Voter registration, biometric database updates open until January 2027

DÍLI, 9 October 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration (STAE) has opened voter registration and biometric electoral database update services nationwide ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The services will be available from 7 October 2026 to 22 January 2027 at all administrative posts and the Ataúro Administrative Authority, allowing eligible citizens to register to vote and existing voters to update their electoral records.

STAE is encouraging Timorese citizens aged 16 and over who have not yet registered to visit their nearest service point to complete the registration process and obtain a voter card.

“Citizens who are already registered but have not yet updated their Voter Card to the new biometric Voter Card, or who wish to correct their personal details, change their place of residence, replace a damaged Voter Card or obtain a new card in the event of loss, may visit the service point at each Administrative Post to update their information in the electoral database,” said in a statement.

The initiative forms part of preparations for the 2027 presidential election and aims to ensure voters’ information is accurate and up to date.

 Requirements:

 1. For Citizens Registering As Voters For The First Time

 The following documents must be presented:

• – RDTL Birth Certificate, original or certified copy, together with one copy; or
• – RDTL Identity Card, valid original or certified copy, together with one copy; or
• – RDTL Passport, valid original or certified copy, together with one copy;
• – Declaration of residence or domicile issued by the Chefe de Suco.

Citizens who have acquired Timorese citizenship must also present a Citizenship Certificate issued by the RDTL Ministry of Justice.

 2. For Registered Voters Who Wish To Update Or Correct Their Electoral Details

 Namely:

• – Correction of name or date of birth;
• – Replacement of a damaged Voter Card;
• – Change of place of residence;
• – Loss of Voter Card; or

– Updating the current Voter Card to the new biometric Voter Card.

 a) To correct a name or date of birth

The following documents must be presented:

• – RDTL Birth Certificate, original or certified copy, together with one copy; or
• – RDTL Identity Card, valid original or certified copy, together with one copy; or
• – RDTL Passport, valid original or certified copy, together with one copy;
• – Original Voter Card containing the incorrect information.

 b) To change the place of residence

The following documents must be presented:

• – Declaration of residence issued by the Chefe de Suco of the area to which the citizen wishes to transfer their residence;
• – RDTL Birth Certificate, original or certified copy, together with one copy; or
• – RDTL Identity Card, valid original or certified copy, together with one copy; or
• – RDTL Passport, valid original or certified copy, together with one copy;
• – Original Voter Card, for the purpose of updating the place of residence details.

 c) In the event of loss of the Voter Card

The following documents must be presented:

• – Declaration from the PNTL regarding the loss of the Voter Card;
• – RDTL Birth Certificate, original or certified copy, together with one copy; or
• – RDTL Identity Card, valid original or certified copy, together with one copy; or
• – RDTL Passport, valid original or certified copy, together with one copy.

 3. To Replace Or Update The Current Voter Card With The New Biometric Voter Card

The following documents must be presented:

• – RDTL Birth Certificate, original or certified copy, together with one copy; or
• – RDTL Identity Card, valid original or certified copy, together with one copy; or
• – RDTL Passport, valid original or certified copy, together with one copy.

 STAE requests the cooperation and active participation of all citizens to ensure that their electoral information is accurate, complete and up to date, enabling them to participate on election day.

 TATOLI