Social:Digital Argentine identity card

Short description: Official digital version of Argentina's National Identity Card

The Digital DNI displaying the redesigned digital identity card introduced in 2026.

The Digital DNI as displayed in the Mi Argentina mobile application.

Screenshots of the Digital Argentine identity card in the Mi Argentina application.

The Digital Argentine identity card (Spanish: DNI Digital) is the official digital version of Argentina's National Identity Card (Documento Nacional de Identidad, DNI), issued by the National Registry of Persons (RENAPER). It is available through the Mi Argentina mobile application and allows eligible Argentine citizens and foreign residents to carry a digital representation of their identity document on a compatible smartphone. The Digital DNI has the same legal validity as the physical identity card in most circumstances established by Argentine law. The Digital DNI forms part of Argentina's digital government strategy to provide public services through secure electronic identification.

History

Argentina modernized its National Identity Cards system beginning in 2009 through the digitization of identity records and the introduction of a new polycarbonate identity card with enhanced security features. The reform was carried out by the National Registry of Persons (RENAPER). On 1 November 2019, the Argentine government officially announced the Digital DNI through Decree No. 744/2019. The service became available on 9 November 2019 through the Mi Argentina application for eligible citizens and legal residents over the age of 14 who possessed the latest version of the National Identity Card, or also parents of them. According to the Government of Argentina, the country became one of the first in the world to provide an officially issued national identity document stored on a mobile device.

Terminology

The term DNI digital has been used in Argentina to refer to different concepts over time, leading to confusion in media reports, government communications and social media discussions.

"Digital DNI" (2017)

Before the introduction of the smartphone-based Digital DNI in 2019, Argentine authorities frequently used the expression DNI digital to describe the digitally produced National Identity Document introduced during the RENAPER modernization programme. In this context, "digital" referred to the document's production process and biometric security features rather than to a digital credential on a mobile device.

When the Argentine government announced that, from 1 April 2017, the "DNI digital" would become the only valid identity document, the measure referred to the modern machine-issued identity card and not to a document stored on a mobile device. At the time, the valid formats were the plastic DNI card and, where applicable, the accompanying blue booklet (Libreta Celeste), while older handwritten documents ceased to be valid for most legal purposes.

Digital booklet and the physical identity card

Between 2009 and 2012, many Argentine citizens received the Nuevo DNI as two physical components: a plastic identity card and a blue paper booklet known as the Libreta Celeste. Both formed part of the same identity document and were issued together. Following the nationwide transition to the card-only format, the booklet was no longer issued to new applicants, although previously issued booklets remained valid when accompanied by the corresponding card.

Distinction from the electronic identity card

The smartphone-based Digital Argentine identity card introduced in 2019 is distinct from the physical electronic identity card (electronic DNI or eDNI) introduced in Argentina in 2026. The Digital DNI is a software credential displayed through the Mi Argentina application, whereas the electronic identity card is a physical identity document incorporating an integrated circuit (chip) and contactless technologies for electronic authentication.

Because both credentials have been described as "digital" or "electronic" identity documents in news reports and on social media, confusion has arisen between the two systems. Government publications consistently distinguish the Digital DNI in Mi Argentina from the physical identity card issued by RENAPER.

Some media reports and social media posts have also used the expression "DNI electrónico" when referring to the Digital DNI, while others have used "DNI digital" to describe the chip-enabled physical identity card introduced in 2026, contributing to inconsistent terminology in public discourse.

Features overview

The following infomation is included on the card:

• Full legal name
• Photograph
• Document number
• Date of birth
• Nationality
• Date of issue
• Expiration date
• Transaction number

The credential is activated through the Mi Argentina application after identity verification. The digital credential is linked to a single mobile device and incorporates security mechanisms intended to prevent duplication or unauthorized access.

Legal status

The Digital DNI is legally equivalent to the physical National Identity Document for most identification purposes. However, Argentine regulations require presentation of the physical document in certain situations established by law, including electoral procedures and other cases where a physical identity document is expressly required.

Administration

The Digital DNI is administered by the National Registry of Persons (RENAPER), an agency of the Argentine government responsible for civil identification. Distribution and activation are carried out through the government's Mi Argentina digital platform.

Reception

The launch of the Digital DNI received extensive coverage in Argentine media, which described it as an important milestone in the country's digital transformation and e-government initiatives. News organizations also reported on technical issues affecting activation and access during periods of high demand and subsequent updates to the Mi Argentina platform.

See also

• Argentine identity card
• Electronic identification
• Digital identity

External links

• RENAPER
• Mi Argentina
• Argentina.gob.ar