Getting a copy of your police report (denuncia) and its uses

Terms used

• Denuncia — The denuncia is the formal police report you file after a theft, loss or crime.
• Atestado — The atestado is the police case file number printed on your denuncia copy.
• Juzgado — The juzgado is the court where a case is handled.
• TIE — The TIE is the foreigner identity card issued to non-EU residents in Spain.
• NIE — The NIE is the foreigner identification number used for tax and official dealings in Spain.

Key rules

• Copy: You are entitled to a copy of your denuncia, and it is free.
• Case number: Keep the case reference number, because you need it with photo ID to request a later copy.
• Court cases: Once a case is in court, request copies from the juzgado, not the police.
• Online reports: An online report must be confirmed at a station before it counts as a denuncia.

Ask for your copy before you leave the station

You normally get a copy of your denuncia on the spot, free of charge, once your statement is taken. Some stations print it only if you ask, so ask. The copy shows a case reference number (an atestado or diligencias number) and the date. Keep the paper safe, or photograph it as a backup.

If you started the report online, you get an application number, not a finished denuncia. You must go to a station to confirm it. Ask for your copy there. You can print the online version, but it needs that confirmation at the station.

Getting another copy later

If you lose your copy, go back to the police station that took the report (Policía Nacional or Guardia Civil). Bring photo ID and the case reference number. A new copy costs nothing.

If the denuncia was filed in court, or has become a court case, ask the juzgado (the court) for the copy. You can ask directly or through your lawyer. No fee applies.

The case reference number is the key to a later copy, so write it down or photograph it today. The documents box below lists what to bring.

Who will ask for it

Each body sets its own conditions, so check what yours wants before you go.

• Insurers: for claims for theft, robbery or damage.
• Your consulate or embassy: for a replacement passport or emergency travel document after a loss or theft.
• Policía Nacional: for a duplicate of your TIE (foreigner ID card) or NIE certificate.
• Traffic authority (DGT): for lost or stolen driving licence or vehicle documents. For a driving licence duplicate, the usual requirement is a declaration of loss rather than a denuncia.
• Banks: for blocked or replaced cards.
• Mobile operators: for SIM and phone problems.
• Landlords or employers: sometimes, for lost keys and similar issues.

The FAQ below answers whether an online report is enough for an insurer or office.

Documents you need

• Copy of your denuncia, given to you at the station when you file. It shows the case reference number (atestado or diligencias) and the date. Ask for it, as some stations print it only on request.

• Photo ID, needed to ask the police station for another copy later.

• The case reference number, needed to request a later copy from the station or the court.

• Declaration of loss for a lost driving licence. A duplicate usually needs this rather than a denuncia.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get another copy of my denuncia if I lose the first one?

Yes, you can ask the police station that took your report for another copy, free of charge, if you bring ID and the reference number. If the case is now in court, ask the juzgado (court) instead, directly or through your lawyer. No fee applies there either.

Who will ask me for a copy of my denuncia?

Insurers, consulates, traffic offices, banks and the police all commonly ask for it, depending on what you lost. Insurers want it for theft or damage claims, and consulates for a replacement passport. The Policía Nacional asks for it for a duplicate foreigner ID card (TIE) or NIE certificate, and banks and mobile operators ask for it for cards, SIMs and phones.

Is the copy of an online report enough for an insurer or office?

No, an online report does not replace the station copy until you confirm it at the police station. You can print the online filing, but it needs that confirmation first. Once confirmed, ask for the copy with its reference number.