EX-17 Form: Foreign National Identity Card (TIE) Application
A practical guide to getting your physical foreign national card in Spain correctly and without administrative mistakes.
The EX-17 form is the mandatory official document for foreign nationals who hold a stay or residence authorisation in Spain and need to apply for the physical Foreign National Identity Card (TIE). Filling in this form correctly is the essential final step to get the physical card that proves your legal status and identity in Spain.
What is the EX-17 form for?
The official EX-17 form is used exclusively for the TIE (Foreign National Identity Card). It is the document you hand in at the National Police offices during the fingerprint appointment, or when you need a duplicate because of theft, loss, damage or a change of personal details or address.
Key Points: TIE and Reasons for Applying
📌 First Issue or Renewal
Mandatory after your residence or study permit is first granted or extended; you need an appointment (cita previa) to have your fingerprints taken.
🔄 Replacement Duplicates
Also used in cases of loss, theft or damage of the physical card, or for changes of usual address or marital status.
Steps to fill in the form correctly
- Applicant details: Enter your personal information (NIE, name, surnames, date of birth) exactly as it appears on your approval decision or previous document.
- Address: State your current address in Spain, which must match your updated registration certificate (empadronamiento).
- Type of application: Mark clearly with a cross the reason: first card, renewal, replacement for loss/theft or change of details.
- Signature: Print the form in duplicate (recommended) and sign in the indicated fields before going to your in-person appointment.
Mandatory documents to submit
Together with the EX-17 form duly completed and signed, you will usually need to provide a file that includes:
- Valid passport: Original and a copy of the page with your personal details.
- Approval decision: The favourable decision on your residence or stay authorisation (if applicable).
- Recent photograph: Passport-size colour photo with a white background and face uncovered.
- Fee receipt: The TIE fee payment form stamped by the bank.
- Empadronamiento: Recent registration certificate if you have changed address.
Deadlines and collecting the physical card
A fundamental point when using the EX-17 form is to respect the times set by immigration rules. The TIE must be applied for within one month of entering Spain (if a visa is required) or of being notified that the permit was granted. After the fingerprint appointment at the assigned police station, the card is usually ready for collection between three and four weeks later.