How Can A Foreigner Get A DNI Number In Spain?

Once you've received Spanish citizenship in 2025—whether by residence, descent, or marriage—you’ll still need to take one final step to complete your legal identity in Spain: obtaining your DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad) and Spanish passport. These are the official documents that confirm your new nationality and replace your previous foreign identification.

This guide explains exactly how to get your Spanish DNI, what documents are required, how to schedule your appointment, what it costs, and how to handle the transition from your old NIE to your new identity record as a Spanish national.

Step 1: Gather the Required Documents

Before booking your appointment, make sure you have the following documents:

• A recent empadronamiento certificate (within 3 months)
• Birth certificate issued by the Civil Registry (stating “for DNI purposes” and issued within 6 months)
• One passport-size photo (32x26 mm, white background)
• Your previous TIE card or EU Certificate of Registration with NIE

For the official document checklist, visit the official DNI document requirements page.

Step 2: Book Your Appointment

To get your DNI, schedule an appointment online via the DNI appointment portal or by calling 060. You can select any police station with available appointments—it doesn’t have to match your empadronamiento address.

Once on the website, click “Cita Previa” and follow the instructions. A full list of police stations offering DNI services is available here.

Step 3: Attend Your Appointment

Bring your documents and payment. In most locations, your DNI is issued immediately after processing—there’s no waiting period. If you’ve also applied for a passport, it may be collected later or sent to your home.

Step 4: Get a Certificate of Concordance

Once you have your DNI, you’ll need to obtain a Certificado de Concordancia (Certificate of Concordance) to prove continuity between your old NIE identity and your new DNI. This is essential for updating records with banks, insurance companies, utilities, and public institutions.

It confirms that despite the change in document and ID number, you are the same person who previously held a foreign residency record. You can request it at your nearest police station.

DNI for Spanish Citizens Living Abroad

If you are living outside Spain, you can request your DNI through a Spanish consulate. Once back in Spain, it’s important to renew your DNI and update your empadronamiento as soon as possible.

Cost of the DNI in 2025

The standard fee to obtain your DNI in 2025 is €12. Payment can be made on the day at the police station (cash or card), or in advance online via the appointment system. Renewing your DNI due to changes in address or personal data is free.

Validity of the DNI

• 2 years: Children under age 5
• 5 years: Ages 5 to 30
• 10 years: Ages 30 to 70
• Permanent: Age 70+

For full info and updates, visit the official DNI website.

Conclusion

Getting your Spanish DNI is the final, essential step in officially becoming a Spanish citizen. With the right documents and an appointment, the process is efficient and straightforward. Don’t forget to follow up with your Certificate of Concordance to ensure all your records remain valid and synchronised under your new legal identity.