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RESIDENCY PERMITS

Do you always have to carry ID with you in Spain?

You may have heard that you need to carry your ID card with you at all times in Spain, but is this actually true and can you be fined or arrested for not having it?

Published: 4 May 2023 09:23 CEST
Updated: 7 May 2023 07:45 CEST
SPAIN-CARRY-ID-ALWAYS
Can you fined or arrested for not carrying ID in Spain?(Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP)

If you’re a foreigner living in Spain, it’s likely that you will have some form of ID card such as your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (better known as the TIE) or your EU green residency card, which states your NIE number, your date of birth and your address.

Unlike the TIE cards and Spanish nationals’ DNI cards however, the green residency certificates do not have a photo.

Several English-language sources state that in Spain you must definitely carry ID with you at all times. However, is it absolutely necessary at all times and what is the situation specifically for foreigners in Spain?

Identity documents are mandatory for all those over 14 years of age residing in Spain, as well as for foreigners from 14 years who are going to spend more than six months here.

READ ALSO: 14 things you should know about Spain’s NIE number for foreigners

According to Spain’s Organic Law for the Protection of Citizen Security, better known as the Gag Law, approved on March 31st, 2015, article 9.2, states that “it is not mandatory to carry this identification but it is mandatory to identify yourself when authorities require it”. 

It states that the authorities “may require those who cannot be identified to accompany them to the nearest police station where there are means available to identify them”.

READ ALSO: What are the proposed changes to Spain’s controversial ‘gag law’?

Gloria Jerónimo, an official from Spain’s Ministry of Justice specialising in immigration, told Spanish news site RTVE that “since it’s specified, it is not punishable. They can’t even give you a fine”.

Like Spaniards, foreigners who do not have an ID card or other documents such as a passport cannot be penalised or fined for it either, but they can be asked to identify themselves at any time and can also be taken to the police station if it’s deemed appropriate.

READ ALSO: What to do if you lose your TIE or other Spanish residency document

This means that while it’s not absolutely necessary, it is advisable to carry your ID with you, in order to avoid being hauled into the police station and most likely spend a fair amount of time proving your identity with plenty of admin involved. 

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For members

PADRON

When and how you need to renew your padrón certificate in Spain

The padrón document you get when registering at your local town hall in Spain must be renewed periodically. Find out when and the steps on how to do it.

Published: 22 April 2024 13:09 CEST
Updated: 27 April 2024 10:18 CEST
When and how you need to renew your padrón certificate in Spain

The padrón certificate is used to show proof of where you live. Your town hall – or ayuntamiento – uses it to find how many people are living in the area and what their ages are.

The number of people living in each area will depend on how much money they will receive from the government. They use this money for local services such as schools, health centres, parks and police officers.

If you are a non-EU citizen with temporary residence (less than 5 years) in Spain, then you will need to renew your padrón certificate every two years.

You will also need to renew your padrón each time you move house, as it should have your current address. 

For some bureaucratic processes in Spain, you will also need to be able to show you have a padrón certificate that’s no older than three months. 

Depending on where you live, there are different ways you can renew it. This could be in person, online or by post.

READ ALSO – Padrón: 16 things you should know about Spain’s town hall registration

Generally, in order to renew your certificate, you will need:

  • A recent gas, water or electricity bill in your name
  • Your rental contract and receipt of your last rental payment
  • If you own your own property, you will need to show evidence that you own it, such as the property deeds

You will also need to show:

  • A valid residence card such as TIE
  • A valid passport
  • In addition, it is also advisable to bring your previous padrón certificate

For children you will also need the following:

  • Records of your digitised family book (libro de família)
  • A valid passport or residence permit of the minor
  • A passport of one of the parents which also contains the identification data of the minor
  • Birth certificate of your child

If you do not live in the same household as your child, you will also need:

  • A delegation for registration form, signed by the parent who lives with the minor.
  • Photocopy of the valid identification document of the parent who lives with the child.
  • In the case of minors under 14 years of age, it will not be mandatory for them to have an NIE, passport or identification document from their country of origin.

Remember that all your documents should be officially translated into Spanish or another local language such as Catalan, if they aren’t already.

READ ALSO: Can I get my padrón online in Spain?

In person

If you are applying in person, you will need to make an appointment at your local Ayuntamiento or town hall.

When the date for your appointment arrives you will need to complete the renewal form, which will most like look something like this, but may change depending on where you live. 

You will also need to bring originals and photocopies of all the documents above.

Online

If you have a digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN you are able to renew your padrón online. You will need to do this via your local government website.

First, you’ll need to identify yourself digitally with your digital certificate or Cl@ve PIN.

Next you will have to complete the renewal form and then attach digital copies of all the above documentation that’s required.

Then you’ll need to submit and sign it digitally.

By post

Although this is not the most common way to renew your certificate, some town halls may let you apply by post and will have details of the relevant address to send your documents and forms to online. 

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