28 sept 2026

Tegucigalpa, Honduras | September 2026. Honduras introduced new provisions regarding identification and civil registration through Decree No. 164-2026, published in the Official Gazette La Gaceta No. 37,244 on September 11, 2026.

The Decree amends several provisions of the National Registry of Persons Law (RNP), contained in Decree No. 62-2004. One of the most significant changes is the establishment of the Identification Document for Children and Adolescents (Documento de Identificación de Niños, Niñas y Adolescentes – DINNA).

What is the DINNA?

Under the amended Article 89 of the National Registry of Persons Law, the DINNA is an official, unique, personal, and non-transferable identification document.

One of the key provisions introduced by the reform is that the document will be mandatory for all children and adolescents between the ages of 6 and 17.

Its purpose is to verify the identity of its holders before public authorities and public or private entities, helping ensure their legal recognition and access to fundamental rights.

The law also provides that holders or their legal representatives must carry and present the document when requested by a competent authority.

The DINNA May Include Biometric Data

The Decree provides that the new identification document may incorporate security features and biometric data.

The amended Article 90 further establishes that identification documents must be produced using updated technical procedures designed to ensure high standards of security, quality, and protection against the improper transfer or use of personal data, while minimizing the possibility of forgery, alteration, or misuse.

The DINNA will have a specific design and incorporate security measures and informational elements in accordance with the technical and regulatory parameters established under the regulations governing the Law.

How Will the DINNA Be Issued?

Decree No. 164-2026 establishes the general characteristics and mandatory nature of the DINNA. However, the National Registry of Persons (Registro Nacional de las Personas – RNP) will be responsible for establishing the procedure for its issuance and delivery while ensuring equitable access.

Therefore, the specific requirements and procedures established by the RNP will need to be considered as the new identification system is implemented.

The Reform Also Changes the Delivery of the National Identification Document

The establishment of the DINNA is not the only change introduced by Decree No. 164-2026.

The Decree also amends Article 27, numeral 12, of the National Registry of Persons Law regarding the delivery of the National Identification Document (Documento Nacional de Identificación – DNI).

Under the amended provision, the DNI may be delivered to its holder, a duly authorized attorney-in-fact, a legal representative, or an adult designated and authorized by the holder through biometric validation using the technological application made available by the RNP.

Registration of Deaths of Honduran Citizens Abroad

Another significant change is the addition of Article 72-A, which regulates the registration of deaths of Honduran citizens occurring outside Honduras.

Deaths occurring abroad may be registered before Honduran diplomatic or consular agents. The corresponding certification will then be submitted so that the Permanent Commission of the RNP may authorize its incorporation into the Civil Registry of the municipality where the individual's birth is registered.

If the death was not registered before a Honduran diplomatic or consular agent, an interested party may request its registration directly before the RNP by submitting a duly legalized death certificate issued by the competent authority of the country where the death occurred.

When Did Decree No. 164-2026 Enter Into Force?

The Decree expressly provides that its provisions will prevail over any other provisions that contradict them. Where applicable, the National Registry of Persons Law and its regulations will continue to govern matters not otherwise addressed by the reform.

Decree No. 164-2026 entered into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette La Gaceta on September 11, 2026.