TIE: fingerprints and card issuance (after approval)

What you need to have to hand

1. Resolución favorable or visa with NIE. Without this there’s no TIE.
2. Passport valid. Original and a copy of the data page.
3. A 32x26 mm white-background photo. Yes, that weird size.
4. A computer/phone to book the appointment and generate the fee.

Documentation

1. Modelo EX-17 completed and signed.
2. Tasa 790-012 paid (16,08 €) and its receipt/NRC if you pay online.
3. Passport original + photocopy.
4. Resolución favorable printed (or visa and receipt with NIE).
5. Photograph 32x26 mm, white background, recent.
6. Empadronamiento updated (many comisarías require it; take it just in case).
7. Previous TIE if it’s a renewal/change.

Step by step

1. Fill in the EX-17. Download it from the official link and complete it with your details, NIE and address. Sign it.
2. Pay the 790-012 fee. On the Police site choose "Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero". Pay online (NRC) if your bank allows it or print it to pay at a collaborating bank.
3. Book an appointment on the ICP+. Choose your province and the procedure "POLICIA – TOMA DE HUELLAS (Expedición de Tarjeta) y Recogida de Tarjeta". Keep the confirmation.
4. Prepare the envelope. EX-17, fee receipt, passport+copy, resolution, photo, padrón and previous TIE if applicable.
5. Go to the fingerprint appointment. Arrive 10–15 minutes early. They check papers, take fingerprints and give you a resguardo with a support number.
6. Collection. After 1–4 weeks. Some comisarías require a separate "Recogida de Tarjeta" appointment in the same ICP+. Bring the resguardo and passport.

Time-savers

1. Appointments: try at 08:55–09:10 and mid-afternoon. Mondays are the worst.
2. Correct fee: select the exact concept. Paying the wrong fee will cost you the appointment.
3. Right photo: bring 2 copies just in case. Cheaper than a wasted trip.
4. Recent padrón: get one online if your ayuntamiento allows it; many comisarías ask without warning.
5. Copies ready: a copy of passport and resolution avoids a last-minute run to a shop.

Common mistakes that can ruin the process

1. Missing the one-month deadline from grant/entry: you can get fined and will need a new appointment.
2. Paying the wrong fee or without a valid NRC: they won’t accept it.
3. Using a passport-size photo instead of 32x26 mm: they’ll send you for new photos.
4. Going without empadronamiento where it’s required: you’ll be turned away.
5. Booking in a different comisaría (another province) without local padrón: you may be rejected.
6. Not bringing the previous TIE for renewals: they won’t issue the new one.