The official arrival of the digital ID card in Spain

On 2 April, Spain officially launched MiDNI, an app that will allow you to carry your identity documents on your smartphone with full legal validity.

Co-ordinated by the National Police, this development means that the requirement to carry a physical ID card for most everyday transactions will end, and will officially transition to digital ID.

According to Royal Decree 255 / 2025, after a twelve-month adaptation period, all public and private entities are now required to accept this format. This represents a drastic change in the routine of municipalities, where procedures that previously required a physical ID card will now be undertaken with a simple QR code.

The new digital ID card brings some changes and ways of using it that citizens and administrations will have to deal with:

1. New uses: from pharmacy to notary

The first major change is that they can no longer reject your digital submission. From today, hotels and banks must accept the QR code from your MiDNI app. This will streamline many processes. The system performs real-time verification, guaranteeing the merchant that the data is accurate and has not been tampered with, increasing security compared to the traditional physical format.

From now, the Digital ID It is valid for:

• Health and procedures: pick up medications in pharmacies and carry out in-person procedures before notaries.
• Leisure and transport: rent vehicles, buy personalised tickets and access concerts or theatres.
• Education: to identify yourself in educational centres and universities, both public and private.
• Safety: prove legal age or collect packages at the post office or messanger services.

2. More security without the need for a physical card

The second change directly impacts the relationship with the administration. As mentioned, for procedures such as dealing with the Town Hall or identifying oneself to La Guardia Civil during routine checks, a mobile phone will suffice.

• Enhanced security: The data is verified through official systems of the Ministry of the Interior.
• Goodbye to lost documents: It reduces the risk of losing the physical document during outdoor activities or travel.
• Full integration: This adds to the experience of myDGTallowing you to carry all the basic documentation on a single device.

3. Privacy on demand: the types of digital ID cards

Unlike the physical ID card, where all the data is exposed, the app MyDNI It allows users to choose what information to share depending on the situation. This strengthens citizen privacy.

• ID AGE: Just show your photo, name and whether you are of legal age (ideal for entertainment venues).
• SIMPLE ID CARD: Show photo, name, surname, sex and validity of document.
• FULL ID: It reflects all the data from the physical document for complex official procedures.

It’s important to note that the app doesn’t save your data on your phone. It performs a real-time query to the systems of the National Police, generating a temporary QR code which expires after a few seconds to prevent fraud.

Step by step: how to activate your ID card on your mobile today

To activate it, you must have a valid physical ID card and register beforehand. Citizens of the Marina Alta can go to the Documentation Update Points (DUP) installed in police stations or in authorised town halls.

Once registered on the official website www.midni.gob.es, you will need to download the app, enter your support details, and verify your identity via an SMS code. In case of loss of the mobile phone, the National Police It allows you to immediately cancel the digital version by filing a complaint. To start using this new system, simply follow these instructions:

• 1. Download the official app: Search for “MiDNI” in the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS). Make sure the developer is the National Police. The download is free and secure.
• 2. Identity Verification: Once installed, the app will guide you through linking your identity. You’ll need to have your physical ID card handy, as the system uses your phone’s NFC chip to securely read the data from the original card.
• 3. Biometric configuration: To protect access, you’ll need to configure biometric identification (fingerprint or facial recognition) on your device. This ensures that only you can display your digital ID.
• 4. Use of QR codes: From now on, when you need to identify yourself at a business or government office, you’ll only need to generate a dynamic QR code from the app. The establishment will scan it to verify your information in real time.

What will the impact be on the residents?

For residents, this means saving time and increasing security. While the physical ID card remains valid and necessary for travelling abroad or in certain low-connectivity environments, the mobile phone now becomes the primary means of identification.

Source: La Marina Alta.com