Documento Nacional de Identidad (Argentina)

Documento Nacional de Identidad or DNI^[1] (which means National Identity Document^[2]), 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, military service inscriptions and formalities. They are issued by the National Registry of Persons (RENAPER).

For the Spanish document, see Documento Nacional de Identidad (Spain).

Argentine identity card
(Documento nacional de identidad)

Identity card

Argentina

Proof of identity, Travel

Mercosur members and associated countries

Citizens and lawful permanent residents of Argentina

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 (Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Venezuela) and countries associated to the bloc (Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru).^[3]

Obligation of Identification[edit]

The Obligation of Identification in Argentina pertains to the necessity of possessing a National Identity Document (DNI) as 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, as well as foreign individuals residing in Argentina, are required to possess a valid DNI.

The process of obtaining a DNI typically begins at birth, wherein parents or legal guardians are responsible for initiating the registration, a procedure provided free of charge. The DNI number assigned at birth remains constant throughout an individual's lifetime. Additionally, DNIs must be updated twice: 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.

Registration of newborns must occur within 40 days of birth and is facilitated at Civil Registry offices, delegated centers, or designated public hospitals.

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 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.^[4]^[5]

History[edit]

Before the introduction of the DNI in 1968, women had a Libreta cívica ("civic booklet"); men a Libreta de enrolamiento ("(military) enrollment booklet").^[6]^[7] 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.^[8]

In 2020, the DNI card was restyled to show the new bicontinental official map of Argentina.^[9]^[10]

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.^[11] 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.^[12]^[13]^[14]

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 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".^[15] This update was mandatory only for war veterans.^[16]

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.^[17]

Photo of ID card holder (According to the national standards)

Document number (8 digits)

alphanumeric

Surname

Given name(s)

Date of birth (dd.mm.yyyy)

Date of expiry (dd.mm.yyyy)

Date of issue (dd.mm.yyyy)

(ARGENTINA, or any other for foreign residents)

Nationality

Sex

of holder

Signature

Front

Problems and challenges[edit]

The main issues of the Argentine Identity cards are mainly the price, due to the inflation, and it has been reported to be fairly high.^[23] Exceptions of payments can be made to those people who have a "Certificado de Pobreza". However, internet access is required due to the use of TAD (Trámites a distancia).^[24]

In the elections of 2023 there were some issues with old documents, such as the old "DNI Card" (delivered with the old blue booklet) that said "NO VÁLIDO PARA VOTAR" (Not valid as a vote proof). That, in fact, it was actually valid. This also included the electoral census issues.^[25]