Documento Nacional de Identidad (Argentina)

Documento Nacional de Identidad or DNI^[1] (which means National Identity Document^[2]) is the main identity document for Argentine citizens. It is issued at a person's birth, and updated at 8 and 16 years of age simultaneously in two formats: a small booklet (DNI libreta) with light blue cardboard cover, and a card (DNI tarjeta); both are valid if identification is required, but the booklet is required for voting. The are produced at a special plant by the Argentine national registry of people (ReNaPer). The first page of the booklet states the name, date and place of birth, along with a photograph and right thumbprint. Following pages contain address changes, organ donation information, military service information and a voting log. The unique DNI number is perforated through the pages of the first half of the book.

Before the introduction of the DNI, women had a Libreta cívica ("civic booklet"); men a Libreta de enrolamiento ("(military) enrollment booklet").^[3][4] A few years ago^[when?] it was planned that the document would be produced by Siemens, but it was decided that no private corporation could control the issuing of national identity. The Federal Police, which also issued Argentine passports until 2011, has for many years issued an identity card called Cédula de Identidad that is accepted in some cases instead of the DNI. Many people prefer to routinely carry a Cédula, because replacement of a lost DNI is slow and bureaucratic; not having a DNI in the meantime can cause problems in situations where it must be presented for some necessary purpose.

References

1. ^ Nuevo DNI, Ministry of the Interior of Argentina, http://www.nuevodni.gov.ar/, retrieved June 14, 2011 
2. ^ New National Identity Document unveiled, Télam, http://english.telam.com.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7712:new-national-identity-document-unveiled&catid=35:domestic-affairs, retrieved June 14, 2011 
3. ^ Libreta de enrolamiento of Julio Cortázar
4. ^ Argentine government website: How Argentine citizens abroad can apply for a DNI with an existing Libreta cívica or Libreta de enrolamiento (Spanish)

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