Expired DNI: how does it affect you?

The National Identity Document is the identification document in Spain, mandatory for those over 14 years of age.

The DNI is a public, official, personal and non-transferable document, to which all Spaniards are entitled. This document has a certain validity, variable depending on the age of the user (5 years for citizens under 30; 10 years, for those between 30 and 70, and perpetually, for those over 70). , which forces it to be renewed after that time in the Police offices.

But sometimes, due to carelessness, we may find that our DNI has expired. What consequences does the DNI have expired?

What happens if my DNI has expired?

You need the National Identity Document (or passport, failing that) to prove your identity in any situation:

If you do not have your valid identity document, you will not be able to carry out these activities.

Can you fly with an expired DNI?

Having an expired DNI can be a problem if you have to travel. In principle, if you have a passport, that problem is solved: you can use that document for all purposes.

But if you don't have a passport and your DNI has expired, you'll have to renew it: one of the main requirements to obtain a passport is precisely that the DNI be valid (you can do it at the same appointment).

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Traveling with an expired ID? It depends on the destination

If your destination is national, the flight is authorized even if the documentation is not valid. The Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda collects the security regulations that regulate the identification of passengers and indicates so.

What documentation do you need to fly?

The regulations include identification requirements, which are different depending on the type of flight, its origin and destination, and the type of passenger.

On domestic flights:

On flights within the European Union or the Schengen area:

On flights to a third country:

Therefore, according to the regulations, it is possible to fly within Spain with an expired DNI, but of course... we are always exposed to the fact that the company does not allow boarding, which would cause a conflict.

Our recommendation is that you first confirm the conditions with the airline: for example, in Ryanair's conditions it is clarified that on domestic flights within Spain you can fly with an expired ID card or passport, while Esasyjet simply talks about Valid photo ID.

In any case, even if you are within your rights, it is better not to take risks and always have the documentation in order.

What to do to renew the expired DNI?

Watch out for the expiration date of your identity document, to request the renewal before it expires. If the DNI has expired, we advise you to try to renew it as soon as possible.

To renew an expired identity document, you need a photograph, the previous ID and, if any information has changed, the documentation that proves it. Some fees are also paid (12 euros), although it is free for large families. On the DNI page of the General Police Directorate you have all the information you need to renew your DNI.

You can make the task easier by requesting an appointment to renew your DNI.