The DNI (National Identity Document) is one of the most important and personal documents that any citizen in Spain has.Its usefulness is key in countless procedures, from identifying yourself before law enforcement agencies to banking transactions, administrative procedures, and even online transactions. For all these reasons, it's always advisable to carry it with you, as it is the main guarantee of your identity to any authority or unforeseen circumstances.
The DNI number is unique and uniquely associated with each person. It is also recorded in official files that can be consulted from computers and authorized government systems. This document is confidential, and although it is often included in invoices or commercial transactions, its use and viewing by third parties is protected by law. Electronic DNI It adds an extra layer of security by being protected by a personal password and allows its use in a multitude of digital procedures—always under strict protection and privacy protocols.
A very common question is: How to know a person's ID? This is a delicate matter, as this data is personal and non-transferable, and only certain circumstances and legal methods permit access to this information. However, there are certain situations justified by law in which it may be necessary to know someone's ID number, provided that data protection regulations and due process are complied with.
What is the DNI?
DNI is the official and mandatory identification card for all Spanish citizens from the age of 14.It is essential for any commercial, civil, administrative, or judicial transaction, and also serves to identify us to any agent or official who needs to verify our identity. It is personal and non-transferable, and only the holder may use it lawfully.
The normal validity of a DNI is 10 years from the date of issue, although in some cases it may vary depending on the age of the holder (for example, shorter periods for minors or seniors). Every citizen must be aware of the expiration date and renew it on time, making an appointment at a National Police station or using the channels provided for this purpose. In the event of loss, misplacement, or theft, it is mandatory to apply for renewal as soon as possible and pay the official fee.
The DNI includes a series of key identifying data such as first name, last name, parents' names, ID number (consisting of eight digits and one letter), sex, nationality, date of birth, address, and other essential details. This document is valid for transit through most European Union countries, making travel and paperwork easier without a passport in most cases.
El price of renewal or issuance of a new DNI It varies, although it is generally around 12-13 euros, with certain exemptions depending on family or social situation or for specific reasons (such as being a beneficiary of a large family).
Uses and functions of the DNI
DNI is much more than a simple identity card. Its uses have expanded enormously in recent years, especially since the arrival of the Electronic DNI (DNIe), which allows you to carry out numerous procedures and processes from home, without having to go to an office in person.
- Access to electronic services of the Administration: allows you to identify yourself and sign documents electronically in public bodies.
- Carrying out banking transactions: It is essential to open accounts, apply for loans, authorize transactions, or access online banking.
- Registration and participation in competitive examinations, scholarships or public aid: The DNI is the reference document in all national selection and administrative processes.
- Traveling within the Schengen Area: makes it possible to travel around most European countries without needing a passport in many cases.
- Request a medical appointment, access social security and other organizations: Identification using a DNI is key for health and social procedures.
- Identity verification on private platforms: Courier, parcel, buying and selling services, and others may require the DNI number to identify users and customers.
- Legal and notarial operations: Contracts, deeds, powers of attorney and other documents require the exact identification of each party involved.
Electronic DNI It provides greater security and ease of use by allowing the use of digital keys and certificates. Activation of the personal PIN can be requested at any issuing office, opening the door to secure identity validation over the Internet.
Carrying your ID card with you at all times is a basic recommendation, as if a law enforcement officer requests it and you fail to present it, you could face a fine of around 60-90 euros. A driver's license is also accepted for many procedures, although not in all cases.
Is it possible to find out another person's ID?
It should be remembered that A person's ID is information protected by the Data Protection LawExcept in very specific cases, only the holder or a competent legal authority may consult or display another person's ID number. Using another person's ID number or providing it for illegal purposes is a crime.
However, there are legally justified circumstances in which another person's ID can be knownFor example, when the data has been made public in official documents from the Official State Gazette (BOE), lists of candidates admitted to competitive examinations, scholarships, selection processes, or administrative resolutions. It is also possible to access the DNI number in the event of death, disappearance, or if a legitimate interest is proven before official bodies such as the police.
The main ways to find out someone's ID in Spain, always within the law, are:
- Use general search engines like Google, performing specific searches.
- Consult the Official State Gazette (BOE) and other official publications.
- Information provided in public proceedings, fines or administrative processes.
- Go to the General Police Directorate or official bodies, in justified cases.
The key is legitimate interest and justification: Only in a few situations will this information be accessible without incurring an infringement.
Legal methods to find out a person's ID number
Using search engines like Google
One of the most used formulas is to resort to general search engines like Google to try to locate the DNI number associated with a person. If the person has participated in public calls, scholarships, competitive examinations, contests, or procedures in which their name and DNI have been officially published, there is a chance that this information appears in a document indexed on the web.
