Differences between the DNI, the NIE and the NIF: what they are and how to obtain them

The abbreviations DNI, NIE and NIF give name to documents and identifications widely used in everyday life. They are required in a multitude of physical and electronic forms, and are indispensable information for carrying out procedures in all kinds of fields.

They coincide in some of their functions and even in their numbers and letters. However, they are not the same and have different purposes. From proof of identity to tax-related transactions, their usefulness varies, as does their specific nature and the way they are obtained.

What is the DNI?

The National Identity Document (DNI) is the public, official, personal and non-transferable document that proves the identity, personal details and Spanish nationality of its holder in Spain. It also permits electronic identification and signature for adults with full legal capacity and emancipated minors.

This document, which is the size of a credit card and popularly known as an ID card, contains a personal code consisting of eight digits and one letter.

Who has a DNI?

All Spaniards have the right to have a DNI. It is compulsory from the age of 14 for all those residing in Spain and those residing abroad and moving to the country for a period of no less than six months. In addition, the document can be applied for voluntarily for children under 14 years of age from the moment they are registered at the Civil Registry.

How to obtain the DNI

To apply for it for the first time or to renew it when it is no longer valid, you must go to a National Police DNI Documentation Unit, which are exclusively responsible for issuing this document. To do this, you must make an appointment on the 060 telephone number or online at https://www.citapreviadnie.es, and come to the appointment with the requested documents. If the DNI is to be issued to minors or persons with legal incapacity, they must be accompanied by their legal guardian.

In addition to the above-mentioned Documentation Units, the DNI can also be requested at Integral Documentation Vehicles (VIDOC). These vans deployed by the Ministry of Home Affairs have the capacity to issue the documents in a single act, facilitating their processing in places far from urban areas.

Is there a fee for obtaining the DNI?

For issuance of the first DNI and its renewal due to expiry, loss, theft or damage, you must pay a fee.

The procedure to change the data on a valid DNI, such as the address, is free of charge, as it is for members of large families and for children under 14 years of age belonging to a cohabitation unit applying for the Minimum Basic Income.

What is the period of validity of the DNI?

The period of validity of the DNI varies according to the age of the holder:

- Two years from the date of issue if the applicant is under the age of five years.

- Five years from the date of issue if the holder is older than five years old and under 30.

- Ten years from the date of issue after 30 years of age and under 70 years.

For holders aged 70 and over, the DNI is permanent and does not need to be renewed. This also applies to people over 30 years of age who are severely disabled.

What are the electronic identification and electronic signature of the DNI?

The DNI permits the incorporation of electronic authentication and electronic signature certificates in a chip integrated in the card. These certificates are generically referred to as electronic DNI or DNIe.

The authentication certificate electronically accredits the identity of a citizen in a digital procedure in the same way as the physical DNI does in a face-to-face procedure.

An electronic signature, however, allows the signatory to express their will with the same effect as a handwritten signature, and guarantees their unequivocal identification and the integrity of the signed document.

What is the validity of the electronic certificates of the DNIe?

Unlike the physical DNI, the validity of electronic certificates cannot exceed five years, regardless of the validity of the document. Once their validity has expired, they can be renewed on the same physical ID card if it is still valid. However, when the physical DNI reaches its validity date, so do the embedded electronic certificates.

You can update your documents at the National Police DNI Documentation Units, or you can go to the Document Update Points (PAD) installed in their offices.

What is the NIE?

The Foreigner's Identity Number (NIE) is a personal, unique and exclusive number that identifies foreigners who, due to their economic, professional or social interests, have a relationship with Spain. This number appears on all documents issued or processed on their behalf, as well as on the formalities that are stamped on their identity card or passport.

What are the requirements to apply for the NIE?

The NIE is issued at the request of the foreigner concerned if two conditions are met:

- The interested party is in a regulated situation in Spain.

- The person concerned gives the reasons for requesting its issue.

How to obtain the NIE

Applications for a NIE can be submitted either in Spain or abroad:

- In Spain, this is done through the foreigners' offices or the National Police stations. The application can be submitted in person by the interested party or through a legal representative.

- Outside Spanish territory, this must be done at the Spanish consular offices or diplomatic representations located in the foreign citizen's country of residence.

What is the NIF?

The Tax Identification Number (NIF) is an identifier necessary to carry out procedures with the tax authorities. For a natural person, its number coincides with the DNI or NIE if available. In all other situations, an application can be made to the Tax Agency for the assignment of a NIF.

Who must obtain a NIF?

As a general rule, the NIF is required for legal persons and non-incorporated entities constituted in Spain that are going to carry out transactions of tax significance, and for non-resident entities or their permanent establishments when they carry out this type of transaction in Spain.

In the case of natural persons, although it is usual to have a DNI or a NIE, there are various cases when these documents are not available and a NIF is needed to carry out tax-related operations. This is the case for minors under 14 years of age, Spaniards residing abroad who are not required to have a DNI, and foreign nationals without a NIE.

Non official translation