Your NIE certificate is lost, old or illegible

Terms used

• Cita previa — A cita previa is an appointment you book in advance, usually online, to be seen at a government office.
• Denuncia — A denuncia is the police report you file when something is stolen.
• Modelo 790 código 012 — The modelo 790 código 012 is the fee form used to pay for foreigner documents such as the NIE certificate.
• Oficina de Extranjería — The Oficina de Extranjería is the provincial immigration office that handles foreigners' paperwork.

Key rules

• Your number: A lost certificate does not change your NIE; the issuing office replaces the proof.
• Where: Go to a Policía Nacional foreigners' office or a provincial Oficina de Extranjería.
• Stolen certificate: Report the theft and bring the denuncia to your appointment.
• Residence card: A lost TIE residence card has its own separate process.

The fee, the form and the office handling duplicates vary by province, so confirm them with your local office when you book.

You keep the same number

Losing the certificate does not change your NIE. The office that issues these papers replaces the proof, and the number stays the same. You are only getting a new copy of the proof.

Who to ask and how

Ask for a duplicate of the certificate, or for a document that confirms your number. You can do this at a Policía Nacional foreigners' office or at a provincial Oficina de Extranjería. Book a cita previa first, as most offices work by appointment.

The office then prints a new certificate or a document confirming your number. Check that the number matches your old paperwork before you leave.

The exact form and the office that handles duplicates vary by province. Check on the website of the office in your province, or ask when you book.

What to bring

The documents list below shows exactly what you need. In short: the EX-15 form, your passport with a copy, proof of payment if the office charges a fee, and a police report (denuncia) only if the certificate was stolen. If it was stolen, report it to the police first, so you have the denuncia ready.

Will it cost anything?

Usually a small fee applies, paid with modelo 790 código 012, and a duplicate is normally treated the same way. Some offices issue a simple confirmation of the number for free. Ask when you book your cita previa, and pay before the appointment only if the office tells you to.

If you lost your residence card instead

The residence card (TIE) is a different document. Replacing it uses a separate TIE duplicate application, so do not follow this page for it. The FAQ below says more.

The checklist below puts the steps in order.

Documents you need

• Completed EX-15 form

• Your passport, plus a copy

• Stamped receipt for the fee, paid with modelo 790 código 012, if the office charges one

• Police report (denuncia), only if the certificate was stolen

Checklist

• Report the theft to the police and keep the denuncia, if the certificate was stolen.

• Ask whether the office charges for a duplicate or confirmation, and pay with modelo 790 código 012 if it does.

• Fill in the EX-15 form.

• Bring your passport, a copy, the form and any receipt or denuncia to the appointment.

• Collect the new certificate or the document confirming your number, and check that the number matches your old one.

Frequently asked questions

Will I get a new NIE number if I lost the certificate?

No. Your NIE is permanent, so the office only reissues the certificate or confirms the number you already have.

Do I have to pay for a duplicate?

Usually yes, using modelo 790 código 012, the same way as for the original. The state fee is about €10–12 and is adjusted periodically. Some offices confirm the number without charge, so ask when you book.

Is this the same process if I lost my TIE card?

No. The TIE residence card has its own duplicate application. This route is only for the green paper NIE certificate.