The Argentine identity card, ) or DNI ), 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 5/8 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 Data Matrix code, which later became 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).
On 29 January 2026, RENAPER issued Disposición 55/2026, approving a revised electronic DNI (or DNIe) design and replacing the relevant 2023 specifications. The new design entered into force on 1 February 2026. Existing DNI cards remain valid until their stated expiry date.
Obligation of identification Legal requirement in Argentina
Law No. 17,671 of De Identificación, Registro y Clasificación del Potencial Humano Nacional, enacted in 1968, stipulates in its article 13 that no means of identification can replace the Argentine identity card issued by ReNaPer.
It is mandatory for exercising the right to vote and for identification before judicial authorities. The Argentine identity cardis also required for carrying out procedures with state authorities, and it also authorizes the holder to work legally within the country (subject to national labor laws, which prohibit the employment of children and adolescents).
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.
Issuance and availability The Argentine National Identity Card is issued by the National Registry of People (Registro nacional de las Personas) in the individual's district of residency. It is a mandatory identity, and must be renewed. There are fines if not. Argentine nationals living outside Argentina must also obtain the identity card through Argentine embassies and consulates. To obtain or renew the card, individuals must undergo an in-person identity verification process.
Unlike Argentine passports, Argentine identity cards are valid for fifteen years if over 14 years old (after the update). However, if the cardholder is under 14 old at the time of issuance, the validity period must be at their update age (8 and 14).
The ID card currently costs 7.500 pesos 14.000 pesos if the holder is a foreigner on the date of issue when issued within Argentina.
Travel validity 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).
Limitations and exceptions 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.
History
Before the introduction of the DNI in 1968, women had a Libreta cívica ("civic booklet"); men a Libreta de enrolamiento ("(military) enrollment booklet").Libreta de enrolamiento of Julio Cortázar The identity card was instituted by the Argentine military regime, making the Ley de Identificación, Registro y Clasificación del Potencial Humano Nacional.
This Law stablishes the creation of RENAPER in order to register all the residents of the country and the obbligation of identification of the identity cards.
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.
On Resolución 837/98, it was put the design of the idenitity cards in booklet format and its features on the Annexes.
Later, on the Resolución 331/2003, the identity cards would have lasser technology.
On the Decreto 1501/2009, it was approved the use of digital techlogies to make the DNI more robust and safer. This is separate to the Digital Argentine identity card, used miArgentina application.
On the same year, before the approval of the law that made just-in-card, the booklet format had also a redesign to make it similar.
By the Resolución 3020/2014, the Digital DNI (either Card or Booklet) would be the only valid identity cards for daily use. Except for people over 75 years old, who can still in possession of a Civic or enrolment booklet or older handwritten versions of the card.
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.
New biometric identity cards 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. However, it is important to regard that the identity cards still had the legend without the seal, up to 2021.
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 Data Matrix 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.
Beginning 2026, during Milei government, the new Argentine identity cards was finally enacted since February. In this time at the PDFs of the Official Gazzete, it can be seen that the Identity cards have CAN code if once updated, and conserves the same format for foreigners. Also, there is a return of the exemplar.
Biometric data and security On 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