What changes with your NIE, residence card and records as a Spaniard

Terms used

• NIE — The NIE is the identification number Spain gives to foreigners.
• DNI — The DNI is Spain's national identity card and number for Spanish citizens.
• TIE — The TIE is the residence card issued to foreigners living in Spain.
• NIF — The NIF is your tax identification number.
• AEAT — The AEAT is Spain's tax agency.
• Modelo 030 — Modelo 030 is the form for updating your personal data in the tax census.
• CAISS — CAISS is a Social Security office that handles services for the public.

Key rules

• NIE: Your DNI number replaces your NIE for identity, and the NIE is not cancelled.
• Old residence card: Your TIE lapses on its own, so stop using it as ID once you are registered as Spanish.
• Social Security number: Your Social Security number stays the same; only the identity document type changes.
• Bank accounts: Accounts and cards stay open when you give your bank your DNI.

What happens to your NIE

Your DNI replaces your NIE for everyday identity. The NIE is not cancelled, but from now on you use the DNI number. For tax purposes the DNI number keeps the same digits as your NIF, so your tax number does not change.

Records linked to your NIE do not always update themselves. Plan to update them yourself and then check them.

What happens to your old residence card

Your residence card (TIE) stops being valid when you become Spanish, because it only proves foreigner status. It lapses on its own, and there is no separate procedure to cancel it. Do not use it as ID after your nationality is registered.

If you still have it when you go to your DNI appointment, hand it in if the police ask. Practice can vary by police office, so follow what the officer tells you.

Tax records

Show your new DNI at a tax agency (AEAT) office. You need an appointment. Update your census data with Modelo 030, either on paper or through the AEAT online services. Afterwards, check that your record shows the DNI and not your old NIE.

Social Security

Your Social Security number does not change. Take your DNI to a Social Security office (CAISS) and ask them to change the identity document type. Then check that the record shows the DNI. Give your employer your DNI too, so payroll records match.

Banks

Your accounts, cards and contracts stay open. Banks must keep valid ID on file, so they will ask for your DNI. Take it to your branch, with your nationality certificate if they ask. They replace your NIE or TIE in their records. Many banks do this at your next visit or when the old document expires, but it is quicker to go now.

Some banks also want an updated tax-residence or nationality declaration. Ask each bank whether yours does.

Other records

Ask your health centre or regional health service to change the ID on your health card record. The checklist below lists everyone to tell, and the documents list shows what to bring.

Documents you need

• Your new DNI, issued by the police after your nationality is registered. Take it to the tax agency, Social Security and your bank.

• Your nationality certificate from the Registro Civil. Some banks ask for it along with the DNI.

• Your old residence card (TIE), only if you still have it. Hand it in at your DNI appointment if the police ask.

Who to tell after you become Spanish

• Show your new DNI at an AEAT office (Spain's tax agency), by appointment, so your tax record uses the DNI instead of the NIE.

• Take your DNI to a Social Security office (CAISS) to change the identity document type. Your Social Security number stays the same.

• Check afterwards that both your tax and Social Security records show the DNI, because they may still show the old NIE.

• Ask your health centre or regional health service to change the identity document on your health card record to the DNI. You do not need a new card.

• Ask the DGT (traffic authority) to change your driving licence record to the DNI, by appointment or online. Your licence stays valid and you do not need to exchange it.

• Tell your town hall so your padrón (municipal register) entry shows the DNI instead of the NIE or TIE. Go in person, often by appointment. You do not need to register again.

• Re-register for Cl@ve (the online ID system for public services) using your DNI, in person at an office or by video call.

• Revoke your digital certificate, such as the FNMT one, and request a new one with your DNI.

• Give your DNI to insurers, utility companies, your landlord, your school or university, professional bodies and the vehicle registry.

• Use your DNI when you book police and DGT appointments from now on.

• Stop using your old NIE or residence card for new paperwork, and use your DNI number instead.

Frequently asked questions

Do I keep my NIE number after becoming Spanish?

Your old NIE is not cancelled, but your new DNI number replaces it for everyday identity.

Do I have to hand in my old residence card (TIE)?

No, there is no separate formal surrender of the TIE, because it stops being valid once you are Spanish. The police normally keep or collect it when your DNI is issued. If you still have it at your DNI appointment, hand it in if they ask, and do not use it as ID.

Will my bank accounts and cards close when my ID changes?

No, your accounts, cards and contracts stay open when you switch to a DNI. The bank just replaces your NIE or TIE in its records.

Does my Social Security number change after I become Spanish?

No, your Social Security number stays the same. Only the identity document type on your record changes to the DNI.