How Guatemalan Immigrants to the US Can Obtain a DPI (Personal ID Card)

Obtaining your Documento Personal de Identificación (DPI)—Guatemala’s personal identification card—is possible while living in the United States. The DPI is the official ID for Guatemalan citizens, used for everything from voting to legal paperwork. This step-by-step guide explains how to get your DPI through a Guatemalan consulate, with practical tips to help you prepare (like handling long wait times and ensuring you have all the right documents in order). Follow the instructions below to navigate the process smoothly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a DPI

1. Gather All Required Documents. Before scheduling anything, make sure you have the necessary paperwork ready. The key documents you will need include:
• Birth Certificate: An official birth certificate from RENAP (Guatemala’s National Registry), preferably a recent copy issued within the last six months​. If your birth certificate is older or you don’t have one, request a new certified copy from RENAP in Guatemala (you can often do this via mail or through the consulate).
• Photo Identification: A valid Guatemalan photo ID, if available. This could be a passport (even if expired) or an old Cédula de Vecindad (the former ID card) or Consular ID card. While these are not strictly required if you have a birth certificate, having an extra form of ID helps verify your identity​.
• Proof of Address: A document showing your current U.S. address. Common examples are a utility bill (electricity, water, etc.), a lease agreement, or a bank statement with your name and address​. The consulate uses this to verify where you live. Make sure it’s recent (within the last few months).
• Photocopies: It’s a good idea to make photocopies of all the above documents. Many consulates will ask for a copy to keep on file. For example, bring a copy of your birth certificate and ID so that you can submit those and retain your originals. This prevents any original documents from getting lost in the process.
2. Tip: Double-check that all names and dates on your documents match correctly. If there have been any name changes or corrections in your records, get those sorted out with RENAP before applying to avoid delays. It’s much easier to correct discrepancies before you submit your DPI application.
3. Schedule an Appointment with the Guatemalan Consulate. In the U.S., DPI applications are handled by Guatemalan consulates, and most require an appointment in advance​. Find the nearest Guatemalan consulate to your area; there are consulates in many major cities (such as Los Angeles, New York, Houston, Miami, etc.). You can usually schedule an appointment in one of two ways:
• Online: The Guatemalan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has an online appointment system. Use the official consulate website or the “Citas Consulares” portal to book a date and time for a DPI application. You’ll need to provide some personal details (like your name, CUI number if you have one, and contact info) to secure the slot.
• By Phone: If online scheduling is difficult, call the consulate directly. Consular staff can set an appointment for you over the phone. Be prepared to provide your full name and a contact number or email. They may send you confirmation or details about what to bring.
4. Appointments can book up quickly, so try to schedule a few weeks in advance. No appointment? Some consulates do allow walk-ins on specific days, but be prepared for very long wait times if you go without an appointment. It’s strongly recommended to schedule ahead to avoid spending an entire day in line. When your appointment is confirmed, note the date, time, and address of the consulate, and if possible, print the email confirmation or write down any appointment reference number you receive.
5. Prepare for Your Consulate Visit.
   Guatemalan consulates abroad often serve large expatriate communities, so they can get crowded. It’s important to get yourself ready for the day of your appointment:
• Fee Payment: The cost of the DPI itself is usually $15 USD in the United States​. Consulates do not typically accept cash or credit for this service. Instead, you will likely need to bring a money order for the exact amount (around $15). Check the consulate’s website for the exact fee and to whom the money order should be payable. For example, some consulates ask the money order to be addressed to the consulate or to “RENAP.” Get this money order from a post office, bank, or grocery store in advance, and keep the receipt.
• Documents and Copies: Re-check your document folder the night before. You should have all required original documents (birth certificate, ID, proof of address) as well as photocopies of each. Missing documents are a common cause of delays; the consulate may refuse your application if something is missing, and you’ll have to come back another day​. It’s better to have more paperwork than you think you need, just in case.
• Travel and Timing: Plan to arrive early on the day of your appointment. Even with a scheduled time, you might need to line up for security or wait if previous appointments are running long. Consular offices often have airport-style security checks at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID (like your passport or consular ID card) to get in. Expect to spend several hours at the consulate; it’s not uncommon to wait past your appointment time.
• Personal Comfort: Since wait times can be long, bring a bottle of water and a snack. Have something to keep you occupied (a book or phone with charger) while you wait. If you’re going with children or elderly family members, be prepared to wait in a crowded waiting room. Most consulates do have restrooms and seating, but they might be limited. Patience is key on consulate day—remind yourself that everyone is there for important documents, so lines can move slowly.
• Language: Guatemalan consulate services are typically offered in Spanish (and sometimes indigenous Guatemalan languages). If you’re not comfortable speaking Spanish, consider bringing a trusted friend or family member who can interpret. However, most forms will be in Spanish, and staff usually speak English as well if you need it. Don’t let language worries keep you from going—the staff is there to help all Guatemalans.
6. Attend Your Appointment and Submit Your Application. On the day of your appointment, you will officially apply for the DPI at the consulate. Here’s what to expect during this step:
