A complete, step-by-step guide based on my experience.

I recently went through the full process of obtaining my Certificado de Ciudadanía Puertorriqueña, and I can tell you firsthand: the result is incredible. Having the official certificate feels meaningful, personal, and powerful, especially if Puerto Rico is part of your identity.

Because I was born in Puerto Rico, my case was straightforward. I submitted my original birth certificate along with the required forms and digital stamps, and everything came back smoothly in my return envelope. But the steps can still be confusing if you have never dealt with Puerto Rico's government systems before.

This guide will walk you through exactly what I did, what you must do, and how to avoid mistakes. If anything is unclear while you are applying, the Department of State can help. Their contact information is listed at the bottom of this guide.

1. Download the Colecturía Digital App

All digital stamps must be purchased through the mobile app, not a computer. Download Colecturía Digital from the App Store or Google Play. Search for: Colecturía Digital.

2. Create Your Account

Open the app and tap ¿No tienes cuenta? Regístrate. Enter your name, last name, and email. Create a username and password using:

No symbols, punctuation, or underscores. A verification code will be emailed to you — enter the code to complete registration. Check your junk folder if it does not appear.

3. Buy the Required Digital Stamps

Once you are logged in:

  1. Tap Sellos from the bottom navigation
  2. Select Departamento de Estado
  3. Find Certificado Ciudadanía Puertorriqueña
  4. Tap Comprar

The app automatically adds the two required stamps:

That is all you need to apply.

4. Complete Your Order

Tap Completar Orden and enter your credit card information.

Important: Your billing address must match your credit card statement exactly. If anything differs, the system rejects the payment.

After payment, your stamps appear immediately in the app, and you also receive them by email as bar codes. Print the email bar codes — they must be included in your package.

5. Gather Your Required Original Documents

Your application must contain original documents, not photocopies or scans. Your required documents depend on how you qualify.

If you were born in Puerto Rico (my situation)

If applying through a parent or grandparent

For complex lineage cases

Include any official evidence required by law.

The Department of State will return all originals.

6. Prepare Your Application Package

You will need two large shipping envelopes. Large envelopes keep documents flat and protect them from damage.

Large Envelope A: Your Outgoing Package

Place all of the following inside the package — all documents need to be printed:

  1. Completed application form (don't forget to print — download the Certificado de Ciudadanía Puertorriqueña form)
  2. All required original documents, such as:
    • Birth certificates
    • Valid IDs
    • Parent or grandparent birth certificates
    • Marriage certificates
    • Legal name change documents
    • Official lineage documents
    • Any other required proofs based on your case
  3. Printed digital stamp bar codes (Sello 5120 and Sello 5131)
  4. A large pre-addressed return envelope

Large Envelope B: Your Return Envelope

This is what the Department of State will use to return your original documents and your official Puerto Rican Citizenship Certificate. Prepare it as follows:

Seal Envelope A securely.

7. Mail Your Application

Send your complete package to:

Department of State
PO Box 9023271
San Juan, PR 00902-3271

They will mail everything back to you using the pre-addressed return envelope you included.

8. Need Help or Have Questions?

If anything is unclear, or if your situation is different from mine, you can contact the Department of State directly:

They can verify requirements, help with stamp issues, or answer specific questions about your case.