Cédula de Identidad Personal(CIP) as mandatory API field for Panama

To be in compliance with the local requirements of our partners, from 02/01/2024 Cédula de Identidad Personal (CIP) for Panamawill be mandatory and will be validated before processing the payment.

In Panama, the Cédula de Identidad Personal (Personal Identity Card) is an essential document that serves as the primary form of identification for citizens and residents. Understanding its characteristics and significance provides insight into Panama's administrative and social structures.

Characteristics of the Cédula de Identidad Personal

1. Unique Identification Number: The Cédula de Identidad Personal contains a unique identification number that is assigned to each individual. This number is used for official and legal purposes, such as accessing government services, conducting financial transactions, and proving identity in various contexts.

2. Personal Information: The card includes essential personal information, such as the individual's full name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, and a photograph. This information is used to verify the identity of the cardholder and is crucial for administrative and legal purposes.

3. Issuing Authority: The Cédula de Identidad Personal is issued by the Tribunal Electoral (Electoral Tribunal) of Panama. This institution is responsible for organizing elections and maintaining civil registration, including the issuance of identification documents to citizens and residents.

4. Legal and Administrative Significance: The Cédula de Identidad Personal is a widely recognized and accepted form of identification in Panama. It is required for various activities, including opening bank accounts, obtaining employment, accessing government services, voting in elections, and participating in legal transactions.

5. Security Features: To prevent fraud and misuse, the Cédula de Identidad Personal incorporates various security features. These may include holographic images, watermarks, and other features that make the card difficult to counterfeit.

6. Validity Period: The Cédula de Identidad Personal has a validity period, typically lasting for several years before requiring renewal. Renewal ensures that the document remains current and valid for use in official and legal transactions.

7. Number of Digits: The Cédula de Identidad Personal in Panama consists of a unique identification number that typically contains 5 to 10 digits. This number serves as the primary means of identifying the cardholder in official records and transactions.

In the Cédula de Identidad Personal (Personal Identity Card) of Panama, the 5-10 digit identification number is structured to convey specific information about the cardholder. While the exact meaning of each digit can vary depending on the specific format used by the issuing authority, here is a common breakdown of the digits' representation:

1. First Section (1 to 2 digits Province Code): The first digit(s) of the identification number typically represents the province where the cardholder was registered. Each province in Panama is assigned a unique code, and this digit indicates the province of origin for the cardholder.

2. Second Section (2 to 4 digits Municipality Code): The following 2 to 4 digits often represent the municipality or district within the province where the cardholder was registered. Similar to the province code, each municipality or district is assigned a unique code.

3. Third Section (2 to 4 digits Sequential Number): The next 2 to 4 digits are typically a sequential number assigned to the individual at the time of registration. This number helps differentiate between individuals within the same province and municipality.

It's important to note that while this breakdown represents a common structure for the identification number, variations may exist based on specific updates or changes in the official format used by the issuing authority.