The digital transformation of public services has completely revolutionized the way Spanish citizens carry out their administrative procedures, including such essential tasks as renewing their National Identity Document (DNI) or always carrying it with them in digital format. Today, It is possible to manage almost the entire DNI renewal process from your mobile phone. and there is already the option of having the Digital ID on the phone, although for physical dispatch and collection it is still essential to go to a dispatch office.
In this comprehensive guide we explain step by step How to renew your ID from your mobile phone, the requirements, the necessary applications – such as the app My Citizen Folder and the official MyDNI–, the differences and advantages of having the Digital ID, the features it offers, and everything you need to know about appointments, costs, and legal aspects.
What do you need to process your renewal or have your ID on your phone?
Accessing digital services for renewing your DNI (National Identity Document) using your mobile phone and having your identity digitized requires meeting certain technical and administrative requirements. The most important are the following:
- Mobile device updated (Android or iOS)
- Valid physical ID, preferably in their latest versions with electronic chip
- Electronic Certificates installed on the mobile (optional, but highly recommended for certain functions and online procedures)
- Access to official apps: My DNI and My Citizen Folder
- Internet connection safe to carry out online procedures and validate your identity
Having these requirements will allow you to check expiration dates, request an appointment online, and activate your digital ID conveniently from your smartphone.
Steps to renew your ID from your mobile phone: detailed guide
- Obtaining and installing the digital certificate on your mobile phone
- The digital certificate is the key to accessing and managing multiple online procedures.
- You can request it from the National Currency and Stamp Factory (FNMT)The process involves proving your identity, usually at a registry office, and once you have obtained it, downloading and installing the digital version on your mobile phone.
- This certificate will allow you to authenticate yourself in official applications and electronic government offices.
- Download and install the My Citizen Folder application
- La app My Citizen Folder, available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, is an essential tool for accessing personal and administrative data recorded by the public administration.
- With the digital certificate already installed, you can easily authenticate when you open the app.
- Checking the expiration date and organizing notifications
- On the main screen of My Citizen Folder, press the icon calendar located at the bottom to access key dates, such as the expiration date of ID cards and other official documents.
- From here you can activate automatic reminders so the app will notify you when the deadline is approaching and you need to renew your license.
- This allows you to plan ahead and avoid last-minute surprises, as your renewal appointment may be delayed due to high demand at certain times of the year.
- Online appointment request
- Although the renewal of the DNI still requires physical presence At a police station, you can speed up the process by requesting an appointment from your mobile phone through the official website of the National Police.
- The system offers two access options: using basic DNI/NIE data or using an electronic DNI with a compatible reader. Most users choose the former, which is simpler and faster.
- Enter your personal information, select the nearest shipping office, and choose the available date and time that best suits your schedule.
- Remember that availability may vary, and in some locations, the wait for an appointment can be several weeks or even months.
- Preparation of necessary documents
- Before attending your in-person appointment, be sure to bring:
- Current ID (expired or about to expire)
- Recent color photograph, white background, passport size, without dark glasses or clothing that makes identification difficult
- Proof of payment of the fee
- Any additional document that identifies changes in address, affiliation or personal circumstances
- In case of loss, theft, or damage, you must file the corresponding report.
The digital ID: how to carry your identity on your mobile phone with complete security
The digital issuance of the DNI represents a leap forward in administrative modernization, offering citizens a legally valid digital version of their physical document. Thanks to the official app MyDNI, launched by the National Police, you can take your Digital ID on your mobile phone and use it in numerous everyday contexts where identity verification is required. To learn more about how to activate it, visit the Guide to activating and using the electronic DNI on your mobile phone.
What is the MiDNI app and what is it for?
MyDNI is the only one official application of the National Police to manage and validate digital identity in Spain. It allows anyone with a valid DNI and a compatible smartphone to securely access their digital DNI, proving their identity in in-person transactions with full legal validity within the national territory. If you'd like to learn more, also check out this Guide to installing the electronic DNI on your mobile phone.
Advantages of the digital ID on your mobile phone
- Allows legally identify yourself in public administrations, banks, hotels, universities, pharmacies, access controls, events, rentals, voting, notarial procedures, and more.
- El Physical ID is still mandatory in certain situations, but having a digital card makes many everyday processes easier and prevents you from having to always carry your ID with you.
- User decides what data to share depending on the situation (proving only age, basic data, or all complete data), which reinforces privacy.