• Check In: Arrive at the consulate and check in with the reception or security. You might need to show your appointment confirmation or ID. They will direct you to the appropriate window or waiting area for DPI (sometimes labeled as “Registro Nacional de Personas” or DPI section).
• Documents Submission: When your turn comes, a consular officer will review your documents. Hand over your birth certificate, proof of address, and any ID you have. They will likely keep the photocopies and simply verify the originals (you should get your originals back). The officer will also ask you to fill out an application form if you haven’t already. This form will ask for your personal details (name, date of birth, parents’ names, etc.) to ensure they match your birth record. Take your time to fill everything accurately and clearly.
• Pay the Fee: Submit your $15 money order as payment for the DPI processing fee​. Make sure the amount and payee on the money order are correct. The officer will give you a payment receipt – save this receipt; you will likely need it later to pick up the DPI.
• Biometric Data Capture: The consulate staff will take your photograph and fingerprints digitally as part of the application process. This is just like the procedure done in Guatemala’s RENAP offices​. They will have you look into a camera for a photo, and you’ll place your fingers on a scanner for fingerprints. You generally do not need to bring your own photos for a DPI (unlike passport applications) because they take an official photo on the spot. This photo will appear on your ID card, so present yourself as you would like to be seen on an official document (it’s a good idea to dress neatly).
• Confirmation: After processing your documents and biometrics, the officer will confirm all your information. They might ask you to double-check the spelling of your name, your birth date, and other details as they have entered them into the system. This is your chance to catch any errors. Once everything is confirmed, you will be given a proof of application or case number. Keep this in a safe place. The consulate will then send your application to Guatemala’s RENAP for the DPI card to be printed.
7. Wait for Your DPI to Be Processed and Delivered. Now comes the part requiring patience: waiting for your new DPI card to arrive. The application must be sent to Guatemala, where RENAP will produce your physical DPI card (a plastic smart ID card with your photo and data). The average waiting time is about 30 to 60 business days for the DPI to be ready​. In other words, expect roughly 1.5 to 3 months from the date you applied. Some important points during this waiting period:
• Tracking Progress: When you applied, you should have received a receipt or case number. Use this if you need to inquire about the status. RENAP has a website where you can check DPI status by entering your case number or personal info. If the waiting period passes and you haven’t heard anything, you can call the consulate and ask if your DPI has arrived, giving them your name and application number.
• Delays: It’s not unusual for the process to take the full 60 days or sometimes a bit more, especially if there was a surge in applications or delays in shipping. Don’t panic if it’s been two months and no news yet—many applicants report that it can take several weeks longer than the minimum estimate. However, if it’s been, say, 3+ months with no word, definitely follow up. The consulate can contact RENAP on your behalf to check. As the guide from a consular resource notes, you can reach out to RENAP or the consulate with your application receipt if there’s a significant delay.
• Keep Contact Info Updated: If you change your phone number or address in the meantime, inform the consulate. They might need to mail you a pickup notice or call you when the DPI is ready. You wouldn’t want to miss the notification because you changed your number.
• Plan Ahead: If you need the DPI by a certain date (for example, for an immigration case or to travel back to Guatemala), take into account this waiting period. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do to expedite the process since all DPIs are made in Guatemala. Just use the time to prepare for the next steps or gather any other documents you might need once you have the DPI.
8. Pick Up Your New DPI Card. Once your DPI arrives at the consulate, you’ll typically get a notification to pick it up. The consulate may call you, send an email, or you might see a status update online indicating that your DPI is ready. Picking up the DPI usually must be done in person because they will verify your identity and obtain your signature to release the document. Here’s how to complete this final step:
• Follow Consulate Instructions: The consulate will inform you of the pickup hours or may schedule a pickup appointment. Some consulates have specific days or times for document collection (for example, pick-up only in afternoons on certain weekdays). Make sure to bring any required item for pickup—most importantly, bring the receipt or stub you got when you applied as proof of your identity/claim.
• Identification: Be prepared to show an ID when picking up the DPI. If you had an old passport or consular ID, bring it along. In many cases, the consular officer will compare the information on your new DPI with your application and possibly take a final fingerprint or signature to confirm. This is to ensure the document goes to the correct person.
• Verify the DPI Details: When they hand you the DPI, take a moment to verify that all your personal details on the card are correct (name spelled right, date of birth, etc.). Also, sign the DPI if required (some IDs require your signature on the card). If you spot any mistake, report it immediately before leaving the consulate so they can advise what to do.
• Congratulations! You Have Your DPI! The consulate will give you the new DPI card, completing the process. This card is valid for legal identification in Guatemala and for consular services abroad. For instance, having a DPI will make it easier to renew your passport or request other documents in the future. Keep it safe as you would any important ID. It’s wise to memorize or note down your DPI’s CUI number (the unique identification number on the card) for reference, and keep a photocopy of the DPI at home in case you ever lose it.

