Fixing mistakes in your address registration and adding your NIE

Terms used

• Padrón — The padrón is your town hall's register of the people who live in the town.
• Modificación de datos — A modificación de datos is the request to change or correct personal details on your padrón record.
• Cita previa — A cita previa is an appointment you book in advance to be seen at a public office.
• NIE — The NIE is the identity number Spain gives to foreigners.
• TIE — The TIE is the card that shows a foreigner's residence permit and NIE.

Key rules

• Corrections: Wrong details are fixed through a modificación de datos at your town hall, with a document proving the right data.
• Name, birth date, nationality: These need the original identity document, not a copy.
• Adding your NIE: Bring your passport plus your NIE certificate or TIE so the record matches your other documents.
• Change of address: A move or a change in who lives with you is a registration change, not a correction.

The short answer

Your town hall can correct wrong details on your registration. It can also add your NIE or TIE to the record. Both go through the same request: a modificación de datos.

Correcting a mistake

Ask your town hall for a modificación de datos. Use the town hall's form, in person or by electronic means if your town hall offers it. Attach a document that proves the correct detail, such as your passport, your TIE, or a birth or marriage certificate.

If the wrong detail is your name, birth date or nationality, bring the original identity document. A copy is not enough.

A change of address or of who lives in your home is not a correction. The town hall handles it as a registration change, so do not use this request for it.

Adding your NIE or TIE

If you registered with your passport and have since received an NIE or TIE, ask the town hall to add it to your record. Without it, your padrón may not match your other documents.

Bring your passport and your NIE certificate or TIE. Ask for the document to be added, or to replace the passport on the record.

Booking, cost and timing

Many town halls work by cita previa, and some accept the request online. Check your town hall's website first. This is usually quick and free, but each town hall sets its own process.

The documents list, checklist and questions below cover the rest.

Documents you need

• The town hall's form for modifying your data (modificación de datos), available in person or by electronic means.

• A document proving the correct data: your passport, TIE, or a birth or marriage certificate.

• For name, birth date or nationality corrections, the original of that identity document.

• Your passport, plus your NIE certificate or TIE, if you are adding your NIE to a registration made with a passport.

Checklist

• Gather your passport and your NIE certificate or TIE.

• Book a cita previa at your town hall, or check whether it accepts the request online.

• Ask for a modificación de datos to update your identity document.

• Ask for your NIE or TIE to be added to, or to replace the passport on, your registration.

Frequently asked questions

Which document do I need to correct a wrong name, birth date or nationality?

You need the original identity document that shows the correct data. For other details, a passport, TIE, or a birth or marriage certificate can prove the right information.

Does adding my NIE cost anything or take long?

It is usually quick and free. Many town halls take it by cita previa (appointment), and some also accept it online.

Is a change of address handled the same way as a correction?

No. Changes of address or of who lives in your household are handled as registration changes, not as a correction of wrong data.