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 prevent cloning and forgery, the chip supports digital signatures and can function as an emergency travel document under ICAO standards.
• Biometric synchronization: While the physical photo is engraved in grayscale for durability, a color version is maintained in the national electoral registry.
• Digital integration: The system includes a mobile application for a “digital identity,” allowing the ID to be used in banking, healthcare, and telecommunications.
JCE President Román Jáquez Liranzo described the new card as a “strategic investment” aimed at modernizing public services and achieving long-term fiscal savings through the document’s increased lifespan. “This renews our commitment to a secure, technological, and sovereign identity,” Jáquez Liranzo stated during the presentation, noting that the encrypted QR codes and chip are designed to be readable exclusively by authorized JCE protocols to protect personal data.
Timeline for mass rollout
The initiative, which began its preliminary phase in December 2024 with delivery to JCE staff, aims to issue a total of 9.4 million documents. Following Monday’s symbolic delivery to the head of state, the JCE confirmed that the mass issuance phase for the general public is scheduled to begin on 8 April 2026.
Read more in Spanish:
Presidency
Listin Diario
El Dia
27 January 2026