The National Identity Document (DNI) is the document with which an Argentine can prove their identity. Since April 1, 2017, the New Biometric National Identity Document (DNI), whether in blue book or plastic card format, is the only valid DNI. Individuals over 75 years old can continue using the green DNI, Civic Registry, or Enrolment Book, as long as it is in good condition.

The plastic card DNI can be complemented with the ID on your phone. The latter can be used to prove identity but is not accepted for international travel or voting.

The DNI must be updated on two occasions: when the child is of school age (between 5 and 8 years old) and when they turn 14.

The DNI contains information about your address. If it has changed, you need to apply for a new one. The procedure can only be done at the Consulate General in Vancouver if you reside within our consular district.

The DNI is issued to individuals who already have Argentine nationality. If you wish to acquire nationality, please consult here.

For other inquiries (people who have never had a DNI, gender change, correction of personal data, etc.), please send an email to cgvan@cancilleria.gob.ar.

Foreigners' DNIs can only be processed in Argentina.

 

How to apply for the DNI?

1. Request an appointment for DNI and/or Passport through this Consulate General's appointment system.
2. Send a scanned copy of the required documentation according to the requested procedure (see below) by email to consular_cgvan@cancilleria.gob.ar.
3. Once the documentation is verified, this Consulate will confirm the appointment.
4. Attend the appointment in person with the original documentation and proof of address (e.g., Canadian driving license, utility bill, etc.).
5. On the appointment day, pay the consular fees, have a photo taken, fingerprints and signature recorded. The information is sent directly to RENAPER.
6. The DNI will be printed in Argentina and sent to the Consulate by postal mail. It takes between 30 and 90 days from application to receiving the DNI.

You will receive your DNI through one of the following methods:

• Personal pick-up at the consulate.
• Pick-up by an authorized person: the authorization must be signed on the appointment day, and the authorized person must bring an identification document.
• Postal delivery: on the appointment day, the applicant will sign an authorization for postal delivery and provide a prepaid envelope (Xpresspost or similar) for shipment. The Consulate is not responsible for lost documents if sent by mail. FedEx envelopes are not accepted.

 

Available Procedures

1. DNI renewal

If you are Argentine, living abroad, and your DNI was stolen, lost, or your address changed.

Requirements:

• Previous DNI.
• If lost or stolen, provide a police report.
• If you do not have the above, provide another identifying document such as a passport, driver's license (Argentine or Canadian), or birth certificate.
• Minors must provide their original birth certificate and the accompanying parent's DNI.
• You can apply for a passport during the same appointment.
• If the applicant is over 18 years old, they must have completed the 14-year update.

 

2. DNI Update between 5 and 8 years old

If the child is 8 years old and still has not updated their DNI, they have 1 year to do so.

Requirements:

• Valid DNI of the child.
• Original birth certificate of the child.
• Parent's DNI.
• If the child is under a guardian, provide a judicial proof of guardianship.
• If the child is 9 years old or older, they will be fined an amount equivalent to the processing cost.
• If they present the latest issued DNI in original, they can apply for a passport during the same appointment.

 

3. DNI Update at 14 years old

Argentines who turn 14 must update their document. The 14-year update includes enrollment in the Electoral Register so they can vote (starting at 16 years old).

Requirements:

• Original DNI of the applicant (card format, blue book, or ID on your phone).
• Original birth certificate.
• If the applicant is over 15 years old on the appointment day, they will be fined the same amount as the processing cost.
• If the applicant is between 18 and 21 years old, they need an original DNI from one of their parents. If not available, they must come with two witnesses of any nationality with their respective identification documents.
• If the applicant is over 21 years old, they must come with two witnesses of any nationality with their respective identification documents.
• If the applicant is under 18 years old at the time of the appointment and has the latest issued DNI in original, they can apply for a passport during the same appointment.
• If the applicant is over 18 years old or does not have a valid DNI (e.g., because they applied for a new one later - the previous one becomes invalid), they cannot apply for a passport on the same day. They must wait until they receive the new DNI.