National ID card renewal in Spain
Renewing a Spanish National ID card (DNI - Documento Nacional de Identidad) requires scheduling an appointment at a police station and appearing in person to provide updated biometric data. The process involves verifying identity, taking a digital photograph, and paying the established administrative fee.
Applicants are typically advised to book an appointment at least 60 to 90 days before the card's expiration date. High demand for appointment slots in urban centers can lead to significant wait times, so early booking is recommended to avoid gaps in valid identification.
Start 60 days ahead
This accounts for the current demand for administrative appointments and the standard processing time for card production.
The process
- 1Visit the official appointment portal to check availability at a local police station issuing the DNI.
- 2Schedule an appointment online, confirming the date and time slot.
- 3Prepare the required documentation and the exact fee amount in cash.
- 4Attend the appointment in person for biometric verification and photograph capture.
- 5Collect the new document from the same police station once notified that it is ready.
What to bring
- Current or expiring DNI
- One recent color photograph (if the previous card was issued more than 5 years ago or if there has been a significant change in appearance)
- Payment in cash for the administrative fee
- Supporting documents if there has been a change of address or civil status (e.g., certificate of registration)
Who handles it
Policía Nacional (National Police)
https://www.citapreviadnie.es/
The fee is subject to change by the Ministry of the Interior and is typically set annually; current rates should be verified on the official appointment portal at the time of booking.
What commonly goes wrong
- Failure to provide the exact cash amount can cause delays at the payment terminal.
- Expired cards that have been lost or stolen require a police report (denuncia) before requesting a replacement.
- Photograph requirements are strict regarding background, lighting, and expression; professional services are often required to ensure compliance.
Sources
- Cita Previa DNI y Pasaporte citapreviadnie.es
- policia.es
Other documents in Spain
National ID card renewal in other countries
Often renewed together
Don't rely on remembering
Add this document to Duratum and we'll tell you when to start, and remind you before it matters.