Peru confirms: Expired or yellowing ID cards valid for 2026 regional elections

Peruvians will be able to cast their votes in the 2026 Regional and Municipal Elections even if their national identity documents (DNI) have expired. The National Registry of Identification and Civil Status (Reniec) officially announced on Friday, August 28, that this exceptional measure aims to ensure all eligible citizens can exercise their right to suffrage.

The authorization applies to all versions of the DNI, whether blue, yellow, or electronic, even if their validity date has passed. This decision is significant as approximately 1.7 million citizens currently hold an expired DNI, and they will now be able to participate in the elections scheduled for Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Reniec clarified that while the expired DNI will be accepted for identification at polling stations, this extension is strictly limited to the voting process. For any other administrative procedures, such as accessing government services or completing official transactions, citizens must possess a current and valid DNI.

The resolution will be communicated to the National Jury of Elections (JNE) and the National Office of Electoral Processes (ONPE) to ensure smooth implementation on election day. Reniec also took the opportunity to remind citizens that over 600,000 identity documents remain uncollected in various agencies across the country, urging those who have completed the application process to retrieve their updated DNIs.