The carencia de antecedentes penales (criminal background certificate) is one of the most commonly requested documents in Guatemala. Whether you are applying for a job, bidding on a government contract, processing a driver’s license, or handling immigration paperwork, chances are you will need this certificate. It is issued by the Organismo Judicial (Guatemala’s judicial branch) and confirms whether or not you have pending criminal cases in the court system.

Until a few years ago, getting this document meant standing in long lines at the Organismo Judicial offices in zone 1 of Guatemala City. Today, the process has been fully digitized through the CAPE platform (Carencia de Antecedentes Penales en Electronico) at cape.oj.gob.gt. You can complete the entire process from your phone or computer and receive a digitally signed PDF in less than 24 hours.

Quick summary: Costs Q30 (~$4 USD), processed entirely online at cape.oj.gob.gt, delivered as a digital PDF in under 24 hours. Valid for 6 months. Available from anywhere in the world.

Prices verified March 2026. Check our exchange rate page for today’s USD/GTQ rate.

Cost

Item Cost
Criminal background certificate Q30
Bank commission (varies) Q0-Q5

Payment at Banrural or Banco Industrial (bank window or online banking).

Requirements

  • DPI vigente (valid national ID) — you need the CUI number
  • Email address — the certificate is delivered electronically
  • Bank payment receipt — Q30 paid before starting the online process

Step-by-Step Process (Online)

  1. Pay Q30 at Banrural or Banco Industrial — save your receipt with the boleta number and reference number
  2. Go to cape.oj.gob.gt
  3. Create an account if you do not have one (email + password)
  4. Log in and fill in the request form with your DPI data
  5. Enter the payment information — boleta number and bank reference
  6. Submit the request
  7. Receive an email with a download link (typically within hours, always under 24 hours)
  8. Download and print your PDF certificate

In-Person Option

If you prefer to do it in person:

  1. Pay Q30 at Banrural or Banco Industrial
  2. Go to the Organismo Judicial offices at the Centro de Servicios Auxiliares (Torre de Tribunales, 21 Calle 7-70, Zone 1, Guatemala City)
  3. Present your DPI and payment receipt
  4. Receive the certificate the same day or next business day

Processing Time

  • Online (CAPE): Less than 24 hours — often within 2-4 hours
  • In person: Same day or next business day
  • Validity: 6 months from the date of issue

When You Need This Document

The antecedentes penales certificate is required for:

  • Employment — almost all formal employers require it as part of the hiring process
  • Government contracts — mandatory for any person or company contracting with the state
  • Professional licenses — certain regulated professions require clean records
  • Driver’s license — required for the licencia de conducir process
  • Immigration procedures — visa and residency applications in other countries
  • Adoption processes — required for both national and international adoptions
  • Firearm permits — DIGECAM requires it for weapon registration

From the US (Diaspora Info)

If you are a Guatemalan living in the United States and need your antecedentes penales, the good news is you can do everything online:

  • The CAPE platform works from anywhere — no consulate visit needed
  • Payment is the main challenge — you need to pay Q30 at a Guatemalan bank. If you have a Banrural account with online banking, you can pay electronically. Otherwise, ask a family member in Guatemala to make the payment and share the receipt details (boleta number and reference)
  • The digital PDF is legally valid — it includes a digital signature and QR code for verification
  • For apostille or legalization — if you need the document legalized for use in the US, you will need someone in Guatemala to take it to the Organismo Judicial for an apostille (approximately Q100 additional)
  • Consulates do NOT issue this document — it must come directly from the Organismo Judicial through CAPE or in person

Tips & Common Mistakes

  1. Pay before you start the online process. The CAPE platform asks for the payment reference upfront. If you have not paid yet, you will not be able to proceed. Pay first, then go to the website.

  2. Double-check your DPI number. The most common reason for delays or rejections is entering the wrong CUI number. Verify every digit before submitting.

  3. Do not confuse it with antecedentes policiacos. Many employers and government offices require BOTH documents — the penales (from the OJ) and the policiacos (from the PNC). Read the requirements carefully before you spend time on only one.

  4. Check the validity period. The certificate expires after 6 months. If your employer or immigration office has a processing backlog, time your request so it does not expire before your paperwork is reviewed.

  5. Save the PDF securely. The digital certificate is legally valid as-is, but some institutions still ask for a printed copy. Print at least two copies and keep the digital file backed up.