In a move that marries convenience with modernity, Costa Rica’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) is setting the stage for a significant digital evolution. By late 2025, Costa Ricans will no longer be confined to the traditional physical ID card. Instead, they’ll have the option to carry a digital version of their cédula, akin to an app, right on their smartphones. This initiative is not just about keeping up with the digital trend; it’s a leap into the future of personal identification.
A Dual-Identity Era
Despite the innovative shift, the physical cédula isn’t retiring any time soon. It will coexist alongside its digital sibling, offering citizens the best of both worlds. This dual-option approach caters to the diverse preferences of the population, ensuring that no one is left behind in the march toward digitalization. Xenia Guerrero, the TSE’s Director of Technological Strategy, emphasizes that this move is in response to the growing penchant for online transactions—a trend that saw a significant boost with the onset of the 2020 pandemic.
The How-To: Getting Your Digital ID
Securing your digital ID will be a breeze. A dedicated platform hosted by the TSE will guide citizens through the process, requiring only that their biometric data is up-to-date with the tribunal and that they’ve been issued a physical ID at least once. With a nominal fee of ¢2,600 (about $4), the digital ID is within reach for everyone, striking a balance between accessibility and the cost of technological advancement.
Upon payment, applicants will receive an email link directing them to an app that acts as an electronic wallet, where their digital ID can be downloaded and stored securely. This system not only simplifies access to personal identification but also sets a precedent for security and privacy in the digital realm.
Verification Made Easy
The platform isn’t just a one-trick pony; it’s equipped with verification tools for various institutions. Banks and other entities can integrate the digital ID into their processes, thanks to a specialized app provided by the TSE. This ensures that the digital ID is not just a novelty but a fully functional and verifiable form of identification, ready to be used across a spectrum of services and transactions.
Why Go Digital?
The push for a digital ID springs from a desire to enhance the services offered by the TSE. With the procurement process already underway, the selected provider will develop a service that promises to streamline transactions and safeguard identities against fraud. International security standards are at the heart of the digital ID, offering peace of mind to users in an era where identity theft is a pressing concern.
Embracing the Future
Costa Rica’s digital ID initiative is more than just a technological upgrade; it’s a reflection of the country’s commitment to innovation and security in the digital age. By offering a digital alternative to the traditional cédula, the TSE is not only facilitating smoother transactions but also bolstering the security of personal identification. This forward-thinking approach positions Costa Rica as a leader in the global shift towards digital identification, promising a future where transactions are not only faster and more convenient but also safer.
As Costa Rica embarks on this digital journey, it sets a precedent for other nations to follow, proving that progress and tradition can coexist harmoniously. The digital ID project is a testament to the country’s adaptability and foresight, ensuring that its citizens are equipped for the digital demands of the future.
