The Consul General of El Salvador in Charlotte urged the Salvadoran community in North and South Carolina to keep their documentation up to date. He also advised them to use only official channels for all procedures to avoid falling victim to scams related to consular appointments.
During a live stream of Enlace Latino NC via Facebook, the consul general Selim Antonio Rodas Guandique remembered that the consular headquarters, located in CharlotteIt officially serves residents of both Carolinas, although it also receives people from neighboring states.
“Everyone is welcome, but officially we are in charge of North Carolina and South Carolina,” the official said.
DUI and passport in one step
Among the most requested services are the issuance and renewal of Unique Identity Document (DUI)passports, as well as powers of attorney and civil registries.
The consul highlighted that the consulate can currently issue the DUI (National Identity Document) and, in many cases, immediately process the passport.
“You arrive at the consulate, request your DUI (National Identity Document), we give you your DUI, and you immediately get your passport,” he explained. “This is a new service that is currently being tested, but it is already operational,” he added.
He also emphasized the importance of taking care of documents, as repeated loss of passports and DUIs can lead to additional fines and significantly increase the cost of renewal.
To obtain a DUI for the first time, you will need to bring a recent copy of your birth certificate and a photo ID. This can be an expired passport, a driver's license, or an identity card proving you are over 18 years old.
Related: How to process the El Salvador Birth Certificate online
No appointment is needed for DUI or passport
One of the most important announcements was that Salvadorans do not need an appointment to process or renew their DUI (National Identity Document) or passport.
“To obtain your DUI, renew your DUI, renew your passport or get your passport “For the first time, no appointment is necessary. Just arrive at the consulate and you will be served in order of arrival,” Rodas stated.
Appointments are necessary for procedures such as birth registrations, marriage registrations, and powers of attorney.
Beware of dating scams
The consul reiterated that appointments are completely free and that no one should charge for arranging them.
“The appointments are completely free and you don’t have to pay a single penny,” the consul emphasized.
People can program them through the Virtual Consulate calling: 1-888-301-1130 , available 24 hours a day, or via the official dating portal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador.
Registration of children born in the United States
The official also recommended that families register children born in the United States so they can obtain Salvadoran nationality and access the benefits of dual citizenship.
“They will have their Salvadoran birth certificate, dual nationality that will allow them to have their Salvadoran passport and at the same time enjoy all the benefits of a Salvadoran citizen,” he explained.
Similarly, he invited those who contracted wedding in the United States to register it with the Salvadoran authorities so that his civil status is updated in El Salvador.
Consul Rodas also said that if one of the child's parents is detained, which is considered a special case, a sworn statement must be made in the name of the person who is deprived of liberty, but if they are of Salvadoran nationality, their birth certificate is needed.
Repatriation of bodies
Regarding the repatriation processesRodas explained that families can currently coordinate directly with funeral homes, without needing special authorization from the consulate.
“Previously, to repatriate a body from the United States to El Salvador, the consulate needed to issue a certificate or document authorizing the repatriation. That is no longer necessary. The family hires the funeral home, and the funeral home takes care of repatriating the body,” the official explained.
The consul recommended requesting written quotes from at least three funeral homes, and the one selected will be responsible for issuing the death certificate. He added that another funeral home in the destination city in El Salvador must be arranged to receive the body, as well as a cemetery plot.
Mobile consulates From El Salvador
To bring services closer to those who live far from Charlotte, the consulate will continue to conduct mobile workshops in different areas of the Carolinas.
According to the consul, regular visits to Durham, Raleigh, and Asheville are planned for 2025 and 2026, with details published on the official social media accounts of the Consulates of El Salvador in the United States.
An “open-door” consulate
At the end of the interview, Rodas reiterated the diplomatic representation's commitment to the Salvadoran migrant community.
“Our consulate is an open-door consulate where all Salvadorans are welcome,” he concluded.
In addition to the consular procedures for the DUI (National Identity Document) and passport, the official noted that the office also provides guidance on investments in El Salvador, household goods, vehicle imports, and other government programs aimed at the Salvadoran diaspora.
¿How much does a DUI, passport, and other services cost? ?
The costs for the main procedures in effect in 2026 are as follows:
- DUI: $35
- Passport: $60
- Powers of attorney: $40
It is recommended to pay on the day of the appointment directly at the consulate and, if possible, in cash to expedite the process.
Location and official networks of the consulate
The consular headquarters is located at: 1520 West Boulevard, in Charlotte.
For news and important information for Salvadorans, you can access their official pages on social media: Facebook (Consulates of El Salvador in the United States) and X (formerly Twitter).
Consular Guide: Appointments and Services for Salvadorans in North Carolina. Full Video
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