The president of the Central Electoral Board (JCE), Román Jáquez Liranzo is reminding all that the massive renewal process for the Dominican Republic’s new identity and electoral card (cédula) will commence on 12 April 2026. To prevent logistical chaos and ensure a streamlined flow, the JCE is implementing a progressive rollout based on the citizen’s birth month. Likewise, at the same time a 24/7 service stations will be open to everyone.
The strategy is designed to distribute demand throughout the year. Under this system, individuals with birthdays in April will be the first cohort called to authorized centers between 12 April and 30 April. The process will then rotate monthly (May, June, etc.) for the remainder of the year.
This renewal follows the JCE’s plenary decision to integrate biometric technology and enhanced security features, a move aimed at curbing identity theft and modernizing civil registries. While the transition begins now, the current cédula will remain legally valid for all civil, administrative, and political transactions until 31 March 2027. After this date, only the new document will be recognized.
Expanded service infrastructure
To accommodate the national population, the JCE will activate more than 190 identification centers across the country. These offices will operate under three distinct service tiers:
Standard centers: Open Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm, and until 5pm on weekends.
High-service centers: Operating extended hours from 8am to 9pm.
Continuous service centers: Eight specific locations will operate 24 hours a day.
Costs and digital integration
The initial issuance of the new card is free of charge for all citizens. However, a fee will be applied for replacements due to loss or damage, though the specific tariff has yet to be finalized.
In a significant leap toward digital government, the JCE is also introducing a digital version of the ID. This virtual credential can be stored on mobile devices via a dedicated app, allowing for identity verification on interoperable platforms and digital institutions. While the app will carry a yet-to-be-determined usage fee, the physical card remains strictly mandatory for voting in the 2028 presidential and congressional elections.
Technical specifications and security features
The new document is touted as one of the most secure in the region, incorporating over 100 security measures. Key technical upgrades include:
Biometric Data: Advanced fingerprint and facial recognition mapping.
Integrated Chip: Stores encrypted citizen data for instant validation.
Digital Signature: Enables the signing of electronic documents and digital contracts.
International Utility: Potential use as a travel document for re-entry to the DR if a passport is lost, subject to international agreements.
The transition to polycarbonate materials and laser engraving is intended to extend the physical lifespan of the card to 10 years, making it more durable than the current PVC version (https://jce.gob.do).
24-hour locations
Based on the latest announcements from the Central Electoral Board (JCE), the eight specific locations designated for 24-hour continuous service have been strategically selected to cover the main urban hubs of the country. These centers are intended to serve as “overflow” points for citizens who cannot attend during standard or extended hours.
The following offices will operate around the clock to support the phased renewal process:
• Distrito Nacional (Centro de los Héroes): Calle República del Líbano, Esq. Paul P. Harris, Centro de los Héroes (La Feria), Distrito Nacional. This location is already the primary administrative hub for civil status records in the capital.
• Santo Domingo Este (Plaza Island): Carretera Mella Esq. Av. San Vicente de Paúl, Plaza Island, Santo Domingo Este.
• Santo Domingo Oeste (Occidental Mall): Prolongación 27 de Febrero, Occidental Mall, Santo Domingo Oeste.
• Santiago (Edificio BNV): Av. Las Carreras esq. Av. Presidente Antonio Guzmán, Edificio BNV, Santiago de los Caballeros.
• La Romana: Av. Santa Rosa No. 63, casi esq. Calle Duarte, La Romana.
• San Francisco de Macorís: Calle El Carmen No. 17, San Francisco de Macorís, Provincia Duarte.
• Puerto Plata: Calle Duarte No. 34, Puerto Plata.
• Bávaro / Punta Cana: Carretera Barceló, Km. 2, Plaza Paseo San Juan, Bávaro.
Read more in Spanish:
Central Electoral Board
Noticias SIN
17 March 2026