SANTO DOMINGO – Dominicans residing abroad will begin the process of renewing their national identity cards next May through an exclusive appointment system, which will be available in April on the official website of the Central Electoral Board (JCE). This was announced by the Central Electoral Board (JCE).
The measure, they explained, aims to effectively organize services for citizens in thediaspora, ensuring a smooth and secure process. “Those without an ID card are like walking corpses,” joked Well Sepúlveda, director of Dominican Voting Abroad, highlighting the urgency and importance of the document for the daily transactions of Dominicans living outside the country.
According to information provided by the Central Electoral Board (JCE), the national identity card is an essential requirement for many procedures, such as renewing a passport, opening bank accounts, or carrying out any official transaction in the Dominican Republic. Updating this document will allow citizens to maintain their rights and facilitate their active participation in the civic and administrative life of the country.
Renewal schedule
According to the official schedule, data collection will begin on April 8 for a targeted group comprised of overseas representatives, party leaders, ambassadors, consuls, and representatives of the Dominican community abroad. Subsequently, in May, registration will open to the general public, with a deadline extending until January 21, 2028, according to information provided by the Central Electoral Board (JCE).
The appointment system will allow Dominicans to select specific times at their respective consular offices and coordination centers, avoiding overcrowding and streamlining administrative processes. Appointments can be requested directly through the official JCE website, which will be active throughout April to facilitate scheduling.
Integration into the Electoral Coordination Offices
According to information provided by the Central Electoral Board (JCE), those interested in joining the Overseas Electoral Logistics Coordination Offices (OCLEE) can submit their applications in European cities such as Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona, as well as in locations in Switzerland and Italy. These offices will play a key role in the logistical organization of the 2028 elections, and the deadline for submitting applications is approaching.
Technology and security of the new ID card
The director of Dominican Voting Abroad emphasized that the new national identity card will incorporate high international security standards, including laser engraving technology and an integrated chip. “This card is on par with the identity documents of any other country in the world,” Sepúlveda asserted, underscoring the reliability and modernization of the document that will replace the current card, which expires on March 31, 2027.
The Central Electoral Board (JCE) emphasized that renewing the national identity card not only has administrative value, but also represents a citizen's right and an essential instrument for mobility, financial procedures, and electoral participation of Dominicans abroad.
Call to the citizens
Finally, according to information provided by the Central Electoral Board (JCE), Well Sepúlveda urged all Dominicans of legal age to schedule their appointments as soon as the link becomes available, reminding them that advance planning will guarantee a smooth and trouble-free process. “The national identity card is the key that connects us to our country,” the official emphasized.
With this measure, the Central Electoral Board seeks to strengthen the relationship of the diaspora with the country, ensuring that every Dominican abroad has an updated, secure and fully functional document for all their legal and administrative procedures.
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