The Dominican Republic ID Card, commonly known as the “Cedula de Identidad y Electoral,” is an essential official document issued by the government of the Dominican Republic to its citizens.1 It serves as a primary form of identification and is used for a wide range of purposes, including voting, accessing public services, opening bank accounts, and verifying one’s identity in various transactions.
The ID card is issued by the Central Electoral Board (Junta Central Electoral or JCE) of the Dominican Republic, which is the institution responsible for organizing elections and maintaining civil registration records.1 The card includes crucial personal information about the holder, such as their full name, photograph, date of birth, gender, and a unique identification number. This identification number is used as a reference for various administrative and legal purposes.
Obtaining a Dominican Republic ID card is a significant step for citizens as it grants them access to numerous rights and responsibilities. It is typically issued to individuals upon reaching the age of 18, which is the legal age of adulthood in the country.1
Also, be reminded about the Dominican Republic e-Ticket. It is an electronic document that all travelers must complete before entering or exiting the Dominican Republic including citizens and residents.2
Visas for Future offers a service that makes it easy for you to get your e-Ticket online. The e-Ticket is a document that you need to enter or leave the Dominican Republic. It has your personal and travel information and a QR code. You can fill out a simple form on our website and we will process your application and send you your e-Ticket in your email. With Visas for Future, you can avoid any problems or delays in your travel.
What We’re Offering?
If you are a citizen or resident of the Dominican Republic and want to travel out of the country, you need an e-Ticket. This is a required electronic document for entry and exit. Our e-Ticket processing service will give you your e-Ticket in your mailbox within 24 hours.
- Air travelers to and from the Dominican Republic, including residents, need e-Ticket.
- One e-Ticket covers up to seven family travelers.
- Does not replace a visa, if you require one.
- $44.64 fee for embarkation and disembarkation tickets.
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Features of Dominican Republic ID Card
The Dominican Republic ID card, officially called the Cédula de Identidad y Electoral, isn’t just a piece of plastic – it’s a multi-purpose tool packed with features! Here’s a breakdown of what you can find on your Cédula:
Essential Information
- Full Name: Your full legal name, clearly printed.
- Photo: A recent passport-style photograph for identification purposes.
- Place of Birth: Where you first entered the world!
- Date of Birth: Your personal timestamp.
- Nationality: Dominican Republic.
- Sex: M for male, F for female.
- Civil Status: Single, married, divorced, etc.
- Occupation: What you do for a living.
- Polling Station: Where you cast your vote during elections.
- Residential Address: Your official place of residence.
- 11-Digit Cédula Number: Your unique identifier within the Dominican Republic.
Optional Features
- Blood Type: Useful for medical emergencies.
Security Features
- Polycarbonate Material: This makes the card durable and resistant to damage.
- Gulloché Pattern: A hidden design visible under infrared light for authentication.
- Holograms: Multiple holograms with varying levels of complexity to prevent counterfeiting.
- Microtext: Your name is printed in tiny letters under your signature for added security.
- QR Code: Encodes your Cédula details for quick verification by authorities.
Purpose of Dominican Republic ID card
The Dominican Republic ID card, officially called the Cédula de Identidad y Electoral, serves multiple crucial purposes in the lives of both citizens and legal residents:
1. Identification
- It’s the primary form of personal identification within the Dominican Republic.
- Authorities, banks, and other institutions require it for verification of your identity.
- It enables you to travel domestically by air, land, or sea.
2. Voter registration
- It serves as your official voter registration card.
- Allows you to exercise your right to participate in elections.
3. Accessing services
- It’s essential for accessing various government services and benefits, such as:
- Opening bank accounts
- Obtaining a passport
- Registering for Social Security
- Obtaining a driver’s license
- Registering property
4. Financial transactions
- Banks and other financial institutions often require it for account opening, loan applications, and other financial transactions.
5. Travel abroad (in some cases)
- While not a substitute for a passport, the Cédula may be accepted for travel to certain countries within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Northern Triangle region, depending on bilateral agreements.
Beyond these practical purposes, the Cédula also holds symbolic significance:
- It represents your citizenship or legal residency status in the Dominican Republic.
- It serves as a tangible connection to the nation and its identity.
The Dominican Republic ID card is a vital tool for navigating daily life, exercising civic rights, and accessing opportunities within the country. It’s a document to be valued and protected.
