Let’s see your Paraguayan ID card (cedula) and driver’s license on your mobile phone! How can you get a digital ID card and use your digital Paraguayan documents on your mobile phone? 

Most countries have started digital transformation programs, but Paraguay and some other Mercosur countries have already delivered helpful services.

At the end of October 2023, President Santiago Pena signed the new law regarding the acceptance and validity of essential personal documents, such as identity cards and driver’s licenses, in digital form. 

So, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technologies made their mandatory documents available to citizens in digital versions, including the identity card, vehicle registration card, and driving licence, through the PortalParaguay app. 

 The mobile Portal Paraguay application developed by the MITIC (Ministry of IT Technology) is available on Android and iOS.

Details of the new Paraguayan digital identification law

With the enactment of the Law on Digital Validity of Compulsory Carrying Documents, citizens of legal age can obtain a graphical representation of their documents by accessing them through Electronic Identity.

This digital format will not replace the physical one, but both are valid for presentation. Renewal processes will continue at the relevant offices.

 How do I access my Paraguayan digital documents?

1. If you do not already have the app, download it from your PlayStore or AppStore.

2. Login with your Electronic Identity or create it from the same app.

3. Choose the digital document you wish to view.

4. If you still can’t see your ID card, don’t worry; the system will automatically update and try again in 2 hours. (I translated this part from the official government portal, so the expression “don’t worry” may be too optimistic.) 

You must create your Electronic Identity, log in to the application, and use it on your phone.

Verification of the Paraguayan digital documents

To verify the document’s legality, every time you generate the image, it will have a single-use QR valid for 5 minutes.

You can scan the QR only using the “Verify Document” option in the PortalParaguay app.

You must generate the document again if you pass one of these actions. This process provides greater information security, avoiding using documents outside the citizens’ control.

In which cases can I submit my digital documents?

As indicated by the law in Article 3, the digital format of any document of compulsory carrying has the same validity as the document in a physical form. The authorities responsible for the relevant control and supervision must accept the digital format imposed by this law as of its legal entry into force. The digital formats of carry documents shall continue to be used simultaneously with their physical counterparts.

So, to have the Paraguayan Digital Identity Card, you need to access your “Identidad Electrónica.” 

What is Paraguayan Electronic Identity? (Identidad Electronica)

The Paraguayan Electronic Identity is a unique digital ID that allows you to carry out online procedures with the State. It consists of a User (the identity card number) and a Password (created by the citizen). It has the validity of an “electronic signature” under the terms of Law No. 4.017/13 “On Legal Validity of the Electronic Signature, Digital Signature, Data Messages and the Electronic File” and its amendments and can be used as a standardised mechanism of identification of citizens for access to public and private services online. 

Where can you find the form to complete and get your Paraguayan Electronic Identity? 

Here you arte: https://www.paraguay.gov.py/crear-cuenta

To create your profile, you only need photos of both sides of your cedula, a selfie, and a Paraguayan phone number. And remember, this government service is free. 

Do you have a Paraguayan residency and ID card?

Do you want to have a Paraguayan ID Card? First, you will need a Temporary or Permanent Residency Permit and then apply for the ID card. We have been providing immigration-related legal services since 2016 in Paraguay. Ask for legal advice or set up a consultation here.