Dominican Citizenship Requirements & Transcription Process
Complete requirements guide for obtaining Dominican citizenship through your parents. Learn exactly what documents you need, how to get apostilles, which parent documents are required, and the step-by-step JCE transcription process from start to finish
This page is your complete documentation and process guide. If you were born abroad to a Dominican parent, Dominican citizenship is normally claimed by registering your foreign birth in the Dominican civil registry (the birth transcription process). Once your Dominican birth certificate is issued, you may then proceed to the cédula and passport steps.
Below you will find the document checklist, apostille and translation requirements, and the technical issues that most often cause delays.
- Standard Service — US$495: typically possible when you can provide clear photos of both sides of your Dominican parent’s most recently issued plastic cédula.
- Complex Service — US$795: applies when cédula evidence is missing/old-format or additional verification is required.
- Document Retrieval Service — US$295 (if required): if you do not have your parent’s Dominican records, we can often obtain them directly from the Dominican civil registry (quoted only when needed after review).
Not sure which route applies? Complete the short assessment and we will confirm the correct pathway and the exact documents required for your case.
Document Retrieval Service — US$295 (if required)
If you do not have key Dominican documents from your parent, we can retrieve them directly from the Dominican civil registry.
This service is mainly needed only is cases where your Dominican parent does not have a recent plastic cédula:
- To help your parent obtain a new cédula (potentially qualifying you for Standard Service $495 instead of Complex Service $795)
- Your case requires Inspectorate review and you need complete parental documentation
- Your parent is deceased and you need their Dominican civil records
- You have no contact with your parent and need to establish their Dominican citizenship independently
Service details:
- Fixed fee: US$295
- Quoted only if needed: we confirm feasibility first, then proceed with your approval
- Common retrievals: Dominican birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, cédula statements, and supporting civil records
How the Transcription Process Works (Step by Step)
This is the standard workflow for Dominican citizenship through parents. Some cases require additional supporting records, especially when the parent has no current plastic cédula or documentation is incomplete.
Step 1: Document review (fast, remote)
Submit the assessment form so we can confirm the correct pathway and send you a personalised document checklist.
Step 2: Your foreign birth certificate + apostille
You will need your long-form/extended birth certificate and an apostille from the country that issued the record. (This page explains what formats and legalisations are acceptable.)
Step 3: Dominican parent documentation
Where available, we include clear photos/scans of both sides of your parent's most recently issued cédula. If you do not have Dominican parent records, we can often retrieve them (US$295, quoted only if required).
Step 4: Spanish translation and legalisation (when needed)
Documents not issued in Spanish must be translated and legalised for filing in the Dominican Republic. We coordinate this step where required.
Step 5: Filing and case handling
We prepare your file for submission through the appropriate channel. If the authorities require additional verification (for example, due to limited cédula evidence), we manage the process and keep you informed.
Step 6: Completion and delivery
Once approved, your Dominican birth record is issued and you receive your Dominican birth certificate(s). You can then proceed to the cédula and passport step.
Need the technical checklist and FAQs? Please review the right-column section on this page for apostilles, translations, cédula requirements, Inspectoría triggers, and common mismatch scenarios.
Ready to begin? Start your free eligibility assessment →
Your Dominican Parent's Cédula ID Card
Most Dominican adults have a national ID card called a cédula. When available, we include clear photos/scans of both sides of your Dominican parent’s most recently issued cédula when filing the birth transcription request.
Cédula formats (old vs. current)
- Older format (pre-plastic): Beige card-style cédulas (often folded or book-style).
- Current format (plastic): Credit-card size. Common serial format: 000-0000000-0.
- Future updates: The design and renewal rules can change over time; what matters for your case is providing the most recently issued cédula documentation available.
Why BOTH sides of the most recent cédula matter
You must provide clear photos of BOTH the front AND back of the cédula. Even if the card shows an expiry date, the most recent plastic cédula record is often what the JCE cross-checks. If only the front is provided, the file may be delayed or moved to a longer review pathway.
We understand this can be challenging for applicants who have no contact with their Dominican parent. If it is impossible, we will advise you on the best alternative documentation and the most realistic expectations for review time.
Documentation & Process FAQ (Technical)
What is the Dominican citizenship transcription process?
Birth transcription is the process of registering your foreign birth in the Dominican civil registry so a Dominican birth record can be issued. This Dominican birth record is the foundation used for the later cédula and passport steps.
What version of my foreign birth certificate is required?
The long-form/extended birth certificate is required and must be legalized with an apostille from the country of issuance. The issue date is generally not the deciding factor; the format and legalization are.
Do I need a certified Spanish translation?
Yes. Non-Spanish documents must be translated by a certified legal translator and legalized in the Dominican Republic. Where needed, we include the translation/legalization step as part of case handling.
What documents are needed from my Dominican parent?
Ideally: clear photos of both sides of the parent’s most recently issued plastic cédula, plus the parent’s Dominican birth certificate. If you do not have Dominican records, we can often retrieve them.
What is the Inspectorate (Inspectoría) and when is it triggered?
Inspectoría is the review pathway typically used when documentation is incomplete or additional verification is required. Cases without current plastic cédula evidence often face a longer, more involved review and may require interviews with Dominican relatives.
Why must it be the “most recent” cédula?
The JCE cross-checks the current cédula record. Submitting an older cédula while a newer one exists can trigger delays or additional requests, because the filing must match the most up-to-date record available.
My Dominican parent is deceased—what is required?
An original long-form death certificate with apostille (from the country of death), plus any available Dominican ID or Dominican birth record details. If Dominican documents are missing, we can often locate them.
Do I need my parents’ marriage certificate?
Not always. It may be required if your Dominican mother changed her surname due to marriage before your birth, or when a document link is needed to resolve naming inconsistencies. We will advise case-by-case.
What if names or dates don’t match across documents?
Minor differences are common (multiple given names and two surnames). We review discrepancies and advise whether they are acceptable, or whether a correction / sworn statement / supporting record is needed before filing.
I changed my name legally—do I need to update my birth certificate?
Yes. Your apostilled birth certificate and your current photo ID should reflect the same legal name. If your name changed after birth, you will usually need an updated birth record (or official linking documents) before filing.
How long does the transcription process take?
Timeframes depend primarily on the documentation available (especially cédula evidence) and whether additional verification is required. After we review your documents, we will confirm the most realistic expected timeline for your case.
Can you obtain missing Dominican records for me?
Yes. We routinely retrieve Dominican birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates. We confirm feasibility first and quote any retrieval costs (for example, US$295) in advance.