Home › Guides

TIE card and fingerprints (toma de huellas)

Free guide · last checked against official sources on 22 Oct 2026 · not legal advice

What it is

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical card showing your residence status. Once your residence authorisation is granted, you apply for the card in person at an Oficina de Extranjería or police station (Comisaría), where your fingerprints are taken. The general form is EX-17.

UK nationals resident before 2021 (Withdrawal Agreement): the card is requested with form EX-23, not EX-17. See the official Spanish FAQ and the GOV.UK guidance below.

Automatic appointments (check this first): Infomigrante reported on 9 Oct 2026, citing the police, that automatic assignment of huellas/TIE appointments now covers Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Málaga and Murcia. The cita is sent by SMS and email. If nothing arrives within 20 days, use the normal cita system. This is a news report: confirm with the official sources or your resolution letter.

Documents usually needed

Form EX-17 (or EX-23 for UK Withdrawal Agreement residents)
Passport, plus a copy
Proof of payment of the fee, modelo 790 código 012 (amount on the official fees page)
A recent passport-style photo and the document granting your residence (for example your resolution), as listed on the official page for your case

This is a summary. Your situation may need other documents. The official page is what counts.

How to book

Book "toma de huellas" for your province on the official Extranjería/Policía cita previa site, unless you have already received an automatic cita.

Official sources

Not legal advice. CitaWatch is independent and not affiliated with the Spanish government. We don't book appointments and we can't help with your application. For advice about your case, talk to a qualified gestor or immigration lawyer. Never pay anyone for a cita: official appointments are free.