What is a Cédula?
The cédula is a national identification card issued by the Dirección Nacional de Identificación Civil (DNIC).
The cédula is required for permanent residents and citizens. It is optional before obtaining residency, but for practical purposes, having a cédula will make life much easier for everyday tasks.
Who Can/Must Get a Cédula?
As a tourist, you are not eligible for a cédula.
As a Digital Nomad (a type of temporary residency), you may obtain a cédula but are not required to unless you want to be able to renew the Digital Nomad Permit later. If that might be the case, apply for your cédula right away so your renewal is not delayed.
If you want to renew a Digital Nomad Permit, you must have a valid (not expired) cédula.
If you have applied for permanent residency, you may get a cédula while your application is in process.
After you have been granted permanent residency, you must get a cédula.
How to Apply for a Cédula
Information about how to apply for a cédula can be found here.
You will choose the office location you wish to visit, schedule an appointment, and pay the applicable fee.
Schedule a Cédula Online
There is an online process to schedule appointments and pay (if you have a local debit or credit card)
Schedule a Cédula In-person
You can schedule an appointment and pay the fee at Abitab.
Obtain Cédula for the First Time
Appear in person at the time, date, and location of your cédula appointment.
Print and bring the following information with you:
- Appointment and payment confirmation sheet
- Passport (original and print out)
- The Birth Certificate is not needed, but they will ask some information from the birth certificate, such as place of birth, father’s name, mother’s name. Avoid problems later by making sure this information matches your birth certificate.
- Proof of address in Uruguay
- this can be a temporary address–you will not need to be able to receive mail there
- proof of address can be a utility bill such as your Antel mobile bill/contract
- Uruguayan phone number
- Email address
- Immigration certificate from immigration (Certificado Migratorio)
- note: most first time cédula applicants will not have to apply for a certificate because the immigration office will have automatically generated it in the system when your status was updated to in process.
At your appointment for your initial cédula, you will be fingerprinted and photographed.
You will be given a date to return to the DNIC office to pick up your cédula.
Renew a Cédula
Appear in person at the time, date, and location of your cédula appointment.
Print and bring the following information with you:
- Appointment and payment confirmation sheet
- Your cédula
Renewed cédulas are often available during the same visit.