Who Can Apply For A Dominican Republic ID Card?
Dominican citizens
- All Dominican citizens aged 18 and over are eligible.
- Minors aged 16 and 17 can also apply under certain circumstances, such as being employed, married, or emancipated.
Legal residents
- Foreign nationals with legal permanent residence in the Dominican Republic, holding temporary or permanent residence permits under categories RT-2 through RT-9 (work permits, resident permits for dependents, etc.).
- Note: As of June 2023, a new resolution requires foreign nationals over 18 with temporary or permanent residence to obtain an ID card. However, some details concerning proof of residence document (Constancia) issuance are still being finalized.
Other eligible individuals
- Diplomats and consular officials accredited to the Dominican Republic, along with their immediate family members.
- Members of the Armed Forces of a designated state for the purposes of the Visiting Forces Act.
How To Apply For A Dominican Republic ID Card?
Applying for a Dominican Republic ID card, the Cédula de Identidad y Electoral, involves some steps and specific documents.
1. Eligibility
- Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. This applies to Dominican citizens aged 18 and over, or minors aged 16 and 17 under specific circumstances (employed, married, emancipated).
- If you’re a foreign national with legal permanent residence (permit categories RT-2 through RT-9), you’re also eligible.
2. Required Documents
- Gather the necessary documents, which include:
- Birth certificate(s) (original and certified copy)
- Proof of address (utility bill, rental agreement, etc.)
- Blood type certificate from a reputable laboratory
- Proof of legal residence (residence card, visa, etc.) for non-citizens
- Additional documents: Depending on your specific situation, additional documents like a marriage certificate, emancipation documents, or employment contract might be requested.
3. Apply in Person
- Locate the nearest Centro de Cedulación authorized by the Junta Central Electoral (JCE). You can find them on the JCE website.
- Visit the Centro during operating hours and take a ticket number.
- Present your documents and follow the instructions provided by the JCE official.
- Pay any applicable fees for the Cédula issuance or renewal.
4. Processing and Collection
- The processing time for your Cédula can vary depending on location and demand. You’ll receive an estimated date for pick-up.
- When the Cédula is ready, return to the Centro de Cedulación with your receipt and collect your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the national ID number?
The national ID number is part of the 11-digit number printed on the official ID card, which is the Cédula de Identidad y Electoral. This unique number serves as a key identifier for citizens and legal residents within the country.
How do I find my national ID number?
1. Check your Cédula de Identidad y Electoral card
The 11-digit number printed on the front of your Cédula is your national ID number.
Look for the larger number beneath your photograph and signature. The last 3 digits will be a checksum, but the remaining 8 digits will represent your date of birth in YYMMDD format.
2. If you don’t have your Cédula readily available
–Recall your date of birth: The first 8 digits of your National ID number correspond to your date of birth in YYMMDD format. Knowing this can help you remember the first part of your ID number.
–Search online government portals: Some government websites allow you to search for your Cédula information using your personal details like name and date of birth. This could reveal your full ID number, including the checksum.
–Visit a Centro de Cedulación: Authorized JCE centers can retrieve your Cédula information and provide you with the full 11-digit national ID number upon verification.
- República Dominicana. (1992). Ley No. 8-92 sobre Organización y Funcionamiento de la Junta Central Electoral. Law No. 8-92 on the Organization and Functioning of the Central Electoral Board. [↩] [↩] [↩]
- Access the electronic ticket of entry and exit of Rep. Dom (E-TICKET): DIRECCIÓN GENERAL DE MIGRACIÓN. (2023). Migracion.gob.do. https://migracion.gob.do/en/e-ticket-electronic-ticket-of-entry-and-exit-of-the-dominican-republic/ [↩]
- La Redacción. (2014, April 22). JCE presenta formalmente la nueva Cédula de Identidad y Electoral. Últimas Noticias de La República Dominicana. https://www.ultimasnoticias.com.do/2014/04/21/jce-presenta-formalmente-la-nueva-cedula/ [↩]
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Written by
Glen Vidania 
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
Managed by Glen Vidania
Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.
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MLA Style
Vidania, Glen. "Dominican Republic ID Card." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/dominican-republic-id-card/. Accessed on 11 August 2023.
Chicago Style
Vidania, Glen. "Dominican Republic ID Card." Visas For Future. August 11, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/dominican-republic-id-card/.