DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

In a ceremony blending technological advancement with patriotic symbolism, President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje were issued the first new identity and electoral cards (cédula) on Monday, 26 January 2026, coinciding with the 213th anniverary of the birth of founding father of the nation, Juan Pablo Duarte.

The Dominican ID moves from traditional printing toward high-security laser engraving. According to technical specifications provided by the JCE, the card is constructed from nine layers of polycarbonate, a material capable of lasting up to 25 years.

Key security features of the new “smart” ID include:• Laser-engraved data: Information is etched directly into the polycarbonate layers using CLP 60 technology, making it virtually impossible to alter without destroying the card.• Integrated cryptographic chip: Designed to...