Spain: viral claim that DNI renewals are booked through a call shop charging €50

There is no evidence that appointments to renew the DNI (Spain's national ID card) are handled through call shops. The appointment is free and obtained on the National Police website or by calling 060, with no middlemen.

The post circulating on X shows a screenshot with the sign «citas para el DNI» (DNI appointments) over a counter that is clearly not a public office. The accompanying text attributes the service to a call shop and presents it as an example of a management model. The image cannot be verified: the office, the date and the authority are not identified. What can be checked is how the system actually works.

## DNI appointments are free and official

The Ministry of the Interior manages appointments for the Documento Nacional de Identidad (national ID card) through the National Police website and the **060** phone line. The procedure is free and requires no intermediary. Any charge for booking an appointment is unrelated to the official process.

Renewing an expired DNI or applying for the first one is done at the documentation offices, by appointment. The card is valid for **ten years** for those over **30** and **five years** between the ages of **5 and 30**.

## Why this kind of screenshot gets shared so much

Images of counters with eye-catching signs spread because they mix a recognisable scene with a political accusation. The sign does not need to be genuine: it just has to look plausible. In this case, the message provides no address, no ownership of the premises and no case number.

It is worth remembering that DNI appointments can also be requested at registry offices and some town halls, always free of charge. If anyone charges for this service, it is not the official channel.

If in doubt about fees or procedures, check the National Police electronic office or call **060**.