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Spain’s Digital ID Revolution: Say goodbye to the wallet, hello to MiDNI

By Farah Mokrani • Updated: 30 Apr 2025 • 17:15 • 2 minutes read

Three smartphones display Spain's new MiDNI digital ID app interface, showcasing different identification display options including full data, simplified ID, and a QR code for verification

Spain launches MiDNI app — Citizens can now carry their national ID on their phones with the new digital DNI system, available via the official MiDNI app. Credit : x - Ministerio del Interior @interiorgob

MiDNI makes it easier to carry your ID – no more digging through your wallet. Physical card still valid while Spain phases in the new system

Say goodbye to rummaging through your bag or wallet for your national ID card. Spain has officially embraced the digital age with the launch of a mobile version of the DNI – and it’s all about making life a bit easier for everyone.

The new initiative, announced after this week’s Council of Ministers meeting, is part of Spain’s wider push to modernise and streamline day-to-day processes. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska described it as a smart response to “real digital needs” that could help fast-track Spain’s tech transformation.

How Spain’s MiDNI digital ID app works and what it does

The new app, MiDNI, is now available on all the usual platforms and has been developed by the National Police and the Royal Mint. It generates a secure QR code, signed by the police, that you can use just like your physical ID – for checking into hotels, opening a bank account, signing paperwork, and more.

For now, you’ll still need to hang on to your plastic card. The government has given public and private organisations 12 months to adapt to the new digital format. So during this transition, you’re not required to switch – and your old-school ID still works just fine.

What to expect from Spain’s digital ID rollout in 2026

The government plans to take things a step further in 2026. That’s when MiDNI will start offering digital signatures and online ID verification – paving the way for remote admin, e-government services, and fewer in-person queues.

Getting set up is pretty straightforward. You’ll need to register your identity online or at a police documentation centre, link your phone number, and confirm your physical ID is up to date. Importantly, the app doesn’t store your personal data. Instead, it pulls what it needs in real time from the DNI database – adding an extra layer of security.

So no, it’s not a full digital revolution just yet. But in a country known for its love of paper trails and queues, MiDNI feels like a pretty big deal.

And let’s be honest – if it means we can skip a few lines at the notary or the bank, that’s a win in itself.

Stay tuned with Euro weekly news for the latest news about Spain

Written by

Farah Mokrani

Farah is a journalist and content writer with over a decade of experience in both digital and print media. Originally from Tunisia and now based in Spain, she has covered current affairs, investigative reports, and long-form features for a range of international publications. At Euro Weekly News, Farah brings a global perspective to her reporting, contributing news and analysis informed by her editorial background and passion for clear, accurate storytelling.

Comments

    • Tony

      02 April 2025 • 08:49

      Something else for 80+ year olds to get their head around. If I lose my phone or it is stolen or cloned or battery runs out or no signal or anything else that renders a phone useless then what? Digitising everything is not always good. I will keep my TIE card always with me and show it when necessary.

      • Brian

        02 April 2025 • 13:35

        You and me, both! Useful back-up maybe.

    • Stephen Murphy

      02 April 2025 • 12:31

      Doesn’t mention TIE only DNI?
      Would it be possible to confirm it is available just like the DNI?
      I agree with Tony, many older people,with all due respect,won’t have a clue how to do this or may not even have a mobile phone!
      Physical cards should acceptable for many years to come.
      Tony has pointed out many problems with technology ‼️🙁

    • Philip

      02 April 2025 • 12:51

      I would have thought a QR code on the back of an ID card would have solved all the problems. I do so love the magical thinking of the officials working from home.

    • CCW60

      02 April 2025 • 14:30

      I have elderly friends in their 80’s who don’t have and won’t have a mobile phone. IMO this should be an option for people, not a required means of providing I.D. As person before me stated, things can and do go wrong with phones. You need your I.D. just to purchase one. What do you do if you lose your old phone or it somehow becomes inoperable? It’s always good to have hard copies of important documents. Never good to rely strictly on digital technology for anything.

    • Lateron

      02 April 2025 • 18:17

      It seems, according to ChatGPT, that the app does not support NIE ID’s ans is only suitable for Spaniards, not foreigners.

    • Valerie Savory

      06 April 2025 • 00:51

      Is this the same as a digital signature .we have one but it is in a Spanish language version that I can’t read or understand.

    Comments are closed.

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