The Central Electoral Board (JCE) announced it has finalized the logistics and preparation for the official rollout of the new Identity and Electoral Card (Cédula) as of January 2026.
The estimated total cost for the ID renewal project is approximately RD$6 billion, the most expensive in the history of the cedula.
The Central Electoral Board confirmed a process to audit and purge all birth certificates is underway. This is directly linked to the ID process and involves correcting administrative errors and disabling records due to irregularities such as identity fraud.
JCE President Román Jáquez predicts a “fever” for the securing of the new digital ID because it offers significant modern conveniences, including seamless integration with any government entity.
The ID will be issued free as a physical card, but the citizen can also have a digital version on their mobile phone. The digital version is expected to have a cost, yet to be announced. The digital ID allows holders to choose what information is displayed. For instance, to only show name and photo at a bank, club, or discotheque, without revealing the person’s address or voting location.
The digital ID will have potential as a travel document, allowing it to potentially serve as an emergency substitute for a passport and will also function as a digital signature.
The JCE has said that the rollout will be scheduled using the month of birth model. The exception will be President Luis Abinader who will be the first to receive the new ID card in the official launch in January. The President’s birthday is in July.
Key timelines and rollout details:
December 2025: The JCE plans to present the official work schedule for the document’s substitution.
January 2026: The official launch begins with a formal delivery ceremony for the first new ID card to the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader.
National rollout (2026): The mass replacement of the document will take place throughout 2026 using the birth date model. The JCE says the procedure will be completed in 2026 so the entity can then focus on political party processes and the pre-electoral campaign in 2027. The ID serves as voting card in the Dominican Republic.
Overseas rollout (extended): The process for Dominicans living abroad will have a different schedule, running until 31 January 2028. It will require prior appointments.
Validity of current ID: The use of the current ID card will officially end nationwide in January 2027. After this date, the old ID will no longer be accepted for any civil, economic, or declaration transactions. Both documents will be valid concurrently throughout 2026.
The new ID in its physical version is made of polycarbonate and incorporates more than 100 security characteristics.
Application procedures and centers
The JCE is finalizing the work plan for the process:
Fixed centers: There will be 190 fixed ID issuance centers.
Mobile operations: Mobile teams will be deployed to public and private entities. For companies, the JCE will request the employee payroll, perform the capture on-site, and deliver the ID at a later date, streamlining the process.
Mall centers: Centers located in commercial plazas will operate by appointment only to manage crowds.
24-hour centers: The JCE plans to install several 24-hour ID centers (three in Greater Santo Domingo and one in Santiago) initially.
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Foreigners: The new card will feature a third color designated for legal foreign residents.
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El Caribe
26 November 2025