Additional Tips and Common Challenges

• Consular Services are Safe: Remember that Guatemalan consulates are there to help Guatemalan citizens, regardless of immigration status in the U.S. You do not need to worry about your undocumented status when seeking your DPI; the consulate will not report you to U.S. authorities. Their mission is to assist you with Guatemalan documents. Don’t let fear keep you from obtaining your identification.
• Long Waits and Patience: It’s normal for the consulate process to involve waiting in lines and multiple visits. Try to be patient and courteous with the staff and other applicants. Bringing a friend or family member for support can make the day feel easier (just note that due to space, the consulate might ask accompanying people to wait outside unless they are directly helping you).
• Mobile Consulates: If you live far from the nearest consulate, check if the Guatemalan embassy or consulate organizes mobile consulate days in your area. They sometimes send teams to different cities on weekends to process passports and DPIs for those who can’t travel. Keep an eye on announcements in local Guatemalan community groups or the consulate’s Facebook page for these events.
• Keep Documents Up to Date: Now that you have your DPI, remember it will expire in 10 years (the standard validity of a DPI). Mark a reminder for its expiration and start the renewal process a few months before that date. Renewals can also be done through the consulate and usually require turning in your old DPI and presenting an updated birth certificate​. Keeping your Guatemalan documents up to date will save you trouble in the long run.
• Leverage Your DPI: Having a DPI can make life a bit easier while you are in the U.S.—for example, you can use it as an identification document to open a bank account or to identify yourself to law enforcement or other officials if needed. It’s an official government-issued ID, which is very useful if you don’t have a U.S. ID. Always carry it in a secure place and carry a photocopy if you don’t want to risk losing the original during daily activities.

Obtaining your DPI as an undocumented immigrant may feel daunting, but many have done it successfully by following these steps. With preparation, patience, and the help of your consulate, you will soon have your Personal Identification Document in hand. This important ID will give you peace of mind and access to many rights and services. Good luck with your DPI application – tú puedes hacerlo!

Further References

• Consulado General de Guatemala en Nueva York – DPI Requirements: Official list of requirements for obtaining a DPI (Documento Personal de Identificación) at a Guatemalan consulate, including the accepted documents, proof of address, and fee​. This source confirms the needed documents and the $15 USD fee (payable by money order only).
• Consular Appointment Guide – Obtaining Your DPI in the USA: A detailed guide (in English) on the DPI application process for Guatemalans abroad​. It outlines the steps to follow, documents required (recent RENAP birth certificate, ID, proof of residence), the need to schedule a consular appointment, and typical waiting times for the DPI to be delivered (approximately 30–60 business days). This guide was used for practical tips on what to expect during the process (like having your photo and fingerprints taken, and how to follow up on delays).