Issuance of Consular Identification Cards (TICG)

The Guatemalan Consular Identification Card (TICG) is a crucial document for Guatemalans residing in the United States, offering an additional and practical form of identification.

This document not only facilitates the identification of Guatemalans abroad but also serves as a consular registration, which implies a series of benefits and facilities for the bearer. Here, we will explore in depth what the TICG is, what it is for, the requirements to obtain it and how to apply for it.

The consular identification card is a document issued by the Guatemalan consulates in the United States. It contains essential information similar to that which appears in the passport, such as the holder’s name, photograph and signature.

In addition, it includes the holder’s residence address on the back, functioning as a consular record. Its format and content make it a very useful tool for Guatemalans who prefer not to carry their passport with them all the time.

Obtaining a Consular Card Appointment

To obtain the card, it is necessary to schedule an appointment at the corresponding consulate.

The process is simple and is done online by following these steps:

1. Access the consulate’s appointment system.

1. Enter your email address and follow the instructions to verify your identity.
2. Select the consular card procedure and enter your CUI.
3. Fill in your personal information and choose date and time for the appointment.

The validity of the card varies according to the age of the cardholder:

• Under 5 years of age: 5 years of validity.
• Over 5 and under 18 years of age: 10 years of validity.
• Over 18 years of age: 10 years of validity.

Issuance Requirements

To obtain the TICG for the first time or to renew it, applicants must meet the following requirements:

First time:

• Present a valid passport or Personal Identification Document (DPI).
• Original and photocopy of the birth certificate issued by the National Registry of Persons (RENAP), not older than six months.

Renewal:

• Present the expired card, a valid passport or the DPI.
• Original and photocopy of recent birth certificate issued by RENAP, no more than six months old.

How to process the TICG?

The process to apply for the card is straightforward and can be initiated by following these steps:

1. Documentation: Make sure you have all the required documents for the procedure, either for a new issuance or for the renewal of the card.
2. Consular Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Guatemalan Consulate. This step is essential in order to be able to present your documentation and carry out the process in an orderly and efficient manner.
3. Visit to the Consulate: Go to your consular appointment with all the necessary documents. During this visit, your documentation will be verified and your TICG application will be processed.
4. Payment of Fees: A fee may be required for TICG issuance or renewal. Costs may vary, so it is advisable to verify the exact amount with the consulate.

The TICG is valid for 5 years and must be renewed upon expiration of this term. It is a valuable tool for Guatemalans in the United States, providing a secure and official form of identification.

For more information on obtaining or renewing the TICG, as well as to find the most convenient RENAP office, visit the official RENAP website or contact the Guatemalan consulate in your area directly.

Renew your Guatemalan Consular Card

If your Guatemalan consular card is about to expire or has already expired, it is time to think about renewal. This procedure is essential to keep your official identification out of the country up to date.

To do so, you will need your expired consular card, your valid Guatemalan passport and Personal Identification Document (DPI), as well as a recent birth certificate issued by RENAP.

Renewal can be made at various Guatemalan consulates in the United States, including, but not limited to, Providence, Los Angeles, Lake Worth, and New York.

Remember that it is necessary to schedule an appointment in advance through the website of the consulate of your choice in order to carry out this process.

The Benefits of Carrying a Consular Card

The consular card not only serves as a valid identification within the United States, but also simplifies a series of procedures for Guatemalans residing in this country.

This ranges from opening bank accounts to providing other essential services.

Although it is a valuable tool, it is crucial to understand that the consular card does not act as a travel document or alter your immigration status in the United States in any way.

Keeping your consular card up to date ensures you have a recognized identification and helps you navigate more easily through the various services and procedures required during your stay abroad. Don’t miss the opportunity to renew your card and continue enjoying the benefits it offers you.

What is TICG for?

This document has multiple purposes:

• Official Identification: Serves as a form of official identification in the United States for Guatemalans, facilitating procedures and processes that require identity verification.
• Consular Registry: Acts as a consular registry, which helps Guatemalan authorities to maintain control and provide assistance to their citizens abroad.
• Practicality: It offers a practical alternative to the passport, avoiding the risk of loss or theft of this most critical document on a daily basis.

Other practical uses:

The Consular Identification Card for Guatemalans residing in the United States offers several practical uses and benefits in day-to-day life. Here are some concrete examples of how this card can be used:

1. Identification before Local Authorities: In situations where identification is required, such as when interacting with local police or in minor legal proceedings, the TICG can serve as proof of identity.
2. Opening Bank Accounts: Many banks in the United States accept the TICG as valid identification to open bank accounts, making it easier for Guatemalans to access financial services.
3. Health Services Registration: For registration at clinics and hospitals or for health services that require identification, the TICG can be used to verify the patient’s identity.
4. Educational Procedures: TICG may be required to enroll children in school or for other educational paperwork that requires parental identification.
5. Licensing: Some states allow the use of the TICG to apply for driver’s licenses or other state licenses that require a form of identification.
6. Age Verification: For the purchase of age-regulated products, such as alcohol or tobacco, the TICG can serve as a form of verification.
7. Public Utility Services: When subscribing to services such as electricity, water, internet or mobile telephony, the TICG may be accepted as identification to establish the account.
8. Sending and Receiving Money: Money transfer services often require identification to make or receive payments, and TICG is accepted in many of these services.
9. Access to Consular Benefits and Services: To access services offered by the Guatemalan consulate in the United States, such as documentary procedures and legal or consular assistance, the TICG serves as consular identification and registration.
10. Interactions with Educational Institutions: For enrollment or identification processes in educational institutions, the TICG provides an official form of identification for Guatemalans.

It is a valuable resource for Guatemalans in the United States, providing a reliable and official way to identify themselves in a wide range of everyday and legal situations, making life abroad easier and more accessible.