# Cédula (Dominican ID)

> The cédula is the Dominican national ID. Foreign buyers do not need one to purchase property — here is where it actually matters.

Source: https://canakeys.com/glossary/cedula
Publisher: Cana Keys (A&M Caribbean Group SRL), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Last reviewed: 2026-08-27
Language: en
Licence: quote and cite with attribution and a link.

The cédula de identidad y electoral is the Dominican ID card. Citizens and legal residents hold one, and it is the identifier used across banks, utilities and the registry. A non-resident foreign buyer does not need a cédula to purchase property: a valid passport plus a tax identification number (RNC) where required is the normal route.

## Why a Punta Cana buyer should care
Not having a cédula is a friction point rather than a barrier. It shows up when you open a local bank account, set up utilities in your own name, or file IPI, where a resident ID smooths the process. Buyers planning to spend real time here usually pursue residency for those practical reasons, not for the purchase itself.

## Common mix-up
Agents sometimes state that a cédula is required to buy. It is not. Conversely, buying property does not entitle you to a cédula — that comes only through the residency process.

## FAQ

### Do I need a cédula to buy in Punta Cana?
Answer: No. A passport is enough for a non-resident purchase; your lawyer will arrange any tax identification needed for registration.
Permalink: https://canakeys.com/glossary/cedula#do-i-need-a-cedula-to-buy-in-punta-cana

### How do I get one?
Answer: Through residency. Once temporary or permanent residency is granted, the cédula follows as part of that process.
Permalink: https://canakeys.com/glossary/cedula#how-do-i-get-one

## Related

- [Residency and buying](https://canakeys.com/residency)
- [Foreigners buying in Punta Cana](https://canakeys.com/guides/foreign-buyers)
- [Living here](https://canakeys.com/living)