Thousands of citizens in Colombia could be prevented from carrying out procedures and accessing services if their digital ID becomes inactive due to expiration. Although this electronic document was only recently introduced and has enhanced security measures, the National Civil Registry has noted that it has an expiration date, forcing holders to remain vigilant to avoid any inconvenience.
The digital citizenship card is valid for 10 years from the date of issue. Those who processed the document between 2020 and 2021 will be the first to face the need for renewal, as they will reach the validity limit in 2030 and 2031, respectively.
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After this period expires without performing the update procedure, the digital document becomes inactive and no longer works for procedures that require biometric authentication or digital access.
The validity period is due, among other things, to the need to regularly update the citizen’s biometric data. In this way, the government aims to maintain high security standards and reduce the risk of identity theft.
There are several official and easy ways to check the validity of the digital ID:
- Through the “Digital ID” mobile application.By entering “Settings” or “Document Information” it is possible to check the “Expiry Date”.
- Active in the digital version on mobile phonesThe expiration date is displayed at the top or bottom of the document on the device itself.
- In case of doubt You can visit any office authorized by the National Civil Registry and request a personal consultation to check the status of the document.
With these tools, you receive timely notifications and prevent digital identification from reaching its validity limit.
An expired digital citizenship card is no longer valid for most digital services, government procedures and banking procedures that require electronic identification. The functionality is suspended in the mobile application and the user can no longer use it for biometric authentication.
The only alternative is to continue using the traditional physical ID, as its validity will not be affected by the phase-out of the digital format. However, government policy directs the gradual deployment of the digital version to optimize online services and improve security.
The renewal of the Colombian digital ID must be done in person and requires the completion of several steps:
1. Make an appointment at one of the locations offering digital biometrics services through the Registry’s official portal.
2. Make the payment corresponding to the procedure, which will remain close to the current official value until 2025 and can be paid both online and at authorized physical points.
3. Come collect biometric data, including fingerprints, photography and updating your personal signature.
4. Once the new document is issued, download the “Cédula Digital Colombia” application, enter the activation code and complete the configuration process on the smartphone.
The activation QR code is valid for ten daysTherefore, it is important to complete the activation process within this period in order not to require the code to be reissued.
The Colombian digital ID integrates advanced security mechanisms such as facial and fingerprint biometrics, tactile hologram and animated photo. Its technology follows international standards for electronic documents, reducing the risk of forgery and increasing data protection.
Both versions are valid for identification, the physical (made of polycarbonate) and the digital one. Digital technology also allows access to online procedures and services with greater guarantees of protection against identity theft.
If the user reports theft or loss of their mobile device, The national registry has provided that the digital ID can be deactivated and reactivated after a new security code is issued.
Regularly checking the status and expiration date of the digital ID is essential in order not to lose access to online procedures and banking services. If the document is about to expire, the renewal process must be initiated in advance to avoid blockages or loss of functionality when electronic identification is required.
Anyone who still uses the old laminated or plasticized ID card must first take care of issuing the yellow model with holograms before they can request the digital version.
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