The Spanish DNI: All About the Identity Card in Spain

The Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) is the Spanish national identity card, equivalent to the identity card in France, and is the official national identity document for Spanish citizens. This plastic card (credit card format) features a photo ID and an electronic chip. It serves to prove the identity and nationality of its holder in Spain, playing a similar role to the national identity card (CNI) in France. The DNI is issued by the Spanish Ministry of the Interior.

The DNI number is a unique identification number whose structure includes eight digits followed by a control letter. These letters and numbers have a specific meaning and help distinguish each holder. This personal number is assigned upon the first issuance of the DNI and remains the same for life to identify the person, including for tax purposes (in which case it is called a NIF). It is an identification number used in many administrative and tax codes.

DNI Overview

The Spanish DNI comes in the form of a polycarbonate card the size of a credit card. It displays the holder's civil status information: surnames, first name(s), date of birth, sex, nationality, home address, as well as a photograph and the holder's signature. It also shows the expiration date of the document and several security features (holograms, machine-readable OCR zone, etc.). The electronic chip integrated into the DNI securely stores the same data visible on the card and allows the use of the electronic DNI (DNIe) for online procedures (authentication, digital signature, secure banking transactions...). The electronic national identity card (DNIe) is a major innovation, thanks to the integration of this electronic chip that facilitates the reading and secure processing of personal information on the internet and via official websites.

The Spanish DNI is mandatory from the age of 14 for any citizen of Spanish nationality. Minors can, however, obtain it earlier (for example, to travel within the EU), although it only becomes a legal obligation at 14. Every Spaniard is entitled to the issuance of a DNI and must keep it valid. In practice, the validity of the DNI varies depending on the holder's age: it generally expires after 2 years (for those aged 5 to 30), after 10 years (for those aged 30 to 69), and becomes permanent from the age of 70. It should be renewed before expiration by making an appointment with the police services. The renewal is done quickly (the card is issued immediately during the appointment).

Who can have a DNI?

The DNI is exclusively reserved for people of Spanish nationality. In other words, only Spanish citizens can obtain this identity card. To apply for a DNI, it is essential to have Spanish nationality.

A Spaniard born in Spain usually gets their first DNI around the age of 14 (when it becomes mandatory), and will have to renew it periodically throughout their life. Spaniards residing abroad are also required to get a DNI when they stay for more than 6 consecutive months in Spain.

Uses of the DNI in Spain

The DNI is the key identification document for most official procedures and daily transactions in Spain for a Spanish citizen. For example, a Spaniard will need to present their DNI to:

• Vote in elections (the DNI serves as an ID to be able to vote).
• Open a bank account in Spain or carry out financial operations.
• Travel abroad within the European Union (the DNI serves as a travel document just like a passport in the Schengen area).
• Take official exams, sign notarial contracts, pick up a registered package at the post office, etc., in short, any situation requiring proof of identity.
• Carry out a significant transaction, such as buying a property, where the DNI is required to guarantee the authenticity of the operation.

In Spain, the DNI number is frequently required to fill out administrative forms or contracts (insurance, phone subscription, property purchase, etc.), as it serves as a universal personal identifier. This unique number is used in many legal, commercial, and tax acts.

For a foreigner in Spain, the NIE number fulfills these administrative identification functions. Indeed, the NIE is essential for any procedure with the Spanish administration and for most acts of daily life involving a foreigner. For example, the NIE will be required to work in Spain, pay taxes, buy or rent a home, register with Social Security, start a business, or register a vehicle. Without a NIE, it is practically impossible for a non-Spaniard to carry out official operations in Spain. In this sense, the NIE plays a role for foreigners equivalent to the DNI for Spaniards.

The Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF): what is it for?

In Spain, the Número de Identificación Fiscal (NIF) is the essential tax identification code for any person or entity required to carry out administrative, tax, or commercial procedures in the territory. This unique number, consisting of eight digits followed by a control letter, allows the Agencia Tributaria (the Spanish tax agency) to reliably identify each taxpayer, whether a Spanish citizen, a foreign resident, or a company.

For individuals of Spanish nationality, the NIF simply corresponds to the number on their national identity document (DNI). Foreigners, on the other hand, are assigned a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), which serves as their NIF for all their tax and administrative procedures in Spain. This number is essential for carrying out transactions such as opening a bank account, buying a property, signing an employment contract, or filing taxes.

Differences with the French identity card

From a practical point of view, the Spanish DNI and the French CNI are the same size and serve a similar function (proving the person's identity and nationality). However, there are several notable differences:

• Surname(s): The Spanish identity card first indicates the holder's surnames. Spaniards traditionally have two surnames (paternal and maternal), both of which appear on the DNI.
• Identification number: The Spanish DNI number (8 digits + 1 letter) is a unique personal and tax identifier used in all administrations. In France, the CNI number does not have this universal identifier function.
• Information on the card: The Spanish DNI indicates the parents' first names of the holder, which is not the case on the French card.
• Electronic chip and functions: The Spanish DNIe is widely used to identify oneself and sign documents online, a use that is still not widespread for the French electronic CNI.

How to get a DNI (for a Spaniard)?

The procedure for obtaining a DNI, for people of Spanish nationality, is carried out at the Spanish National Police. Here are the main steps:

1. Make an appointment (cita previa): The applicant must get an appointment online on the official website citapreviadnie.es.
2. Supporting documents: For a first application, you must present a birth certificate, a residence certificate (empadronamiento), and a photo ID.
3. Payment of a fee: The cost of the DNI is approximately €12 (in 2025).
4. Issuance of the DNI: The card is made and issued immediately at the counter during the appointment.

Special case: TIE and Green Card for foreigners

Foreign residents in Spain do not have a DNI. Their identity document depends on their nationality:

Loss or theft of an identity document in Spain

In case of loss or theft of your French identity card or passport in Spain, it is important to act quickly.

• Report to local authorities: Go to a Spanish police station to file a report (denuncia).
• Contact French consular authorities: Get in touch with your French consulate to arrange for the replacement of your document.

Remember that there is no "DNI for foreigners" in Spain. If you lose your NIE certificate, you must request a duplicate from the police. Your NIE number, however, remains unchanged for life.

So, whether you are a French expatriate or a newcomer to Spain, remember that the Spanish DNI is the central document for nationals, while your NIE will be your precious identifier as a foreigner. By understanding how it works and its differences from our French documents, you will avoid much confusion in your administrative procedures.