Argentine Identity card

The Argentine Identity card, Spanish: Documento Nacional de Identidad pronounced [dˌokumˈɛnto nˌaθjonˈal dˈe ˌiðentiðˈad] ) or DNI lit. 'National Identity Document'), is the main identity document for Argentine citizens, as well as temporary or permanent resident aliens (DNI Extranjero). It is issued at a person's birth, and must be updated at 8 and 14 years of age, and thereafter every 15 years. It takes the form of a card (DNI tarjeta), and is required for voting, payments (until 2024), military service inscriptions and formalities. They are issued by the National Registry of Persons (RENAPER), at a special plant in Parque Patricios, Buenos Aires City.
The front side of the card states, in both English and Spanish, the name, sex, nationality, specimen issue, date of birth, date of issue, date of expiry, and transaction number along with the DNI number, portrait, and signature of the card's bearer. The back side of the card shows the address of the card's bearer (and it used to show with their right thumbprint along). Both back sides of the card shows a QR code, and a machine-readable information. The unique DNI number is semi-perforated through the front-right side of the card. Also, biometric version includes braile support.
The DNI is a valid international travel document to enter the member countries of Mercosur (Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay) and countries associated to the bloc (Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru; except Guyana, Suriname and Panama).
It is obligatory for Argentine citizens and residents to have a National Identity Document (DNI); this is the Obligation of Identification. The document is a means of verifying one's identity and exercising various fundamental rights. This obligation is rooted in both legal entitlement and civic duty. The issuance of DNIs falls under the jurisdiction of the National Registry of Persons (RENAPER), which oversees the administration and distribution of these essential identification documents.
All Argentine nationals, whether residing within the country or abroad, and foreign individuals resident in Argentina, are required to possess a valid DNI.
The process of obtaining a DNI typically begins at birth: parents or legal guardians are required to register a child within 40 days of birth, free of charge, at Civil Registry offices, delegated centers, or designated public hospitals. A lifelong DNI number is assigned. Children's DNI must be updated between the ages of 5 and 8, and upon reaching the age of 14. Renewal may also be necessary for various reasons such as changes in personal information or in case of damage, loss, or theft. Noteworthy legal provisions, such as National Law 26.743 on Gender Identity, enable individuals to request modifications to their DNI to reflect their self-perceived gender identity.
Required documentation for birth registration includes the parents' DNIs, the birth certificate issued by the healthcare facility, vaccination records if requested, and relevant acknowledgment or adoption certificates if applicable.
In cases where parents or guardians are resident foreign nationals, presentation of a valid Argentine foreigner's DNI along with an unexpired passport or identity card from their country is mandatory.
If parents have never possessed a DNI, alternate procedures are in place requiring testimony from two adult witnesses to verify their identity. Should the Civil Registry refuse registration under these circumstances, recourse can be sought through the nearest CAJ (Center for Legal Assistance).
During the registration process, the newborn's photograph and fingerprints are captured. Parents or guardians receive the birth certificate and confirmation of the DNI application, with exemptions in cases where marriage certificates are available, allowing for individual registration.
The validity of the Argentine card for travel extends to all member states of the Mercosur, associated, as well as the other Comunidad Andina states such as Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Furthermore, the Argentine identity card serves as a recognized travel document in Brasil as a per-registration (pre-cadastro) for those overage (max 90 days).
Most other countries require a passport and, in some cases, a travel visa. The Guyana, Suriname, Falkland Islands, and the non-European parts of the Netherlands do not accept the Argentine identity card for entry. When flying to French overseas territories, passengers may need to avoid transitional points in countries that do not recognize the ID card.
Before the introduction of the DNI in 1968, women had a Libreta cívica ("civic booklet"); men a Libreta de enrolamiento ("(military) enrollment booklet"). For many years, the DNI was issued as a small green booklet (called libreta). In 2009, the DNI was revamped and digitalized; and booklets (now blue) were issued along with an identity card simultaneously. Since 2012, DNIs are issued only in card format. The new DNI card is required to obtain the new biometric Argentine passport. Foreigners can get it at “RadEx” system but "extranjero" (foreigner) is printed on the back side. Argentines can get a libro de matrícula, which is only for citizens, in consulates.
In 2020, the DNI card was restyled to show the new bicontinental official map of Argentina.
On 20 July 2021, President Alberto Fernández signed a decree (Decreto 476/2021) mandating the RENAPER to allow a third gender option on all DNI cards and passports, marked as an "X". The measure applies to non-citizen permanent residents who possess Argentine identity cards as well. In compliance with the 2012 Gender Identity Law, this made Argentina the first country in South America to legally recognize non-binary gender on all official documentation, freely and upon the person's request.