El trick to refine your search This involves typing the person's first and last names in quotation marks into the search engine ("First Name Last Name 1 Last Name 2"). This will return results that include that exact string of text. Sometimes, you can add the word "DNI" afterward for better filtering. However, there are two key aspects to keep in mind:
- There may be several people with the same first and last name. Before accepting information as valid, make sure it corresponds to the person you are looking for and is not a homonym.
- The availability and legality of the data: It's becoming increasingly common for personal data, such as ID, to be hidden or anonymized for privacy reasons. If you find inaccurate information or your own identity published without consent, you can request its removal from both the website owner and search engines through the right to be forgotten.
Through the Official State Gazette (BOE)
BOE (Official State Gazette) It is the most direct and legal way to find a person's ID number, provided that this information has been published in resolutions, official lists, competitive examinations, scholarship awards, merit statements, administrative awards, sanctions, or any public act that requires the personal identification of the interested parties.
To locate this information in the BOE, simply:
- Visit the official BOE website (https://boe.es/)
- Use the search engine (magnifying glass icon, top right)
- Enter the person's first and last name or the type of procedure (for example, "oppositions", "sanction", "list")
- Filter by dates or keywords if more information is available
If the information is missing, it may be because the publication is not public or because the document has been anonymized. Any attempt at fraudulent use will be subject to penalties.
Information through the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) and fines
DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) It also manages a huge volume of personal data, including the ID numbers of vehicle owners and people involved in traffic violations. If a person has received a fine or administrative sanction, the data is usually included in various bulletins or public resolutions. However, it is only publicly published in certain cases, and access is often restricted for privacy reasons.
It is possible to consult certain lists of sanctioning files, publications of fines or traffic data on the official DGT website (https://www.dgt.es/), but To access the specific details of the DNI, it is necessary to prove legitimate interest or appear as an interested party in the file.Without this requirement, the DGT will not provide the information.
Request information from the General Police Directorate
General directorate of police It is responsible for issuing national identity cards (DNI) and maintaining the identity document database up to date. It only handles third-party requests to obtain a person's DNI in exceptional situations, primarily:
- In case of death or disappearanceIf you are a direct relative and can prove the relationship, you can request the information for essential legal or administrative procedures.
- By court order: if there is a court order requiring the identification of a specific person.
- For reasons of legitimate and duly documented interest: Institutions, organizations, or companies may access certain information provided they comply with strict data protection regulations and receive authorization.
Under no circumstances is the DNI number provided simply for personal consultation or out of mere curiosity.
Other avenues and legal considerations
Companies that consult official data
In some very specific cases, Companies with legitimate interest can access DNI verification (for example, in the processing of credits, mortgages or employment processes). These companies usually turn to databases managed by public bodies or entities such as the CIRBE (Bank of Spain Risk Information Center), where it is possible to verify the existence of an ID linked to certain solvency and risk operations, always complying with the Data Protection Law.
The role of the Civil Registry and other official platforms
In registration processes, signing of deeds, marriages or births, the Civil Registry You may provide information linked to the ID of certain individuals if a legitimate and documented interest is proven. The same applies to notarial procedures, judicial processes, and accredited legal proceedings.
Under no circumstances is it permitted to obtain another person's ID to impersonate them, falsify signatures, or use their information for illegal purposes. Any fraudulent use is classified as a crime and may result in severe administrative and criminal penalties.
What to do if your data is published?
If you discover that your ID number is published on a website, newsletter, or document without your consent and is not part of a legal obligation (for example, a list of candidates admitted to a competition), you can exercise your right to be forgotten:
- Contact the website owner to request the removal of your personal data.
- Use the personal data removal forms provided by search engines (Google, Bing, etc.).
- If the information is not deleted, contact the Spanish Data Protection Agency to initiate a case.
La Privacy and data protection is a fundamental right Enshrined in the Spanish Constitution and European regulations. The DNI number, along with other identifiers, is especially protected by various laws and regulations. Any attempt to find out or disclose another person's ID must be protected by law and duly justified. to avoid incurring legal liability.
Remember that many private platforms and services will only ask for your ID when absolutely necessary. Never share it with unknown third parties, as you could become a victim of identity theft or fraud. If you need to process another person's information, ask for their express consent or go through official channels.
DNI is the key to access a multitude of rights and obligations And its use must be managed with the utmost responsibility. There are legal methods for trying to find out another person's ID number, but they must always comply with the requirements of legitimate interest, access to public information, and respect for privacy.
Although locating a person's ID number in Spain may seem simple thanks to digitalization, the reality is that data protection is becoming increasingly strict Only justified situations allow access to this information. Always investigate through legal means, use official document search engines, contact public agencies, and never use data without express and legitimate consent.