- QR codes generated for identification purposes are valid only temporarily and can only be read by official devices, minimizing the risk of duplication.
- The app uses systems of biometric protection such as fingerprint or facial recognition and allows you to set secure passwords.
What the digital ID is not useful for
- It is not valid as a travel document outside of Spain or for crossing borders.
- It does not replace the physical ID card for all procedures (some online procedures still require the card or its physical certificates).
- It cannot be used if the mobile phone is not connected to the Internet, as validation is done in real time.
- It currently does not allow electronic signatures or online administrative procedures that require advanced authentication.
Process to activate and use the MiDNI app
- Pre-registration of the DNI
- The user must associate your physical ID and your mobile number on the official platform. To do so, you must have a valid ID and, if possible, active electronic certificates.
- Registration can be done in three ways:
– Online using the electronic DNI and a compatible reader (),
– In person at any police station with a Documentation Update Post,
– Or when renewing your ID, where police officers help you complete the registration. - A registration code is generated and sent to the mobile phone via SMS, linking the phone number to the citizen's identity.
- Download the MiDNI app
- Available on Google Play and the App Store, it installs easily like any other app.
- When you first launch the app, it will ask for your ID number (including letters and numbers) and your ID card number (found on the card itself). For your convenience, check the .
- Security Settings
- A strong password should be created (minimum 8 characters, combining upper and lower case letters, numbers and special symbols).
- The app offers the option to activate biometric protection mechanisms such as facial recognition or fingerprint.
- Verification and activation
- After completing the above steps, you will receive a verification code via SMS.
- Upon entering the code, the digital ID is activated and can now be accessed from your mobile phone.
Once activated, from the MiDNI app you can:
- Show your digital ID using a temporarily valid QR code.
- Choose the level of information to share: minimal data (age and photo), simple data (first name, last name, date of birth, validity), or complete data (all ID data).
- Check the validity of your document in real time and receive notifications about its expiration.
- Change your protection if you change your mobile phone or phone number (you must follow the linking process again).
Cost and payment for DNI renewal: How much does it cost and how do I pay?
La official fee for renewing the DNI is 12 EurosPayment can be made in several ways:
- At the time of your in-person appointment at the issuing office, in cash or by bank card (depending on availability).
- Previously online on the official website, downloading the receipt to present at the appointment.
If you belong to certain groups entitled to a reduction or exemption (for example, large families or certain renewals based on data), you can prove it with the corresponding documentation. Always carry proof of payment with you and the required documents on the day of the appointment to avoid delays.
Special cases: Renewal of DNI for people with mobility difficulties
The standard procedure requires going in person to an office to renew the DNI, but there are special protocols for people with disabilities or reduced mobilityIn these cases, a mobile team can be requested to have the official visit the applicant's home or health center.
Documentation required for mobile equipment:
- Application form completed by the family member or caregiver
- Recent photograph of the owner
- Official certificates issued by the health services of the Autonomous Community of residence
The authorized representative presents the documentation at an issuing office. The official will then go and safeguard the DNI and PIN until they are safely delivered to the holder.
Frequently asked questions about renewal and digital use of the DNI
- Is it mandatory to activate the digital ID?
- No, it's still voluntary, but it allows you to conveniently and securely prove your identity in many common situations.
- Is it safe to carry your ID on your mobile phone?
- Yes. The data is never stored on the verifier's mobile phone, and the MiDNI app connects directly to official servers to validate the information instantly, ensuring maximum security and privacy.
- Does the digital ID expire?
- It has the same validity as a physical ID. Renewing the physical ID requires reactivating the digital ID on your mobile phone.
- Can I carry multiple ID cards on my phone?
- No. Only one mobile number can be associated with each ID card, and the National Police monitors the association to ensure that only the holder has access.
- What should I do if I change my mobile number?
- You must repeat the process of linking your ID to the new number from scratch, following the registration and validation steps. You can also visit our guide to protect your mobile phone from loss or theft.
- Is it valid for travel outside of Spain?
- No. To travel outside the country or cross borders, it is always necessary to carry a physical ID or passport.
- What happens if I lose my phone?
- The digital ID information is not stored on the device, so it cannot be accessed by third parties. You simply need to install and activate the app again on the new device.
E-government is bringing document management closer to all citizens, improving accessibility, speed, and security. It's increasingly easier and more secure to check data, make appointments, and carry ID with you from your smartphone. The future points to complete integration that will allow even more procedures to be completed entirely digitally.
