A little boy taken from his mother in Alabama at the age of 5 has been found safe in Ohio 13 years later.

Police say his incredible story unraveled when 18-year-old Julian Hernandez was, of all things, applying to college.

Hernandez was living with his father, who changed his name, Brian Kilmeade said on “The Kelly File.”

A problem with the high schooler’s Social Security number came up, leading Hernandez to approach a counselor for help.

Twice-Deported Illegal Immigrant Charged with Rape, Kidnapping

Cops: Woman Faked Her Own Kidnapping Just to Skip Out on Work

That counselor ran a background check on Hernandez, later discovering that he was listed as a missing person by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Hernandez was reported missing by his mother in Birmingham in 2002, after his father left a note saying he’d taken the boy, according to the Associated Press.

Bobby Hernandez has since been charged with tampering with records on a separate matter.

Officials say he will be extradited back to Alabama to face additional charges, which may include interfering with custody, a felony that carries imprisonment of up to 10 years.

As for Julian Hernandez, authorities say it will be his decision what to do next.

The AP reports he has been in contact with his mother. It is not clear when the two will reunite.

Passengers Foil Brazen Attempted Kidnapping on D.C. Metro

Little Girls Jump from Moving Car to Narrowly Escape Kidnapping

Murder & Kidnapping Suspect Evades Capture After Shootout with Cops