Identification
Your identification number in Spain is known as the NIE (número de identificación de extranjero), which means ‘foreigner’s identification number’.
This is similar to the identification number that all Spanish people must have; the NIF (número de identificación fiscal). This number is used on Spanish identity cards and passports.
The NIE and NIF are used for tax purposes and must be quoted in all dealings with the tax authorities in Spain.
An NIE number is required for most official procedures in Spain, from buying or renting a house to opening a bank account or taking out a contract for a mobile phone.
The NIE number is obtained from national police stations. To read more about the NIE number click here.
It’s also a good idea to carry identification with you at all times in Spain as you never known when you may be asked for it. Suggested documents are your driving licence, residencia certificate or passport. If you don’t wish to carry the originals have a photocopy with you, although this is not always guaranteed to be sufficient.
Importantly, you must always have your driving licence with you when driving a car in Spain.