Getting a Cédula

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Getting a Cédula

Ecuador's national identity document — required for residency, IESS enrollment, bank accounts, property purchase, and much else. Here's how to get one.

Registro Civil

Issuing office

Residency required

Who qualifies

$10–16

Approximate cost

Same-day

Processing (if complete)

What is a Cédula?

The cédula de identidad (or cédula de ciudadanía for citizens) is Ecuador's national identity document. For Ecuadorian citizens, it is the primary ID used for all official and everyday purposes. For foreigners with legal residency, the equivalent is the cédula de extranjería — a similar card that confirms your resident status in Ecuador.

The cédula is not just an ID card — it unlocks access to Ecuador's systems. Without it, you cannot register for IESS (public health insurance), sign rental contracts as a legal party, open most bank accounts as a resident, buy property, or access a range of government services. If you are planning to stay in Ecuador long-term, getting your cédula is one of the most important early steps.

Who Can Get a Cédula?

Ecuadorian citizens — by birth or naturalization
Foreigners with approved residency — temporary or permanent residency visa must be approved first; see Temporary Residency and Permanent Residency
Children of Ecuadorians born abroad — eligible through the Registro Civil

Tourists on a T-3 visa cannot get a cédula — a residency visa must first be approved. Your passport is your valid ID while on a tourist visa.

Step-by-Step Process (Foreigners)

Step 1: Get Your Residency Visa Approved

Before applying for a cédula, your residency visa must be approved and the visa stamped in your passport by the Ministerio del Interior. The cédula application follows from this — it does not precede it.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Bring to the Registro Civil:

Original passport with residency visa stamp
A photocopy of your passport (photo page and visa page)
Your approved residency resolution (the document from Migración)
If your documents are not in Spanish: certified Spanish translations (see Translation Services Peninsula)

Step 3: Go to the Registro Civil

On the Santa Elena Peninsula, the Registro Civil has offices in:

Santa Elena (provincial capital) — main office, full services
La Libertad — smaller office, basic services
Salinas — limited office

Arrive early. Bring all original documents and copies. The office opens Monday–Friday; hours vary and can change. Confirm current hours before going.

Step 4: Complete the Application

A registrar will review your documents, take your photo and fingerprints, and issue your cédula. If all documents are in order, processing is typically same-day or within a few business days.

Step 5: Receive Your Cédula

You will receive a physical card with your photo, name, cedula number, and a chip. Keep the original; make several photocopies for everyday use (many situations that request your cédula actually just need a copy).

Cost

The cédula costs approximately $10–16 at the time of writing. Fees are set by the Registro Civil and may change. Confirm the current fee at the office.

What Your Cédula Unlocks

Once you have your cédula:

Register for IESS (public health insurance) — see IESS
Open a bank account as a resident (not just a tourist account)
Sign rental and purchase contracts as a legal party
Access government subsidies and programs
Buy and register a vehicle
Register a business (with additional steps)

Renewing Your Cédula

Cédulas have an expiry date. Foreigners' cédulas typically expire when their residency visa expires — you renew both at the same time. See Cédula Renewal for the process.