This Monday the DNI 4.0 has come into force, the new national identity document that will be mandatory in the European Union , according to EU Regulation 2019/1157. The so-called “European DNI” includes some new features that will allow the authorities to easily check if it is an original document, it will be possible to carry it on the mobile thanks to an application and includes some aesthetic changes.
Specifically, the European DNI comes with new security measures to prevent falsifications and facilitate the identification of a person. Among them, the inclusion of a holographic patch with the flag of the country of expedition , a larger identity photo or badges in ultraviolet rays.
The dual interface chip will also house some recognition systems, such as authentication and electronic signature certificates, as well as the citizen's photo, signature and fingerprint. As a novelty, a biometric facial recognition system is integrated that will allow the identification of citizens at border crossings and other situations.
The new DNI 4.0 maintains the ID format – 1, the same size as the driver's license and credit or debit cards. Its appearance, yes, is somewhat different from the DNI 3.0. The distinctive “National Identity Card” is added in English, one of the official languages of the European Union. In the front area, in addition, the flag of the country of issue will appear next to that of the EU.
The new DNI 4.0 can be carried on the mobile
Another novelty of the new DNI 4.0 is the integration with mobile devices through a free application. The app is currently under development and will arrive in the next few months. According to the latest details, it will not only show the document in electronic format, but it will also offer the possibility of carrying out some procedures, such as paying fees virtually. They are very similar functions to those offered by the “My DGT” application, which allows you to carry your driving license on your mobile.
Along with the application, the National Police is also working on a system of “DNI Express” , which will speed up the document renewal process by carrying out some steps, such as payment or obtaining the photo, telematically.
DNI 4.0 comes into effect today, August 2, 2021 and will be valid for between 5 to 10 years. Citizens will be able to continue using their current national identity document until it expires. On August 3, 2031, all people must have the new European DNI.