In April 2023, an important development occurred in Argentina with regards to the DNI. This development marked a significant step in the ongoing historical narrative surrounding the Falkland Islands (known as the Malvinas Islands in the Argentina) and the recognition of the contributions and sacrifices made by its veterans, putting a new 'seal' with the geographic map of it, with the legend "HEROE DE LAS ISLAS MALVINAS". This update was mandatory only for war veterans.
As of December 2023, the Argentine National Registry of Persons (Renaper), operating under the Ministry of Interior, has introduced the new Biometric National Identity Document (DNI). This cutting-edge identification document stands out for its adherence to the highest international standards in terms of security, technology, and quality. It incorporates an electronic chip and a QR code, enabling electronic document validation, identity verification, digital functionalities, and enhanced security measures.
Printed using laser technology on polycarbonate, the new document incorporates advanced physical security features to enhance visual verification and prevent counterfeiting. Polycarbonate, known for its durability, serves as the base material, providing increased resilience.
In January 26, 2011, Argentina introduced new photograph requirements for the Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) through Resolution 169/2011. These regulations outlined specific standards for the image to be included in the DNI. The photograph must be recent, taken from the front, showing a half-bust with the head completely uncovered. The photo should be in color, with a plain, uniform light blue background, and sized at 4 cm by 4 cm. It is essential that the image accurately represents the individual's facial features without any alterations or distortions, ensuring the person's identity is faithfully reflected.
Exceptions to these rules are allowed for religious or health reasons. For example, individuals may cover their hair if required by their religion, as long as the main facial features remain visible. Additionally, those who cover their face for religious reasons can request to have their photo taken in a private setting by a same-sex official.
The resolution also allowed for the continuation of accepting applications with photographs showing a 3/4 right profile until June 30, 2011, after which all applications had to comply with the new front-facing photo requirements.
The current ID card is an ID-1 (credit card size) polycarbonate with an embedded RFID chip. It is covered with multi-color guillochés and appears blue and light-blue from a distance. All the information on it (except for nationality, DOCUMENTO NACIONAL DE IDENTIDAD, and everything on the rear side), is given in Spanish, and English.
The front side shows the Sun of May, the Cockade, A Bicontinental Map, three stars, and the words "DOCUMENTO NACIONAL DE IDENTIDAD República Argentina - Mercosur". It contains the following information:
The rear side shows the National Flag Memorial, the Argentina Flag, Malvinas Islands map, the Ceibo flower, and the Southern right whale. It contains the following information:
For non-citizens, it is also added:
The MRZ is structured according to the ICAO standard for machine-readable ID cards:
Empty spaces are represented by "<".
The identity card contains the following security features:
Newer ID cards contain an ICAO recommendations compatible RFID chip. The chip stores the information given on the ID card (like name or date of birth), the holder's picture and fingerprints. In addition, the new ID card can be used for online authentication, governmental transactions, digital certificate, access to Online Services, etc. An electronic signature, provided by a private company, can also be stored on the chip. The fingerprints take is mandatory. However, there are rare exceptions to this rule, for medical issues, for example. They are uploaded to the Sistema Federal de Identificación Biométrica para la Seguridad (SIBIOS) (Criminal database).
The main issues with the Argentine Identity cards are mainly the price, which increases with inflation and has been reported to be fairly high. Exemption from payment can be made to people with a "Certificado de Pobreza". However, Internet access is required due to the use of TAD (Trámites a distancia).
In the elections of 2023 there were some issues with old documents, such as the old "DNI Card" (delivered with the old blue booklet) marked "NO VÁLIDO PARA VOTAR" (not valid for voting), although the card had later been approved for voting. This also included electoral census issues.
Earlier Identity cards in Argentina came in the form of paper booklets in a green cover for Argentines, Bordeaux cover for foreigners, much like modern day passports. On the outside, the Emblem of the Argentine Republic Republic as well as the words "Mercosur" "REPÚBLICA ARGENTINA" ("Argentine Republic"), "DOCUMENTO NACIONAL DE IDENITDAD", "REGISTRO NACIONAL DE LAS PERSONAS LEY 17.671" ("NATIONAL REGISTRY OF PERSONS LAW 17,671"), are embossed. Inside the cover page there was a place for votes proofs and addresses change. They also had the legends written "MENOR DE 16 AÑOS"(under 16 years) and "EXTRANJERO" (foreigner), respectively. Inside the cover page there is a notice to the bearer:
Which translates to:
In 2009 the Argentine Identity card became a blue booklet, made of a plastic, with new features. Most parts were "digitized", with anti-counterfeiting measures. However, some kept "handwritten" style in some parts. An additional card version was also provided for Argentine residents at least 16 years old.