This here Puerto Rico ID card, it ain’t just a piece of plastic, ya know? It’s like, your whole life on a little card. Gotta have one if you wanna do anything official-like around here.
Getting that ID Card
So, you wanna get yourself one of these Puerto Rico ID cards? Well, it ain’t as easy as pie, but it ain’t rocket science neither. First thing, you gotta get yourself down to one of them government offices.
They call it the CESCO, I think? Sounds like some fancy dance. You can use the CESCO digital app thingy, the young folks are all about that digital stuff, you know? It’s on the iPhone, I see the kids with ’em all the time. They say it’s easy and safe, keep your information private, or whatever.

- Go to the CESCO place.
- Take a number and wait. Lord, the waiting!
- Have all your papers ready. Birth certificate and such.
- They take your picture. Don’t expect to look like a movie star.
- Pay the fee. Nothing’s free, honey.
Now, if you are the old type, like me, and don’t want to deal with all that electronic stuff. You can just go to the office. Make sure you have all the paper stuff with you.
Why You Need an ID
Well, you can’t just walk around without no ID, can ya? How else they gonna know who you are? Need it for all sorts of things. Like, if you want to travel to the states, you gotta show them who you are.
I heard some folks talkin’, sayin’ if you don’t have a passport, this Puerto Rico ID card will do if you want to go to the states, any of the 50 states or any of them U.S. places after October 2020.
And that Real ID, that’s a whole different animal. If you want that, you’ll need a passport or permanent resident card, that sort of thing.
You need an ID for voting, that’s important. Gotta let your voice be heard, ya know? Can’t let them city folks make all the decisions. And if you wanna get one of them driver’s licenses, gotta have an ID for that too.
Some folks, they go to the post office to get a photo ID. They say it’s easy, takes 6-8 weeks, and then you get a state ID card. And this ID from the post office, they say you can use it in all the states. Sounds convenient, I guess.
What You Need to Bring to Buy Puerto Rico ID Card
They’re gonna ask you for a whole bunch of things. Like your birth certificate, make sure that’s the original, not some copy. And your social security number, gotta have that memorized.
They might ask for proof you live here. Like a water bill or something with your name and address on it. Best to bring everything you got, just in case. It is better to over-prepare for this ID card thing.
Waiting, Waiting, Waiting
Now, once you give them all your stuff, you gotta wait. And wait. And wait some more. It ain’t quick, that’s for sure. Could take weeks, maybe even months, to get that Puerto Rico ID card in the mail.
When you get it, finally, make sure your name is spelled right, the picture looks like you, and your birthday is correct. It is important, you know. All the information on it gotta be right, or you are gonna be in for a heap of trouble.

Keeping it Safe
Once you get that ID card, keep it safe! Don’t be losing it. It’s like gold, I tell ya. If you lose it, you gotta go through the whole rigmarole again. And that is not fun at all.
So, there you have it. That’s the story of the Puerto Rico ID card. It ain’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s important. Just like knowing your neighbors and keeping your porch light on at night. It’s just part of life here in Puerto Rico.
Just remember what I said, get all your papers in order, be prepared to wait, and keep that card safe once you get it. You’ll be alright. This ID card thing sounds complicated, but really, it ain’t that bad.