National Police (Policía Nacional): appointments, procedures and offices

The DNI and passport are processed in person at issuing offices. Appointments are booked at citapreviadnie.es, the official page for obtaining or renewing both documents.

In Spain, the DNI can only be obtained or renewed by appearing in person. Each issuing office has its own address, hours and accessibility details; some do not offer appointments in the official listing.

Common procedures

Getting a DNI for the first time

Done in person, in Spain, at a Policía Nacional issuing office. If you have no DNI or no appointment is available, you can go to an office with the required documents.

Renewing the DNI

It can be processed within the last 180 days of the document's validity (RD 255/2025). It requires appearing in person, a recent photo and payment of the fee.

Duplicate after loss, theft or damage

A duplicate keeps the original validity; if 90 days or fewer remain on the original, it is processed as a renewal. A detached chip counts as damage. For loss or theft you need the police report or proof of it.

Passport

Requires appearing in person, a valid DNI (physical or digital), a recent photo and payment of the fee. If your previous passport is still valid and was not lost or stolen, it is handed in to be disabled.

Minors and persons with supported capacity

They must attend with whoever holds parental authority or guardianship, who brings their own ID. For a minor's passport, consent from everyone holding parental authority or guardianship is required.

Residents abroad

They can process the DNI in Spain during a stay, with a literal birth certificate (maximum 6 months old) and a certificate of their foreign address (maximum 3 months old), issued by the Consular Civil Registries.

How to book an appointment

Go to citapreviadnie.es, the official page to book DNI and passport appointments.

Choose how to identify yourself: with your electronic DNI, with your DNI/NIE details or, if it was lost or stolen, with the specific link for that case.

Follow the on-screen process to request, check or cancel the appointment.

For the DNI, if you pay the fee electronically, payment is made when you book the appointment.

Check the issuing-office list for the address, hours, accessibility and whether the office takes appointments.

Attend in person on the day of your appointment with your documents and photo.

Usual documents

The DNI being renewed (or the police report or proof of it, if lost or stolen)

A recent colour photo, 32 × 26 mm, facing the camera, plain white background, no dark glasses (for the DNI, under 2 years old)

Payment of the fee in cash or by card at the office, or proof of electronic payment

If you change address: a municipal registration certificate under 3 months old, unless you do not object to the registry being checked and have been registered for at least 2 months

If your details change: a Civil Registry certificate under 6 months old

Frequently asked questions

When can I renew my DNI?

Renewal can be processed within the last 180 days of the document's validity, according to the official electronic DNI portal, which cites Royal Decree 255/2025.

Can I renew my DNI without going in person?

No. In Spain, obtaining or renewing the DNI can only be done by appearing in person at a Policía Nacional issuing unit.

How do I book an appointment for the DNI or passport?

At citapreviadnie.es, the official page to request, check or cancel the appointment. You can identify yourself with the electronic DNI or your DNI/NIE details, and there is a specific link if it was lost or stolen.

What photo do I need?

A recent colour photo, 32 × 26 mm, facing the camera, plain white background, no dark glasses. For the DNI it must be under 2 years old. Head coverings for religious or medical reasons are allowed if the face oval is visible.

What do I do if I lose my DNI?

Request a duplicate with the police report or proof of it. It keeps the original validity; if 90 days or fewer remain on the original, it is processed as a renewal.

Can I go without an appointment?

If you have no DNI or no appointment is available, the official portal says you can go in person to an issuing office with the required documents. Some offices are not listed as taking appointments.