A guide to preparing form EX-17, paying fee 790-012 and booking a fingerprint appointment for your TIE.
You open the notification and finally read the words you have been waiting for: a favourable decision. Then come the questions: “Do I need to book an appointment now? Which form should I bring? Which fee do I need to pay?” If your authorisation requires a Foreigner Identity Card, the TIE, the next step is to prepare for its issue. Here is a practical route through the forms and next steps.
Official documents and links
1. Read your residence permit approval letter
Before booking your fingerprint appointment, read the official letter confirming that your residence permit has been approved. Check the start date and any instructions or conditions that apply to your case.
Check your name, NIE, type of authorisation, validity period and the instructions at the end of the document. Pay particular attention if your authorisation is conditional on registration with Social Security. That condition may determine when the authorisation takes effect.
As a general rule, you must apply for the TIE in person within one month of the authorisation being granted or taking effect, depending on the circumstances. Check how this applies to your decision. Article 209 of Royal Decree 1155/2024.
2. Prepare your documents for the fingerprint appointment
Before attending, check the documents specified by the relevant office. This is a typical preparation checklist:
- A completed and signed EX-17 form.
- Proof of payment of fee 790, code 012, under the appropriate fee category.
- A valid passport, together with the originals and copies requested by the office.
- A recent colour photograph with a white background, meeting the Police requirements.
- The favourable decision, ready to provide where required.
- An up-to-date municipal registration document, or empadronamiento, if you have changed address or are asked to provide it.
- Your previous TIE, if this is a renewal.
Consult form EX-17 and the Police instructions, as well as the Ministry of the Interior requirements. Additional documents depend on your circumstances.
3. If you’ve moved, update your address on form EX-17
If you’ve changed your address, enter your current address on form EX-17 and make sure it matches your updated address registration (empadronamiento). Check the street, building number, floor, door, municipality and postcode. Do not reuse an old form without checking the address.
For renewals involving a change of address, the Ministry of the Interior requires a municipal registration statement or certificate issued less than three months ago. Check your appointment instructions for other situations. See the Ministry of the Interior requirements.
4. Complete and pay the correct fee
Open the official fee form 790-012. Enter your details and select the appropriate category: first issue, renewal, long-term residence or another applicable category. The amount depends on the category selected.
Download the form, make the payment using an accepted method and keep the receipt.
Completing or downloading the form does not mean you have paid the fee.
Make sure you bring proof that the payment has been made.
Where can you pay fee 790-012?
You can pay it through a participating bank:
- At the bank counter: take the completed form and pay directly at the bank. Payment may be made in cash or by debiting a bank account, depending on the methods accepted. You do not need an account with that bank to make a cash payment.
- At an ATM: check that the bank’s ATM accepts form 790, code 012. Follow its instructions to scan the barcode or enter the details on the form, and keep the receipt.
- Through online banking: check whether your bank allows this specific fee to be paid on its website or app. Not every bank offers this option.
Completing and downloading the Police form does not mean the fee has been paid. Keep the validated copy intended for the Administration and the payment receipt to take to your appointment.
Sources: National Police · Order PJC/617/2025.
5. How to book a fingerprint appointment
Go to the official appointment portal. The general process is:
- Select the province where you live.
- Find the “Policía – Toma de huellas / expedición de tarjeta” procedure appropriate to your authorisation.
- Read the office’s instructions and document requirements.
- Identify yourself using an option offered by the appointment system.
- Choose an office, date and time from the available options.
- Complete the confirmation and keep your appointment confirmation.
The Police explain the fingerprint procedure for a TIE under the general regime in their frequently asked questions on immigration procedures.
Using a digital certificate or entering your details?
Identification options may vary by province and procedure.
- With a certificate: if the appointment system offers this option and you already have a digital certificate, we recommend using it to identify yourself.
- By entering your details: where access without a certificate is available, enter the information requested by the system.
A certificate makes identification easier; appointment availability depends on the booking calendar.
Do you still need a digital certificate?
TRALIF can help you obtain one.
Apply for a digital certificate online
6. On the day of the appointment and afterwards
Attend in person with your documents ready. After completing the procedure, keep the application receipt: it provides evidence that you have applied and helps you follow the card collection process.
Whether it can be used for other administrative procedures depends on the procedure and the organisation concerned, so it cannot be treated as a universal replacement for the TIE. Follow the police station’s instructions for collecting your card. Delivery times may vary; 40 days is not a guaranteed deadline.
Before leaving home
Appointment confirmed · EX-17 signed · Fee paid · Documents complete
Would you like help preparing for your fingerprint appointment?
TRALIF can help you review your decision, organise your documents and check the next step in your case. Having your authorisation approved is excellent news. Preparing properly for what follows will help you move forward with greater peace of mind.
Official sources and services
BOE: Article 209 of Royal Decree 1155/2024
Police: documents for the TIE
Interior: Foreigner Identity Card
Official fee 790-012
Appointment portal
Police frequently asked questions