Obtaining an Argentinian National Identity Document
What is a DNI? Do I need one?
A DNI is an Argentinian national identity document. It is a small book, about half the size of a passport, and includes vital information about your identity, including a unique number that identifies you. This DNI number is the rough equivalent of the social security number in the United States.
DNI numbers are requested by all utilities when establishing a new service, by property managers when you rent an apartment, and by merchants when requesting identification during large purchases. When two parties enter into a contract, each party’s DNI number is included in the contract, as proof that the parties wished to enter into a contractual relationship. A DNI is necessary to establish a local bank account and receive money transfers from abroad.
Additionally, someone who establishes residency is legally required to obtain a DNI within 90 days of entering Argentina under your new visa. Practically, you will want to obtain your DNI as soon as possible after you arrive. You cannot begin to integrate yourself into Argentine society or conduct business if you do not have a DNI.
D.N.I. stands for Documento Nacional de Identidad, i.e. National Identity Document. If you’re going to be in Argentina for any length of time you’ll soon realize that life is much, much easier with a D.N.I. You’ll be asked for it on loads of occasions, such as:
- applying for services (such as phone, internet, electricity, etc.)
- purchasing anything with a credit card
- purchasing anything requiring delivery
- making travel arrangements within Argentina (higher prices without a DNI)
- enrolling in courses
- trying to open a bank account
and so on…
NOTE: The following information is for people living in the Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. If you’re living elsewhere in Argentina then you should contact your local Registro Civil.
1. Gather your documents
You’ll need the following documents in order to apply for a D.N.I.:
- Original certified birth certificate which has an apostille or has been legalized by an Argentinian consul in your country of birth. This must be translated into Spanish by a registered national public translator and verified by the Colegio de Traductores Públicos.
- Your residence certificate as issued by the national immigration office (e.g. your Radicación temporaria or Radicación permanente.)
- A document issued by your local police authority which states your current residential address (Certificado de Domicilio)
- 2 passport photos (you can get these done at the DNI office though you may have to queue and the quality there isn’t very good).
2. Make a photocopy of everything
Though photocopies may not be required when applying for a D.N.I., government offices in Argentina are notorious for requesting photocopies of just about everything, so it’s better to have them ready just in case.
3. Go to the central D.N.I. office
Argentinians can request a D.N.I. from several offices throughout the city but foreigners are required to apply from the central office of the Registro Nacional de las Personas (located at 25 De Mayo 155). Be sure to go early - initial applications are normally only accepted in the morning and as with other trámites in Argentina there can be long queues and limits on the number or applications accepted per day.
4. Join the queues
Unless things have since changed, the process at the D.N.I. office goes something like this (it took me 5 hours!):
- Queue outside until the guard allows you to enter the building.
- Grab a number then join a seated queue on the entrance floor and wait until your number is called.
- Have your documents looked over and if they’re okay you’ll be given a different colored number and you can proceed downstairs, else come back another day.
- Join the first downstairs queue and wait for your number to be called.
- Have your documents looked over again (by someone more knowledgeable?) and if they’re ok you’ll be given another number so you can proceed to the second downstairs queue, if not - you get to go home, correct the problems and return another day…
- Go and pay the application fee at the cashier and also get your photos done while you’re waiting if you haven’t brought any with you.
- Wait for your number to be called then present your documents to the public servant who calls you over.
- Read things, sign things, give your fingerprints, etc., then you’ll be given a piece of paper stating that your D.N.I. application is in process. You’ll be told to wait 3 to 4 months before coming back to collect your D.N.I.
- Go home and feel good that your D.N.I. application is in process (sitting on a shelf somewhere for 3+ months…)
5. Go back to the D.N.I. office
Once 3 to 4 months have passed, go back to the Registro Nacional de las Personas in the afternoon along with the piece of paper they gave you with your application number on it.
- Present your paper to the guard outside then the public servant inside (after waiting in line, of course) and, if your D.N.I. is ready, you’ll be allowed to proceed downstairs.
- Wait for your name to be called, present your paper and second passport photo, verify that your details have been written into the D.N.I. correctly then sign and fingerprint it and sit down again while another officer authenticates and authorizes everything.
- When your name is called again, you’ll be able to collect your spanking new D.N.I.
Congratulations!
