Released: December 15, 2006
Help Desk FAQ
Consular ID (Matricula Consular)
How are consular ID cards used?
Consular ID cards are now being accepted by many cities, counties and even financial institutions as a form of identification. You can use your consular ID card to open an account at a bank or credit union or to make other financial transactions such as cashing a check or sending money to your home country.
Under the 2003 USA PATRIOT ACT, financial institutions are allowed to accept consular ID cards as a valid form of identification. There are currently no other laws that prohibit banks from doing so. It is up to the bank or financial institution to evaluate the risks and decide if they want you to be their client.