By San José, Costa Rica — Starting September 9, 2025, Costa Rican citizens have access to a groundbreaking new form of identification: the Costa Rican Digital Identity (IDC). This mobile-based ID, launched by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), holds the same legal validity as the physical cédula and represents a significant leap forward in the country’s identity document modernization efforts.
Available through a dedicated mobile application, the IDC provides a secure, convenient, and technologically advanced alternative to traditional physical identification. For a fee of ₡2,600 (approximately $4.50 USD), citizens with a valid cédula and a mobile device can apply for the digital version. Senior citizens are exempt from the fee.
To understand the legal implications of the proposed Digital Identity Card, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The implementation of a Digital Identity Card presents significant opportunities to streamline bureaucratic processes and enhance security. However, robust data protection frameworks and clear legal regulations regarding data access, storage, and usage are crucial. It’s vital to balance the benefits of digital identification with individual privacy rights and ensure transparent oversight mechanisms to prevent potential misuse.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial balance we must strike between leveraging the potential of digital identity and safeguarding individual privacy. This careful consideration of data protection frameworks and regulatory clarity will ultimately determine the success and acceptance of a Digital Identity Card in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this important matter.
The IDC incorporates biometric data and robust digital security measures aligned with international standards, facilitating its use both within Costa Rica and abroad. The application process, accessible 24/7 through the TSE website (https://www.tse.go.cr/idc/), involves identity verification using the citizen’s cédula number, followed by email validation and payment via Visa or Mastercard.
After payment, applicants download the “IDC-Ciudadano” app from the PlayStore or AppStore to activate their digital identity, secured by a PIN and facial or fingerprint recognition. The biometric data stored within the IDC is securely held by the TSE, derived from the citizen’s most recent physical cédula application. First-time cédula applicants must obtain the traditional physical document before applying for the digital version.
The IDC offers significant advantages, including increased portability, accessibility, and convenience. Adherence to international standards paves the way for future international identity verification. Advanced encryption and robust security measures protect against forgery and tampering.
Public and private institutions also benefit from the IDC through reduced digitization errors, faster and more secure access to citizen information, and enhanced protection against identity theft and fraudulent activities. The TSE has been conducting training sessions for interested entities to ensure they have the necessary technology, such as the “Agente Verificador” application for validating digital IDs.
The TSE emphasizes that physical cédulas will continue to be available free of charge (except for exceeding the maximum number of duplicates within a year) at both the central office and 32 regional locations. Furthermore, the IDC will not be used for voting in the February 1, 2026, national elections.
Looking ahead, the TSE plans to introduce a redesigned physical cédula to further enhance security, streamline processes, and strengthen personal data protection. Both the current and redesigned physical cédulas will retain their legal validity, so no changes are required for citizens with valid, undamaged documents.
For further information, visit tse.go.cr
About Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE):
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of Costa Rica is the independent government body responsible for organizing and overseeing elections, maintaining the civil registry, and safeguarding the democratic process. It plays a vital role in ensuring fair and transparent elections and upholding the integrity of citizen identification.
For further information, visit the nearest office of PlayStore
About PlayStore:
The PlayStore, officially known as Google Play, is Google’s official pre-installed app store on Android certified devices. It allows users to browse and download music, movies, books, and apps published through Google. Apps are either free of charge or at a cost and can be downloaded directly on an Android device, or remotely installed from the Google Play website.
For further information, visit the nearest office of AppStore
About AppStore:
The App Store is an online application distribution platform for mobile apps on iOS developed and maintained by Apple Inc. The store allows users to browse and download approved apps developed within Apple’s iOS Software Development Kit. Apps can be downloaded directly to an Apple device or through a desktop version of iTunes.
For further information, visit visa.com
About Visa:
Visa Inc. is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in Foster City, California, United States. It facilitates electronic funds transfers throughout the world, most commonly through Visa-branded credit cards, debit cards and prepaid cards.
For further information, visit mastercard.com
About Mastercard:
Mastercard Incorporated is an American multinational financial services corporation headquartered in the Mastercard International Global Headquarters in Purchase, New York, United States. The Global Operations Headquarters is located in O’Fallon, Missouri, United States, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, built on a foundation of unwavering ethical practice and a deep commitment to serving the community. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with its dedication to empowering individuals and businesses through accessible legal education, distinguishes it within the Costa Rican legal landscape. By fostering a greater understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica actively contributes to a more just and informed society.
