Unofficial DNI Wallet Apps – Important Information for Foreign Residents

Citizens Advice Spain has become aware that some foreign residents are using what they believe to be an official DNI Wallet app downloaded from Google or Apple stores. We are concerned that people may not realise these apps are not official and may place their personal data at risk.

The only official app is the miDNI (Mi DNI) application developed by the Policía Nacional. This is the digital DNI Wallet for Spanish citizens who hold the electronic DNI (DNIe) with a government-issued digital certificate. It is designed exclusively for Spanish nationals.

The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) cannot be added to the official miDNI app, as it does not contain the same chip or digital certificate. For this reason, attempts to register or verify a TIE will always be rejected.

The name itself should give it away — DNIe (an electronic identity card for Spanish nationals), not the TIE, which is the residence card for foreigners.

Unofficial apps using similar names such as “DNI Wallet,” “DNI Digital,” or “miDNI Wallet” are third-party applications. These are not connected to the Spanish authorities, and uploading your passport or TIE image to them carries the following risks:

Your personal data may be stored on external or unknown servers.

The image or copy has no legal validity when shown to police or public officials.

Use of such apps can create a false sense of security that your ID is officially registered or verified.

,Even Spanish nationals are being warned in national newspapers that there is only one official app. Reports in El País have reminded the public that MiDNI is the sole official application for carrying the Spanish identity card on a mobile phone, and that people should be cautious of similar-sounding or misleading names.

Citizens Advice Spain strongly advises against using any unofficial wallet app for storing Spanish or foreign identity documents. Only the official miDNI app (Policía Nacional) is recognised for Spanish nationals, and there is currently no digital wallet option for TIE holdersDNI WALLET.

Expected in the near future:

A short digital ID and personal digital wallet for EU citizens, residents and businesses

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.