Spain's Digital DNI Becomes Valid From 2 April — Carry Your ID on Your Phone

A Major Shift in Everyday ID

From Wednesday 2 April 2026, people in Spain can use a digital version of the DNI on their mobile phone for legal identification — marking one of the biggest practical changes to everyday ID use in years.

The change is tied to Spain's official DNI framework and the rollout of the MiDNI system, backed by the National Police. Spain's DNI rules now recognise both the physical and digital versions of the document, meaning that from today, the digital DNI on a mobile phone can be used for legal identification.

What Is Changing From 2 April?

The legal groundwork was set out in Real Decreto 255/2025, which regulates the DNI in both its physical and digital forms. The decree states that the digital version has the same legal effectiveness for identification purposes and can be used before authorities, public officials, public administrations, and the private sector.

This is not a pilot app or a loose digital add-on. The digital DNI is generated only when the holder already has a valid physical DNI — the mobile version complements the physical document rather than replacing the need to have one issued and in force.

How the Digital DNI Works

According to the decree, the digital version works by virtualising the DNI on a mobile device through a secure communication system, without compromising the legal guarantees attached to the document under Spanish law.

The MiDNI portal presents it as "Tu DNI en el móvil, con la garantía de Policía Nacional" — your DNI on your phone, with the guarantee of the National Police. It is the official route for carrying DNI data on a phone.

Importantly, the digital version has the same validity period as the physical one. If the physical DNI has expired, the digital version does not remain valid independently. This is a convenience and verification tool, but it remains directly tied to the status of the underlying physical document.

Who Does This Apply To?

The DNI is the national identity document issued by the Ministry of the Interior through the National Police, and is issued to Spanish nationals. Under Spanish law, it is compulsory for Spanish citizens over 14 who live in Spain, or who move to Spain for at least six months from abroad.

This is an important distinction. This is a major shift for Spanish citizens who hold a DNI — it is not a general rule that every resident in Spain can now use a phone instead of every other form of identity document. Non-Spanish residents holding a TIE or NIE are not covered by this change.

What Businesses and Public Bodies Must Do

The decree does not just empower citizens — it also puts obligations on the wider system. The transitional provisions require that public and private sector entities adopt the necessary measures within 12 months of the decree entering into force, so that the digital DNI works properly in practice.

That means the change is not only about downloading an app. It is also about whether hotels, companies, offices and other service providers are ready to recognise and process the digital format correctly. In practice, April may feel like the beginning of the transition rather than the end of it, especially in businesses that are slower to adapt.

The Bottom Line

From 2 April, Spain's digital DNI becomes a real part of everyday identification for eligible holders. But it remains tied to the official DNI system, to the validity of the physical card, and to a rollout that still depends on public and private bodies adapting properly.

This is not the end of the physical wallet card just yet — but it is a clear sign that Spain is moving into a new phase where proving who you are may increasingly start with your phone rather than your pocket.

This article is based on reporting from InSpain.news, published March 31, 2026, drawing on Real Decreto 255/2025 and the official DNI portal. This article is for informational purposes only. Always check the latest guidance from the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional) for up-to-date requirements.