Sunday, October 11, 2009

DNI Photo


If you have ever seen the Argentina DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) you will realize that their photos area taken at an angle.

Ojo! The requirements for the photos to submit for the DNI are distinct from the photos that you submit for residency. The residency photos are taken head on with a white background. A DNI photo is a blue background with your head turned to the side. Remember that both eyes must be visible and you should not be smiling. When you get the photos taken you should tell the person that it for the DNI. You can get the photos taken at just about any photo processing store. I paid 15 pesos to get them done in Recoleta in September 2009. I probably overpaid but I was in a hurry. They process the photos while you wait, it only takes about 5 minutes (assuming you don´t have to wait in line!).

FYI - you can actually get the DNI photo taken in the Registro Nacional de Personas (25 de Mayo 155) when you go to start your paperwork for only 5 pesos but I didn´t want to take the chance that it could be closed on the day of my turno, or that their camera was broken, etc so I paid extra for peace of mind. There are also people selling photo services and photocopies right outside the door of the Registro Nacional de Personas.

The photo above is an example of a correct DNI photo I took off of google image.

General Tip: Photocopy Everything !!

General tip when dealing with Argentine bureaucracy -- make photocopies of everything! Not just one copy but several copies just in case they ask you for 2 copies of a certain paper you do not want to have to wait in the line in Immigrations for the photocopier (it is usually about 2 blocks long!).