Spain ID Card (2021)

Spain ID Card (DNI 4.0 – 2021 Version) – Complete Guide

The Spanish National Identity Card, known as the DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad), is the official identification document for Spanish citizens. Since 2021, Spain issues the DNI 4.0, a biometric ID card aligned with EU digital identity standards.

This guide covers everything you need to know: how to obtain it, features, uses, renewal, and more.

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What Is the Spanish DNI?

• A mandatory identity document for all Spanish citizens aged 14+
• Serves as proof of identity, nationality, and legal residence
• Used for in-person and online services (e-Government)
• The latest version is called DNI 4.0, issued since August 2021

Foreign residents in Spain do not receive a DNI — they are issued a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) instead.

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DNI 4.0 – Key Features

• Plastic card with embedded biometric chip
• Follows EU Regulation 2019/1157 for identity documents
• Includes:
  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Nationality (Española)
  • Unique DNI number
  • Expiry and issue dates
  • Place of birth
  • Digital photo
  • Digital signature
  • Biometric fingerprint (stored on chip)
  • Machine-readable zone (MRZ)
  • NFC functionality for mobile use

It enables digital identification via Cl@ve system and is compatible with EU Digital Identity Wallet initiatives.

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How to Apply for a Spanish DNI

Who can apply?

• Only Spanish nationals (by birth or naturalization)
• Must be physically present in Spain

Steps:

1. Book an appointment via www.citapreviadnie.es
2. Visit a Policía Nacional DNI office with required documents
3. Provide fingerprints and digital photo on-site
4. Receive your new card the same day (in most cases)

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Required Documents

Situation	Documents Required
First-time (children)	Birth certificate, family book, photo, parent’s ID
First-time (adults)	Birth certificate, certificate of registration (empadronamiento), 1 photo
Renewal	Expiring DNI card, 1 photo
Change of address	Old DNI, empadronamiento

Photos must be recent (32×26 mm), color, white background.

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Cost of DNI in 2025

Service	Fee (EUR)
First-time issue	~12 EUR
Renewal (normal)	~12 EUR
Large family (renewal)	Free
Loss/theft replacement	~12 EUR

Payment is made at the appointment (cash or card, depending on the office).

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Validity Period

Age Group	Validity
Under 5 years old	2 years
Age 5–29	5 years
Age 30–69	10 years
Age 70+	Permanent (no renewal required)

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DNI vs NIE vs TIE

Document	Who Gets It?	Purpose
DNI	Spanish citizens	ID, travel in EU, digital ID
NIE	Foreigners (number only)	Tax and administrative number
TIE	Foreign residents	Physical residency/ID card

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Digital Identity with DNI 4.0

DNI 4.0 supports eID functions including:

• Digital signature
• Accessing government services online
• Managing official documents (e.g., tax, healthcare, education)
• Integration with Cl@ve system, Spain’s national eID platform
• NFC chip enables smartphone authentication via DNIe app

Optional software and card readers may be required for full PC use.

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Using the DNI as a Travel Document

• Valid for travel in all EU/EEA countries and Schengen Area
• Also accepted in:
  • Albania
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Montenegro
  • North Macedonia
  • Serbia
  • Georgia
  • Turkey (by air only)

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Lost or Stolen DNI

1. Report to police immediately
2. Book a replacement appointment via the DGP website
3. Bring ID if available (e.g., passport)
4. Replacement cost: ~12 EUR

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