Cédula Verde and Cédula Azul in Argentina: what changed and how to get your papers in order

In Argentina, every car must carry documents proving ownership and the right to drive it. The main ones are the Cédula Verde and the formerly used Cédula Azul. In 2024, the rules governing how they are used have changed significantly.

What is the Cédula Verde?

The Cédula Verde (Cédula Única de Identificación del Vehículo) is the primary document confirming a vehicle's registration and ownership. It lists the registration number, the owner's name, the make and model, and the chassis and engine numbers.

Key points:

• No expiry for the owner: even if the card shows an expiration date, the Cédula Verde remains valid for the owner indefinitely - until the vehicle changes hands.
• Formats: it can be held in paper form or digitally, through the Mi Argentina app.

What is the Cédula Azul?

The Cédula Azul was previously used to authorise third parties to drive a vehicle they did not own. In 2024, however, it has been discontinued. A Cédula Verde is now sufficient to drive, even when the driver is not the vehicle's owner.

How to renew the Cédula Verde

Although the Cédula Verde never expires for the owner, renewal may be required when the vehicle is used by third parties or operated commercially.

Steps to renew:

• Complete Form 02: online through the DNRPA website, or in person at a Registro Seccional.
• Provide the documents: your current Cédula Verde (which will be surrendered), photo ID (passport or DNI), and - if you are not the owner - Form 59 with a certified signature.
• Submit the paperwork: go to the Registro Seccional where the vehicle is registered.
• Collect the new Cédula: 24 hours after submission.

Cost:

• Usually free, though small fees may apply.
• Form 02 is free when certified at the point of submission.

Documents you must carry when driving in Argentina

• DNI (national identity document).
• National driving licence (Licencia Nacional de Conducir).
• Cédula Verde (physical or digital).
• Valid insurance.
• Roadworthiness certificate (RTO/VTV).
• Licence plates in good condition.
• A fire extinguisher and warning triangles.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the Cédula Verde in digital form?

Yes. The Cédula Verde is available digitally through the Mi Argentina app.

Do I need to renew the Cédula Verde if I hand the car over to someone else?

Yes. When the vehicle passes to a third party, it is advisable to renew the Cédula Verde.

How do I authorise someone else to drive my car?

Since May 2024, the Cédula Azul is no longer required. You can now authorise another person through the Mi Argentina app by adding them under "Mis vehículos".

What changed in May 2024

Disposition No. 29/2024 of the National Directorate of Motor Vehicle Registries (DNRPA) abolished the cédula azul. Since May 2024 anyone with a valid licence can drive another person's car by showing the owner's cédula verde, on paper or digitally. Expiry of the cédula verde has also been abolished: under Decree of Necessity and Urgency No. 70/2023 it no longer expires. The advice above on renewing cards and on the cédula azul therefore reflects the old rules.

Documents you need behind the wheel in 2026

• Driving licence, plastic or digital.
• The owner's cédula verde, on paper or digital in the Mi Argentina app.
• Compulsory third-party liability insurance.
• Identity document.
• Vehicle inspection certificate (VTV) where it is mandatory.

Driving your own or someone else's car as a foreigner

A foreigner with an Argentine or valid foreign licence can drive a friend's or relative's car: the cédula azul is no longer needed, the owner's cédula verde is enough. When buying a car, the cédula verde is issued to the new owner at the registry office, and the digital version appears in the app after registration.

Murblz helps foreigners with Argentine residency and DNI, which make it easier to register a car and a licence in your own name.

If you buy a car in Argentina

Transfer of ownership is registered at the registry office (Registro Seccional) where the car is registered. After registration the new owner receives the cédula verde: the paper card is collected at the same office, and the digital one appears in the citizen profile of the Mi Argentina app. So it is worth completing the registration straight away.

What to check before driving someone else's car

• The cédula verde really belongs to the owner and matches the plate number.
• The insurance policy is valid on the date of the trip.
• Your licence is valid: a foreign one within the permitted stay, an Argentine one until the date on the card.

A licence and the cédula verde are different documents: the licence confirms you may drive, while the cédula verde links a specific car to its owner and confirms the right to use it.

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