El Salvador’s National Registry of Natural Persons (RNPN) is preparing for a large-scale renewal of the country’s national identification card, known as the DUI, set to begin later this year and extend through 2026. The initiative will incorporate new technology and improved accessibility, according to RNPN President Fernando Velasco.
“Next year we will begin a massive renewal. One of the oldest versions of the DUI will go out of circulation, and we expect around 1.3 million citizens to renew their ID,” Velasco said. He explained that the RNPN will rely on digital systems to streamline the process and reduce wait times. “The technology we are applying in our processes will give citizens more tools to complete their renewal smoothly,” he added.
The new cards, made of polycarbonate and featuring 34 security measures, will start being issued in December. In addition to its 19 DUI centers nationwide, the RNPN is expanding self-service kiosks in strategic locations to make the renewal process easier.
During the XXII Meeting of the Latin American and Caribbean Council of Civil Registry, Identity and Vital Statistics (CLARCIEV 2025), held in El Salvador, the open-source civil registry platform OpenCRVS was showcased as a Digital Public Good—free technology designed to support transparency and privacy.
Velasco also emphasized the relocation of some service centers to improve accessibility. “We are moving DUI centers to more comfortable spaces with better access, parking, and nearby services such as banks,” he said. The updated infrastructure aims to ensure that all citizens, including those with mobility challenges, can renew their national ID with ease.