Okay, so, I’ve been trying to get a Chilean ID card for a while now, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. But I finally got it, so I thought I’d share my experience, just in case anyone else is going through the same thing.
First off, I had to figure out what the heck this thing even was. Turns out, it’s also known as a RUN, which stands for “Rol Único Nacional”. It’s basically a unique ID number that everyone in Chile has, whether they’re citizens, residents, or even just here on a visa (except for tourists, apparently). They’ve been using this system since way back in 1973, so it’s pretty established.
The whole process started when I entered Chile with my student visa. I heard that I should get the ID card, so I started looking into it. I found some information online, but honestly, it wasn’t super clear. There were a few websites talking about it, but they were all kind of vague and didn’t really explain things in a way that made sense to me.
I started asking around, and someone told me I could apply for a smart ID card online. I’m not a first-time applicant, but I need a renewal. I tried that, but it was a bit of a mess. There were forms to fill out, and I had to upload some documents, but the website kept crashing. I also heard that I didn’t need to bring photos because they take them there, which was a relief.
Eventually, I decided to just go to an office in person. I found one that supposedly dealt with these applications, and I went there bright and early one morning. The line was pretty long, but I waited my turn. When I finally got to the front, I explained my situation to the person at the counter.
They gave me some more forms to fill out, and then they took my photo right there. After that, I had to pay a fee. It was 140 something. I paid it, and then they told me I was all set. They said the card would arrive by mail. Then I got an email saying it shipped for free.
Honestly, the whole thing was a bit of a headache, but I’m glad I finally got it sorted. Now, I have my Chilean ID card. It’s pretty cool, it has my photo and my RUN, and it’s supposed to make things a bit easier here in Chile.
- RUN is the Unique National Role in Chile since 1973.
- Smart ID card is what I applied for.
- Cost is R140.
- Free Shipping is good for me.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I learned:
So yeah, that’s my story. Hopefully, this helps someone else out there who’s trying to navigate the Chilean ID card system. It’s not the most straightforward process, but it’s definitely doable. Just be prepared for some waiting and maybe a few headaches along the way. Good luck!