The Central Electoral Board (JCE) has announced the phased rollout for the renewal of the Dominican identity and electoral card (Cédula), will begin nationwide 12 April 2026 for the general public. In an effort to maintain public order and prevent overwhelming crowds, the agency is convening citizens to renew their documents during their respective birth months.
The initiative follows the symbolic delivery of the first new-format ID to President Luis Abinader and First Lady Raquel Arbaje on 26 January 2026. The first quarter of the year is being dedicated to internal testing and biometric data capture for JCE personnel and other government staff.
The massive renewal phase starts in April 2026 and is expected to conclude by 31 March 2027, for those within the national territory. The new document features longer expiration periods based on age: 12 years for those aged 18–35, 16 years for those 36–60, and 20 years for citizens over 61.
Dominicans living abroad are scheduled to begin their renewal process in May 2026, with a deadline of January 2028.
The JCE has also launched a digital portal, “¡Acércate!”, where citizens can update their contact information to receive personalized notifications regarding their specific renewal window.
This digital form was established to allow citizens to update their contact information (email and phone number) ahead of the nationwide ID renewal process starting in April. By registering, you will receive notifications and instructions regarding the specific time you should visit a center based on your birth month.
Read more in Spanish:
Diario Libre
Central Electoral Board Acercate registration
2 February 2026