Need to get a duplicate TIE card in Spain because you’ve lost the document or your wallet has been stolen? How about if you’ve changed address in Spain? Here’s how to apply and why this process differs from renewing your card.
If you’re a non-EU resident in Spain, you will most likely have a residency card called a Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero or TIE to prove your status here.
You will need to renew this after five years to get long-term residency, which will give you another TIE card valid for the next 10 years.
There are certain situations, however, where you will need to apply for a duplicate TIE or duplicado before your card expires.
You will need to do this if you lose your card, if it’s stolen or your card was damaged somehow.
A lot of people believe you also have to get a new TIE if you change address in Spain, but we wrote an article on this to explain why this is not the case (link directly below).
READ MORE: Do I need to get a new TIE residency card if I change address in Spain?
It’s important to be aware that your foreign identity number or NIE, which is written on this card, will not change and remains valid even if your card is lost or stolen and you can still use it while you wait for your new card.
Firstly, if your card is lost or has been stolen, the first step is to report it at your local police station and file a report called a denuncia. You will need to show this as proof when you come to ask for your duplicate and the reason why you need one.
READ ALSO – Padrón: How to register at your town hall in Spain
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The next step is to apply for a cita previa or appointment online at your local foreigners’ office or extranjería. You can do this via the following website.
As most of you are probably already aware, these appointments can be very difficult to get and you may need to try several times for weeks or even months to find one available.
READ ALSO: How to get a ‘cita previa’ (appointment) in Spain when it seems impossible
To find out if there are citas any or book one, scroll all the way down the bottom and click Acceder al Procedimiento. On the next page, select which province you’re in and then your local office or cualquier oficina to find the nearest available.
Under Selecciona trámite you want to choose Policia – Toma de huellas (expedición de tarjeta) inicial, renovación, duplicado y ley 14/2023.
This is in order to get your fingerprints done and apply for your duplicate card, as well as for renewals and new cards.
Once you’ve done this, you can identify yourself using your digital certificate or cl@ve and select from the appointments available. Reserve one with a code sent to your phone.
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While waiting for your appointment, you need to get all your documents and paperwork together, ready to take with you.
You will need:
- Form EX-17 or form EX-23 (we’ll explain below which one)
- Your original passport and a photocopy
- Three updated passport photos
- The denuncia paper from the police about your lost or stolen card or your padrón certificate showing your new address
- Form 790 012 to show that you’ve paid your fee associated with this procedure
Note: You will use form EX-23 only if you had residency in Spain before Brexit and are protected under the Withdrawal Agreement. In all other cases, use EX-17.
Download the form and fill out your details or print it first and then write your details in by hand. Take the printed forms and a copy with you to your appointment.
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The first section of the form is for personal details like name and address, date of birth and NIE.
The second section is only completed if a professional is filling out the form for you.
The third section should be completed with the details of where you want any correspondence sent to.
The last section is one of the most important because this states the type of card you’re applying for. In this case you want to check the box that says ‘Duplicado por Perdida, sustracción, deterioro o cambio de datos’. This last point on change of information does not apply to change of address.
You will sign and date it at the end.
Take this form, and all your other documents to the police state or foreigners’ office when it’s time for your appointment and they will process the duplicate for you.
Remember this is an exact duplicate of your old card, so it should have the same expiry date as before. This does not mean you have renewed your card.
You will still have to renew it after five years in the case of a temporary one or 10 years in the case of a long term one through a similar process.
