My assistant (Dominicana) went to renew her cedula in the DR in early February, it expired in 2006! They told her it was not necessary to renew it and sent her away! DR bureaucracy at its best. I have seen lots of people here with cedulas expired for years and there does not seem to be a problem. Where are you getting the info "new cedulas will be required soon?" This is not what we were told, but it would not be a surprise they give bad information : ) I have read new cedulas will have new technology, but nothing that says you must get a new one.
This is a google translation: the first new cedulas will be free of charge for everyone.
THE DATE HAS CHANGED; NOW IT WILL BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC BY MARCH-APRIL
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) announced that the new Electoral Identity Card and be available to the public from the first quarter of this year, which would be between March and April. Likewise, the Plenary of the JCE to leave the approved format new identity of Dominicans, decided that the first plastic to be delivered for free. The JCE thanked the political parties for their confidence in the administration and implementation of this project is required by law.
"Accordingly, the decision of the full allow Dominicans have a useful, intelligent and secure card, durability and usability that will benefit all citizens," a document issued by the journalist Felix Reyna. It says "were assessed as a breakthrough 23 security measures that will have the new document and the suitability of the new computers that are able to print smart identity cards with a QR code, hologram, micro text, optically variable inks, OVD Recessed, guilloche background, UV printing, digital signature, among other security measures. "
He explained yesterday as part of this new format WILL BE DELIVERED TO ALL DOMINICANS CITIZENS AND FOREIGNERS, MINORS, POLICE and MILITARY WHO WILL RECEIVE AN IDENTIFICATION CARD, the latter have no right to vote.
added that the material shall consist of a mixture of pvc pet using retransfer printing technology.
Also, the Plenum of the Board explained that the new biometric identification will be, so the use of fingerprints and facial biometrics and allow through the minutiae access to all information of individuals contained in the system the Central Electoral Board, so it will be a very important step in information, safety and usefulness of it.
"We appreciate that in the Dominican Republic, in public institutions and the private sector, there is no technological platform that allows you to use the chip as its storage and transmission. However it welcoming suggestions and recommendations decided the gradual delivery CHIP no contact between layers, no visual, which is the latest technology and processing of information and networking for use by various institutions mentioned above.
The JCE said equipment and materials contract for the new voter identity card and are able to deliver this product within the lifetime of the new card, after the Dominican government and private institutions to establish operating protocol.
should have mentioned it in the OP. 
