Digital ID in Colombia: who can get it for free

At the beginning of September 2022, the National Registry of Civil Statusled by Alexander Vega, allowed the processing of digital identifiers, an alternative to the physical document –yellow and with holograms– with which, in the past, criminal gangs managed to impersonate other citizens.

With this in mind, the entity integrated ICT into the validation process: “Because Colombians needed identification mechanisms which allow them to access services in a fast, agile and reliable manner and guarantee the security of their data; all this, taking advantage of information and communication technologies and avoiding unnecessary procedures,” reads its website.

Since digital ballot become an option, his treatment cost 55,750 Colombian pesos, or just over $11 at the current exchange rate (February 2023).

To access it, you must enter the registry web portalfill out a form and pay the indicated amount via PSE or at any of the authorized outlets Effecty, SuperGiros, Matrix, Banco Popular and 4-72.

However, a certain population group can process digital ID, no need to pay to the state for it. This, unlike other benefits, does not apply to people in vulnerable situations, in fact they are young peopleabout to reach the age of majority and who are processing their identity card for the first timewho will be exempt from making the payment, as explained by the entity.

The above, given that: “Digital identification enables compliance with development plans and public policies that aim to make the services provided by the State more efficient and accessible.

The digital ID, like its physical version, is valid nationwide national and It is used to advance any process before the authorities of public and private order who require it.

In response to the needs of citizens, the entity stated that as a country, “Colombia requires identification that allows access to state digital services and other entities that provide services through the Internet. The digital ID will be your access key”.

But even the digital document serves as a pass to one of 8 countries that make up the Andean Community of Nations (CAN) and the Southern Common Market (Mercosur); that is, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. Countries in which, by showing the latest version of your identity card, you will be able to enter, without having to show your passport, the cost of which far exceeds that of the national identity document.

1. Enter the Registry website by typing in the search engine of your choice: https://www.registraduria.gov.co/ . Once inside, select the “DIGITAL CARD PROCESS” option.

2. Complete the data as soon as a new tab is displayed: Full name, identification number, email, mobile phone number, etc. Once you are done with the form, select the “Continue” option. Then you must pay the cost of the procedure through “PSE” or at any of the authorized points of Effecty, SuperGiros, Matrix, Banco Popular and 4-72. After that, an appointment will be fixed at the nearest point of the Registry, to take your biometric data and a photo.

3. Check, from time to time, the status of your document on the page where you filled out the form and once it is ready, you can return to the headquarters of the Registrar’s office “to claim the new physical document and download the ‘application Cédula Digital Colombia”, according to the web portal of the entity. Pay attention to your email where you will receive all the instructions.