For decades, the National Identity Document It has been one of those essential objects that almost no one forgets before leaving home. It is present in administrative procedures, trips, contracts or simple access controls. Now, that same document begins to change format.
The digitization of public services has been advancing for years in Spain, from electronic signatures to online health appointments, and the DNI could not be left out. The jump to mobile responds to an obvious reality: the smartphone has become the main personal support for payments, communications and daily procedures.
Starting this Thursday, citizens can officially carry their DNI on their phone thanks to MiDNIthe application promoted by the Ministry of the Interior and developed by the National Police.
What is MiDNI and what changes from today?
The MiDNI application allows you to have a digital version of the National Identity Document with the same legal validity as the physical format for in-person identifications within Spain.
This means that, if someone forgets their ID at home, You can prove your identity by showing your mobile phone, as long as there is an internet connection. The system connects in real time with police servers to validate the data, which prevents manipulation or falsification.
The operation is simple: When using the app, a temporary QR code is generated that contains the information necessary for verification. This code expires after a short time and must be regenerated each time it is used, a measure designed to reinforce security.
Besides, The user can choose what information to display depending on the situation:
- Age mode: only photograph, name and age of majority.
- Simple mode: basic data of the document.
- Full mode: all the information on the physical DNI.
What is the ID used for on the mobile?
The main objective of the digital DNI is replace the physical document in practically all daily face-to-face identifications.
Among his most common uses stand out:
- Identify yourself before public administrations.
- Carry out face-to-face procedures at universities or educational centers.
- Sign documents before a notary.
- Open bank accounts or take out insurance.
- Check into hotels or rent vehicles.
- Buy registered tickets or transport tickets.
- Prove the age of majority in establishments.
- Pick up packages or pick up medications at the pharmacy.
- Access buildings, cultural events or shows.
The authorities emphasize that All establishments and organizations are required to accept this digital identification on equal terms with the traditional DNI.
What can’t be done yet?
Despite its reach, the DNI on the mobile phone has important limits that is worth knowing. It cannot be used for:
- Identify yourself without an internet connection.
- Carry out procedures online or sign documents electronically.
- Travel or pass border controls.
- Identify yourself outside of Spain.
- Vote in elections.
For telematic procedures it will still be necessary to resort to existing toolssuch as the digital certificate or the electronic DNI with reader.
How to download and activate MiDNI step by step?
The process requires a few minutes and certain prerequisites to be met.
- 1. Have an active electronic ID: It is necessary to have the DNIe with valid digital certificates.
- 2. Pre-register: The user must complete the registration in the MiDNI Portal, verifying their identity.
- 3. Download the official app: MiDNI is available free for Android and iOS mobiles.
- 4. Activate the document: After opening the app, the ID number and the support number are entered, an access system is created (password or biometrics) and the account is validated using a code received by SMS.
Once the process is completed, the document is ready to use.
The advantages of carrying your ID on your smartphone
The main benefit is obvious: less dependence on physical format. The mobile becomes a digital wallet where identification, payments and personal services are concentrated.
It also contributes relevant improvements:
- Greater security thanks to temporary codes.
- Control over what data is displayed.
- Information always updated in real time.
- Reduction of the risk of loss or theft of the physical document.
The implementation of the digital DNI is part of the European electronic identity process that seeks to simplify procedures without giving up legal guarantees. The DNI does not disappear; evolves. And, from today, it also fits in the most common pocket of the 21st century: the mobile phone.