Documento Nacional de Identidad (Argentina)

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

Argentine identity card (Documento nacional de identidad)
Documento Nacional de Identidad
Reverse
Type	Identity card
Issued by	Argentina
Purpose	Proof of identity, Travel
Valid in	Mercosur members and associated countries
Eligibility	Citizens and lawful permanent residents of Argentina

Documento Nacional de Identidad or DNI (which means 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).

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).

Obligation of Identification

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.

History

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 Malvinas Islands (known as the Falkland Islands in the United Kingdom) 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.

Biometric data and security

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.

Physical appearance

Characteristics of the current ID card (specimen)

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.

Front side

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:

• Photo of ID card holder (According to the national standards)
• Document number (8 alphanumeric digits)
• Surname
• Given name(s)
• Date of birth (dd.mm.yyyy)
• Date of expiry (dd.mm.yyyy)
• Date of issue (dd.mm.yyyy)
• Nationality (ARGENTINA, or any other for foreign residents)
• Sex
• Signature of holder

Rear side

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:

• Address of residence
• Place of birth
• No of procedure
• CUIL No
• QR code
• Machine-readable zone

For non-citizens, it is also added:

• Country of birth
• Date of entry (into the nation) (dd.mm.yyyy)
• Entry category (TEMPORARIA or PERMANENTE)
• Disposición
• Filing date (dd.mm.yyyy)
• Expiry (Only for temporary) (dd.mm.yyyy)

Machine-readable zone

The MRZ is structured according to the ICAO standard for machine-readable ID cards:

First line

positions	text	meaning
1–2	ID	identity document
3-5	ARG	issuing country: Argentina (Argentina)
6–14	alphanumeric digits	document number
15	decimal digit	check digit over 6–14

Second line

positions	text	meaning
1–6	decimal digits	date of birth (YYMMDD)
7	decimal digit	check digit over 1–6
8	decimal digit	First letter of the name or second name
9–14	decimal digits	date of expiry (YYMMDD)
15	decimal digit	check digit over 9–14
16-18	ARG	code of the country: Argentina (Argentina)
30	decimal digit	check digit over 6–30 (upper line), 1–7, 9–15, 19–29 (middle line)

Third line

positions	text	meaning
1–30	alphabetic digits<alphabetic digits<alphabetic digits	SURNAME<< GIVEN<NAMES

Empty spaces are represented by "<".

Security features

The identity card contains the following security features:

• Front

• Rainbow print or iris print
• Printing of touch surfaces
• Offset printing composed of security backgrounds
• Guilloche of two colors
• Line Width Modulation
• Integrated Transparent Hologram
• Matte surface printing
• Numismatic print design
• Safety background merged with portrait area
• Transparent window
• Pre customized serial number
• Repeating photos within a transparent window (ghost image)
• Laser engraved personal data
• Changing laser imaging
• Changeable portrait photo repetition with copy letter
• Tactile laser engraving on the date of birth data
• Transparent liquid coating of the photographic portrait with typographic personalization of the surname and date of birth
• Safety background merged with portrait area
  • Rear
• OVI optically variable ink.
• Offset printing of security backgrounds
• Transparent window (with mismatched shapes)
• Rainbow print
• Line width modulation
• Numismatic Print Design

Chip

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).

Problems and challenges

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.

Old booklet

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:

La presentación del documento nacional de identidad, expedido por el Registro nacional de Personas, será obligatoria en todas las circunstancias comprendidas en esta Ley, sin que pueda ser suplido por ningún otro documento de identidad.

Art. 13 - Ley 17.671.
Todas las personas de existencia visible o sus representantes legales, comprendidas en la presente Ley, consulares o que se habiliten como tales, el "cambio de domicilio", dentro de los treinta días de haberse producido la novedad.
Art. 47 - Ley 17.671.

Which translates to:

The presentation of the national identity document, issued by the National Registry of Persons, will be mandatory in all circumstances covered by this Law, and it cannot be replaced by any other identification document.
Art. 13 - Law 17,671.
All persons of visible existence or their legal representatives, covered by this Law, consular or those who enable themselves as such, must report a "change of address" within thirty days of the occurrence of the change.
Art. 47 - Law 17,671.

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Digital Booklet

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.

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Gallery

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  Front side of previous version of DNI card, issued 2012-2020
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  Back side of previous version of DNI card, issued 2012-2020
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  Front side of previous version of DNI card, issued 2009-2012
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  Back of oldest version of DNI card, issued 2009-2012
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  DNI blue booklet, issued 2009-2012
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  Previous green libreta version of the DNI, issued 1968–2009, until the new DNI cards began to be issued
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  Pre-biometric resident DNI specimen for a temporary foreigner.
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  DNI issued since 2023 for Malvinas Islands veterans (Issued until December 2023)
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  The Argentine DNI (Documento nacional de identidad) with Malvinas Island issued to Women veterans (Issued until 2023).
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  Pre-biometric Argentine DNI, which included Argentine Antarctica on the map.
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  Reverse of the pre-biometric Argentine DNI, which included Argentine Antarctica on the map.
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  Argentine biometric DNI for Malvinas Islands veterans, since December 2023.
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  Specimen of Argentine DNI for a temporary citizen (Back).
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  Specimen of Argentine DNI for a permanent citizen (Back).

See also

• Argentine nationality law
• Visa requirements for Argentine citizens
• Visa policy of Argentina