The Civil Registry of Chile took a big step forward on December 16, 2024, when it launched its new, fully integrated National Identification System and began issuing its redesigned and upgraded passport and national identity card.
Chile’s new National Identification System operates throughout Chile and in its foreign consulates.
The country’s passport and national ID card were last updated in 2013, at which time they became biometric. The new versions are modernized in design and security. They are also accessible to visually impaired citizens, with some letters of the holder’s first name and surname printed in Braille.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the new credentials being issued in Chile.
National Identity Card: New design and security—plus a digital version
The visual design of the new identity card highlights Chile’s natural plant and animal life—a growing trend in identity credentials across the globe.
Chile’s New National ID Card
All Chilean citizens are required to carry a national ID card. The new identity card better protects the holder’s personal information while also strengthening the security elements that allow authorities and businesses to authenticate the document. The polycarbonate ID card contains a contactless chip that meets the ICAO specifications and integrates 32 security features that are more modern and sophisticated that those in the 2013 version. All text on the identity card is in Spanish, as the document is used primarily within Chile’s borders as well as travel to certain other Spanish-speaking countries.
In addition to carrying a physical ID card, Chilean residents have the option to add a free digital version of the card, stored on their Smartphone. The digital ID will validate the holder’s identity using modern technologies such as facial recognition. It will be useful for accessing services and conducting transactions in financial services, telecommunications, e-government, and even e-commerce.
Passport: New visual design, enhanced security features
The cover of new passport is royal blue, the same hue as Chile’s national flag. The inside pages of the passport illustrate some of the country’s top tourist attractions in its various regions. Both English and Spanish text on the passport facilitate its use as an international travel document.
Chile’s New (Regular) Passport
The security of the passport has been strengthened with 70 security features.
Phil Hodge, Head of Document Acquisition at Keesing Technologies, explains, “The document incorporates advanced anti-counterfeiting technologies, including a diffractive optically variable image DID™ which displays color-shifting elements when rotated 90° without changing the viewing angle. Additional security measures include optically variable ink (OVI) that changes color depending on the angle of view, tactile features for authentication by touch, and microprinting that is legible only under magnification. These elements, combined with a polycarbonate data page, ensure the passport meets the highest international security standards.”
The biodata card is sewn in with a special hinge. The aforementioned Braille identifier is located on the personal data page.
For how long are the new documents valid?
Once issued, the regular passport is valid for 10 years. The new national ID card is valid for five years. Previously issued passports and national ID cards shall remain valid until their stated expiry date.
Sources/References:
Chilean Government
Latercera
ADN Radio
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