DNI - Peru's National ID Card

The DNI, Documento Nacional de Identidad, is the Peruvian version of an ID card. It’s the only personal identity card recognized by the Peruvian State for all cases (civil, commercial, administrative and judicial) in which a person has to identify him- or herself.

The DNI is a personal and non-transferable document and grants the right to vote. Issuing authority is RENIEC, the Registro Nacional de Identificación y Estado Civil (National Registry of Identification and Civil Status).

DNI – Peru’s National Identity Card (1997 - 2013)

The DNI was implemented in 1997 as a personal identity card for all adult Peruvians replacing the so-called “Libreta Electoral”. Originally it measured 10 cm by 7 cm (3.9 by 2.7 inches) but was resized in 2005 to more or less credit card size (8.54 cm by 5.4 cm / 3.4 by 2.1 inches).

The Peruvian DNI is blue and contains next to a photo and personal details of the owner such as given name(s), surname(s), date and place of birth, sex, civil status, address, fingerprint of right index finger and signature as well the CUI number (Unique Identification Code), the date of issue and expiration, the voter group and if a person is an organ donor or not. The card is valid 8 years.

DNI for minors – Peru’s Identity Card for Children

With the introduction of the adult DNI as well a DNI for minors was implemented to ensure that children and adolescents have easy access to public health, education, sport, food and safety services. The children's DNI is the same size as the adult DNI, but yellow. It contains next to a photo and personal details of the owner such as given name(s), surname(s), date and place of birth, sex, address and fingerprint of right index finger as well the CUI number (Unique Identification Code), the date of issue and expiration and the names of mother and father including their DNI / CE number.

Getting a DNI for minors is voluntary, but from 17 years of age applying for an adult DNI is obligatory.

DNIe – Electronic National Identity Card (from 2013)

In 2013 the DNIe, Documento Nacional de Identidad electrónico (Electronic National Identity Card) was introduced replacing gradually the “old” blue DNIs.

The card contains the same information as the “old” blue DNIs but additionally a chip that stores the data as well electronically allowing faster identification, authentication and overall processing of information. Furthermore, it contains numerous safety and security features.

With a special card / fingerprint reader connected to a computer DNIe owner’s now have access to all digital services offered by the State allowing to handle many transactions and administrative affairs such as applying for official documents, signing all sorts of e-documents, banking or even voting, online in a quick and secure way.