Digital ID in Colombia: answers to the main questions

Colombia is advancing towards a technological society in small and very slow but determined steps. Since 2021, there has been talk of the new digital ID , which has generated multiple doubts in the population. It is very likely that you also have them, that is why here we will answer the main doubts that this topic generates, so that you can make your decisions about it, tell your friends and do not let yourself be confused by confusing sources:

Who can or should have the new digital ID?

At the moment, the new digital ID is a service available only to Colombian men and women who wish to obtain a duplicate of their physical ID. For this reason, it is possible to obtain it in the same procedure and for the same price: $55,750 Colombian pesos (as of September 2022).

What is the process to obtain it?

When you already claim the physical duplicate of your ID, you will receive an email from [email protected] with a QR code to activate the digital ID. You must download the Cédula Digital Colombia application (available for Android over 7.0 and IOS over 11.0).

You will have two ways to activate : the first is to enter the email you received from your phone and select the "Activate" option under the QR code and wait for the application to open, from where you must read the statements, advance and accept the terms ; the second consists of entering the application from your phone, reading the statements, moving forward and accepting the terms, after which the QR code scanner will be enabled, which you must have visible from the email you received on another cell phone, computer or tablet .

In both cases, the next step will be a biometric verification of your face (as in Nequi) by joining three points on the screen with movements. When you have done it successfully, the application will ask you to enter a six-digit PIN that will be your password to access your digital ID on your cell phone or mobile device . Once this is done, the process will be completed and you will already have the service.

Is the new digital ID safe?

Yes, because it is not an easily accessible file (for example, pdf or image) but you will access through the application and, in addition, it will be protected by a password , being able to activate it again if you have any inconvenience related to your cell phone.

And what about the polycarbonate card?

It will remain in use for a long time or until the competent authority stipulates otherwise. The new digital ID is an alternative or complement that is up to the changes brought by the new times, but we know that there are many Colombians without access to the technologies that make life easier for us and we mistakenly believe that they are available to everyone. Therefore, the use of the digital ID is not mandatory .

As you can see, it is not a complex issue and there is no reason to worry. The new digital ID brings benefits in security, accessibility and speed of official procedures that are still being adapted.

If you are very curious and want to know more details about this novelty, we recommend you consult the portal dedicated to this topic on the website of the National Civil Status Registry ( https://www.registraduria.gov.co/? page=cedula-digital ), from where we have extracted all the information. If you experience inconveniences or mishaps during the activation or use of your digital ID, contact [email protected] as soon as possible and they will attend to your needs.