the birth certificate when the Registry requires an original.
• Showing up without the person being recognized when they are of legal age and must appear accepting the recognition.
• Assuming recognition alone fixes Social Security records, when that is the literal paternity certification, with its own $20.00 stamp.
• Trying to resolve a paternity dispute at the Registry, which is a court matter.

These are the government pages this guide is based on.

• Departamento de Salud de Puerto Rico

  Salud

  www.salud.pr.gov

• Demographic Registry — vital event certifications

  Departamento de Salud

  www.salud.pr.gov