NIT vs CUI vs DPI Guatemala 2026: 3 Most-Confused IDs Explained

NIT, CUI, and DPI are the three most-confused numbers/documents in Guatemala — especially for foreigners moving here and diaspora returning. The confusion got worse in 2025 when SAT unified CUI with NIT, creating the famous “CUINIT.” This page clears it up once and for all: what each one is, when you need each, and how to obtain them.

Quick takeaway: The DPI is the physical document (card), the CUI is the 13-digit number printed on the DPI, and the NIT is the tax number from SAT. For Guatemalans, CUI = NIT since 2025. For foreigners, there is no DPI or CUI — only a NIT obtained with passport.

Side-by-Side Comparison: DPI vs CUI vs NIT

What is the DPI

The DPI (Documento Personal de Identificacion) is the physical ID card of Guatemalan citizens, issued by RENAP (Registro Nacional de las Personas) under Decree 90-2005. It’s the card you carry in your wallet and show to police, banks, notaries, hospitals, etc.

Characteristics:

• Plastic card with chip and magnetic stripe
• Photo, signature, and fingerprint of the holder
• Contains the CUI printed on the front
• Validity: 10 years (mandatory renewal)
• Cost: Q100 first time; Q175 replacement
• Time: 5-10 business days from appointment

See Guatemala DPI ID — complete guide for step-by-step.

What is the CUI

The CUI (Codigo Unico de Identificacion) is the 13-digit number assigned to every Guatemalan at birth (registered with RENAP) and printed on the DPI. It’s permanent and unique — never changes, even if you lose or renew the DPI.

Characteristics:

• 13 digits in format XXXX XXXXX XXXX
• Assigned at birth (recorded on birth certificate)
• Appears on the front of the DPI under the photo
• Functions: personal ID, contracts, banking, healthcare, education
• Since 2025: automatically works as NIT for Guatemalans

Minors also have CUIs (assigned when birth is registered), even before they get a DPI.

What is the NIT

The NIT (Numero de Identificacion Tributaria) is the tax number issued by SAT (Superintendencia de Administracion Tributaria) under Decree 6-91 (Tax Code). It’s used for all tax transactions in Guatemala.

Characteristics:

• 8-9 digits (historical format) or 13 digits (unified with CUI since 2025)
• Required for anyone making purchases or with economic activity
• Appears on invoices, receipts, SAT filings
• Cost: free
• Time: same day (at SAT branch) or digital with DPI

See Guatemala NIT Tax ID for the detailed procedure.

The Common Confusion: “CUINIT”

Before 2025, CUI and NIT were separate numbers:

• CUI = RENAP, on your DPI
• NIT = SAT, in the tax system

If you wanted to get an invoice at a store, they asked for NIT (not CUI). You had to memorize two different numbers.

Since March 2025 (Resolution SAT-DSI-393-2025):

• SAT automatically linked CUI with NIT for Guatemalan citizens
• Your DPI CUI number works as NIT for all fiscal purposes
• This unification is popularly called “CUINIT”
• Historical NITs (8-9 digits) still work, linked to the CUI

See CUI-NIT lookup from USA to verify your link online (free, 30 seconds).

When You Need Each

You need the physical DPI:

• Identifying yourself to police, authorities
• Opening a bank account
• Signing notarial contracts (real estate, mortgage)
• Voting in elections
• Applying for Guatemala passport
• Getting a driver’s license
• Traveling within Central America (CA-4)
• Registering children’s births
• Marriage or divorce

You need the CUI (number):

• Filling out official forms
• Looking up your CUI-NIT link at SAT
• RENAP procedures (renewals, replacements)
• Electronic applications asking for “CUI or NIT”
• Any procedure with a Guatemalan (it’s your identity number)

You need the NIT specifically:

• Issuing electronic invoices (FEL)
• Filing IVA or ISR taxes
• Requesting invoices at restaurants, stores, gas stations
• Importing products (customs requires NIT)
• Registering a company
• Government contracts, bids
• Formal employment (payroll, withheld ISR)
• Foreign purchases with a GT credit card

Worked Cases

Case 1: Adult Guatemalan, salaried worker

• Has DPI: Yes (physical card in wallet)
• Has CUI: Yes (printed on DPI)
• Has NIT: Yes (CUI works as NIT since 2025)
• Document used: DPI for almost everything; CUI/NIT number for invoices

Case 2: 8-year-old Guatemalan girl

• Has DPI: NO (only for 18+)
• Has CUI: Yes (assigned at birth registration)
• Has NIT: Not automatically. Parents can apply if needed (inheritance, property)
• Document used: Birth certificate with CUI printed on it

Case 3: Foreigner with permanent residency

• Has DPI: Yes (DPI de extranjero issued by Migracion + RENAP)
• Has CUI: NO (not Guatemalan)
• Has NIT: Yes (with passport at SAT)
• Document used: DPI de extranjero or passport; separate NIT for SAT

Case 4: Guatemalan diaspora in USA

• Has DPI: Yes (issued by consulate)
• Has CUI: Yes (printed on consular DPI)
• Has NIT: Yes (CUI works as NIT since 2025)
• Procedures from USA: Looks up CUI-NIT link free at portal.sat.gob.gt without traveling

Case 5: Rural adult without birth certificate

• Problem: No birth registration, no CUI or DPI
• Solution: Must do a fe de edad (notarial or judicial process) to create the civil record
• Then: Apply for DPI normally; CUI is assigned automatically

What Happens if You Lose Each One

If you lose your physical DPI:

• Your CUI stays the same (it’s lifetime)
• Apply for DPI replacement at RENAP with Q175
• Meanwhile, use passport as alternative ID

If you “lose” your NIT:

• The number cannot be lost (it’s in the SAT system)
• Recover it at CUI-NIT lookup with your CUI
• Or call SAT 1550 with your DPI

If you have “two NITs”:

• It’s a historical case (pre-2025 duplicate records)
• Visit SAT with DPI and both NITs; they consolidate the records
• They keep the primary, deactivate the duplicate

Action Table: What to Get and When

For Diaspora from USA

If you’re a Guatemalan living in the United States:

1. DPI: apply at a Guatemalan consulate (Los Angeles, NY, Houston, etc.). No need to travel to Guatemala.
2. CUI: you already have it (printed on consular DPI)
3. NIT: check the automatic link at portal.sat.gob.gt/consulta-cui-nit without leaving home
4. If you need more complex tax procedures (issuing invoices, filing IVA), you can grant special power of attorney to a family member in Guatemala

See returning to Guatemala checklist.

Final Decision: Quick Glossary

• DPI = the plastic card you carry in your wallet
• CUI = the 13 digits printed on that card
• NIT = the tax number SAT gave you (same as CUI since 2025 if you’re Guatemalan)

How to remember: DPI is the document, CUI is on the document, NIT is for taxes. And since 2025 the two numbers are interchangeable for Guatemalans. For foreigners: passport + separate NIT.

Related Internal Links

• Guatemala DPI ID — Full Guide
• Guatemala NIT Tax ID — Full Guide
• CUI/NIT Lookup from USA
• Passport vs DPI vs Driver’s License
• Guatemala Passport
• Guatemalan Consulates in USA
• Returning to Guatemala Checklist

Official Links

• CUI-NIT Lookup — SAT
• Electronic NIT Application
• RENAP — DPI Information
• SAT hotline: 1550

Analysis verified to May 14, 2026. The CUI-NIT unification is in force under Resolution SAT-DSI-393-2025. For foreigners, the rules don’t change: NIT is obtained separately with passport.