The DPI (Documento Personal de Identificacion) is Guatemala’s official national ID card, issued by RENAP (Registro Nacional de las Personas). You need a valid DPI for virtually every official procedure — from getting your NIT tax ID to opening a bank account.
Quick summary: The DPI costs Q100 (~$13 USD), is processed at any RENAP office nationwide, and takes about 30 business days. Since January 2025, the new DPI includes a color photograph and improved holograms. People over 60 pay nothing.
Prices verified February 2026. Check our exchange rate page for today’s USD/GTQ rate.
Cost
| Procedure | Cost |
|---|---|
| DPI (any type, in-person) | Q100 |
| DPI replacement (online) | Q119 |
| Birth certificate (first DPI) | ~Q15 |
| People over 60 | Free |
Payment at Banrural, G&T Continental, or Bantrab bank windows.
Requirements by Type
First DPI (Age 18)
- Recent birth certificate (issued within the last 6 months by RENAP)
- Payment receipt: Q100
- Phone number, home address, and email
Renewal (Expiration)
- Payment receipt: Q100
- Previous DPI (if available)
Replacement (Loss, Theft, Damage)
- Payment receipt: Q100 (in-person) or Q119 (online)
- Police report (in case of theft)
Step-by-Step Process
- Get a birth certificate from RENAP (first DPI only)
- Make the payment of Q100 at an authorized bank
- Visit any RENAP office nationwide
- Submit your documents and payment receipt
- Biometric data collection (photo, fingerprints, signature)
- Receive a tracking receipt with your estimated pickup date
- Pick up your DPI at the same office on the indicated date
Online Replacement
- Go to eportal.renap.gob.gt or download the RENAP SE app
- Request replacement online
- Pay Q119 by credit/debit card
- Pick up at the RENAP office you selected
Processing Time
- 30 business days (varies by distance and demand)
- In Guatemala City: usually 2-3 weeks
Check your application status at: renap.gob.gt/estado-tramite-dpi
Main RENAP Offices
| Office | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Central Office | Calzada Roosevelt 13-46, zone 7 | Mon-Fri 7:00-16:00, Sat 8:00-12:00 |
| Rus Mall | CC Rus Mall, 2nd level, zone 7 | Mon-Fri 8:00-16:00, Sat 8:00-12:00 |
| Zone 9 | 11 Calle 5-59, Plaza FPK | Mon-Fri 8:00-16:00, Sat 8:00-12:00 |
| Metro Norte | Km 5.5, CC Metro Norte, local 306, zone 17 | Mon-Fri 8:00-16:00, Sat 8:00-12:00 |
Offices available in all 22 departments.
RENAP Phone: 1520
From the US (Diaspora Info)
Guatemalans living in the United States have several options:
- Mobile RENAP units periodically visit Guatemalan consulates in US cities (Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Chicago, Washington DC, and more) — check minex.gob.gt/consulados for upcoming dates
- No power of attorney — you must appear in person for biometric data (photo, fingerprints)
- If you plan to travel to Guatemala, you can process it at any RENAP office during your visit
- Processing at US consulates takes longer — typically 2-3 months vs. 30 days in-country
- Bring your old DPI (even if expired) to speed up the process
- Your DPI number (CUI) now also serves as your NIT tax ID since March 2025
Key Facts
- Validity: 10 years for adults; indefinite for people over 70
- You can process at any RENAP office — not just your home municipality
- Photo is taken at the RENAP office (don’t bring photos)
- Since March 2025, the DPI number (CUI) also works as your NIT
- You need a DPI to apply for your driver’s license, passport, and vehicle registration
Tips
- RENAP periodically holds “DPI Nights” with extended hours and “RENAP Saturdays” (check the calendar at renap.gob.gt)
- Check your application status online before going to pick up
- Saturday hours are reduced (8:00-12:00)
- If your DPI is damaged or illegible, you need a replacement (not a renewal)