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SPANISH CITIZENSHIP

Everything you need to know about Spain’s DNI card for Spanish nationals

When you become a Spanish citizen, you have the right to a Spanish passport, but in addition, you also need to have an ID card called the Documento Nacional de Identidad or DNI. Here's everything you need to know about it.

Published: 16 February 2024 15:36 CET
Everything you need to know about Spain’s DNI card for Spanish nationals
What you need to know about Spain's DNI card. PHOTO: Dani Pozo / AFP

If you have recently acquired Spanish citizenship, you will be required to apply for a DNI card. You will need the card for certain situations and must also make sure to renew it when it expires. 

It’s obligatory for Spanish nationals to have one – Having a DNI card is mandatory for all Spanish citizens who are over 14 years old residing in Spain. Non-resident Spaniards are not required to have one.

The DNI card is needed to carry out certain procedures – Spanish nationals must show their DNI when it comes to certain bureaucratic procedures such as banking, taxes and applying for a health card.

READ ALSO: The little-known process you have to do when you become a Spanish citizen

Spanish nationals may use their DNI to travel –  Spanish citizens may travel with their DNI instead of their passport to all EU countries – Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Sweden and Slovenia.

Other countries you can travel to with your DNI include Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, San Marino, Serbia and Switzerland.

The card must be renewed periodically – It must be renewed every two years up until the applicant is five years old.

– For those under 30 years old it must be renewed every five years.

– After the age of 30, you have to renew it every 10 years up until age 70.

– After 70 years old your DNI is permanent.

It can be renewed before it expires – You can renew your DNI up to 180 days before it expires.

The card must be renewed if you change address – Your address is printed on your DNI card, so if you move house it must also be renewed. In this case, there is no extra cost to do so. 

You must pay for renewal in certain situations – If you lose your DNI, it has deteriorated, has been stolen or has expired you have to pay €12. This money must be paid in cash at the time of renewal. You can also pay electronically with your DNI. Some police stations are also beginning to accept card payments, which can be done at the time of renewal.

You will need to provide certain documents in order to renew it – When you visit your local police station to renew the card you will need to provide a recent photograph, your old DNI and your padrón certificate.  

You need to report it to the police if it’s stolen – If your DNI is stolen, the first thing you should do is file a report. This is because someone can commit identity fraud if they have access to it. You can file a report at the nearest police station or online, on this website. You will be asked for information about the loss and theft. Once you have completed everything, an online report will be generated that you will have to go to the police station to sign in it person. Filing a report is essential in case you have to renew it.

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For members

SPAIN AND THE US

How to quickly get a US passport for a child born in Spain 

What are the steps to apply for a baby's US passport from Spain? How long does it take? Here’s all the experience-based information and tips American parents in Spain should know before beginning the process.

Published: 17 April 2024 16:46 CEST
How to quickly get a US passport for a child born in Spain 

You’ve left the United States and moved to Spain. Now, you’ve added a baby to this fabulous new life. You’ll want to secure their U.S. citizenship and passport straight away.

If one parent is Spanish, your child is entitled to Spanish citizenship. If your child doesn’t qualify for citizenship by birth, they’ll need an American passport to declare their nationality before being registered in Spain.

This article lays out the qualifications for a U.S. passport and the steps to get one. Fortunately, the process is fairly simple, according to people who have done it.

Does your baby qualify for a U.S. passport?
 
Your newborn qualifies for U.S. citizenship and a U.S. passport under the following conditions.
 
– They were born within wedlock to two U.S. citizen parents.
– They were born within wedlock and one of the parents is a U.S. citizen, and lived at least five years in the Unites States, two of which were ager after 14 or
– They were born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen mother and non-citizen father.
– They were born out of wedlock to a U.S. citizen father and non-citizen mother.
 
When the parent who is a U.S. citizen is the father and the baby is born out of wedlock, there are a few additional steps required.

You’ll need to prove the blood relationship between your child and their father, attain a sworn statement from the father agreeing to give financial support until they are 18 years old and supply a written statement acknowledging paternity.

If your child does qualify for American citizenship, the next steps are pretty straightforward, although completing the required forms can be time-consuming.

What are the first steps when applying for a child’s U.S. passport from Spain?

The first step is applying for a Consular Report of Birth abroad (CRBA), which documents that your child is a U.S. citizen at birth. Any of the U.S. Consular Agencies in Spain can accept applications for Consular Reports of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and U.S. passports.

To begin, you’ll apply online. But remember, you’ll need original copies of any documents you upload; you’ll bring these to your in-person appointment at the consulate.
 
Documents you’ll need include:
 
·      Your child’s Spanish birth certificate.
·      Your marriage certificate, if married.
·      Divorce certificate, if divorced.
·      Evidence of U.S. parent’s citizenship, valid identification, and proof of physical presence in the United States.
·      Valid identification for non-U.S. citizen parent 
 
 “You will need proof of having been a long-term US resident in the past so think about what you can show (school transcripts, tax returns, etc.)” says Liz who moved from Scottsville Arizona to Málaga. Many Americans said this was the most time-intensive part.
 
Once you’ve completed and submitted your CRBA, you’re ready to make an appointment at a U.S. Consulate. The best way to make the appointment is by contacting the consulate directly, but make sure to wait for three days after submitting and paying for your CRBA. The fee is $100.00.

Remember, you must bring the original versions of every document you uploaded for your CRBA application, and your child must be present. Generally, both parents must also be present.

You can apply for your child’s passport at the same appointment. Be sure to complete the U.S. passport application prior to your appointment (including payment of a $135 fee) and bring the originals of all documents you uploaded for your passport application. Both parents must sign the application.
 
You’ll need to bring original copies and photocopies of the following documents:
 
·      One 2”x2” (5x5cm) passport picture for your child.
·      A document listing the legal guardians of your child.
·      Identification for both parents.
·      A physical copy of the completed passport application form (DS-11).
 

Important considerations:
 
For the CRBA, the U.S. parent(s) must report their physical presence in the United States, detailing each trip abroad. In other words, it’s crucial you don’t include time abroad in your list of days staying within the United States. If the dates are incorrect, the processing could be suspended until you correct the dates.

“The hardest part for us was to list every country we had ever visited, when and why.  Other than that, pretty easy. We did through the consulate in Valencia. Good luck,” says Sara, who moved from Boston, Massachusetts to Valencia.
 
It’s very important for both listed parents to attend the appointment. If only one parent can attend, you’ll need to submit a Statement of Consent. If you have sole legal custody of your child, you’ll need to bring proof, such as a court order.
 
Bring your child’s passport photo in a separate envelope (to not use it) but don’t staple it to the passport application.

How long does it take?
 
Generally, it takes approximately eight weeks to receive your child’s passport, which will be mailed to you. Be prepared to receive multiple mailings; your passport and citizenship papers will come separately. If you’ve requested both a passport book and a passport card, you’ll get 3 different mailings. If you’d like, you can pay for faster shipping.
 
If you have questions, don’t be shy about contacting your consulate. “It’s a simple process. Visit the US embassy website for any information you need. You can call or email any questions you have,” says Sarah, who moved from San Francisco to Barcelona.

Congratulations on your multinational family!

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