ID renewal flyer causes confusion in Dominican Republic

Confusion and uncertainty surround a small flyer distributed by the Dominican Republic's Central Electoral Board (JCE) to citizens renewing their identity cards. The flyer contains a PUK and PIN code, intended for a future, voluntary activation of a digital signature service. However, many individuals are leaving the identification centers without this document, while others receive it without any explanation of its function.

A survey by Diario Libre found that only 12 out of 33 people who renewed their IDs received the flyer, and just six of those were informed about its purpose by JCE staff. The JCE has stated that the flyer is crucial for enabling the digital signature when the service becomes available. President Román Jáquez Liranzo explained that citizens should keep the flyer safe, take a photo, or scan it, as it will be the personal code needed to activate the digital signature service when the JCE calls upon citizens to use it.

Concerns also extend to the flyer's durability and the consequences of losing it. While one JCE employee suggested a replacement could be obtained at the renewal center, the flyer itself warns that lost PUK codes cannot be reissued. It also states that receiving the ticket signifies acceptance of responsibility for its proper safekeeping. Adding to the anxiety, some flyers printed on thermal paper have begun to fade, rendering the text and QR code illegible. The JCE advises taking a photo or scanning the document to mitigate reliance on the paper itself.