I did a search on this, but couldn't really find anything.

I am not a resident in Spain, but we do have a vacation home there. I got a NIE ten years ago when we bought the flat. The only documentation I have is the A4 white paper that they gave me when I got the NIE. Since then, whenever I've been asked for my NIE, I just give the number and it's been fine. However, the other day I was in a mobile phone store trying to get a new contract and when the guy asked me for my NIE, he wouldn't just accept the number. He said I needed to show some kind of card, which I don't have. I showed him a copy of the A4 paper, but he would not accept that. Should I have something more? I thought you only got a card (TIE, right?) if you were a resident in Spain.

I think the guy was just mistaken. Am I right? I am a US citizen, if that makes any difference.

Thanks.
Eric S.

Did you tell him you were non-resident? Maybe he wanted some form of ID?

Anyway as far as I know there is no card for just an NIE but yes residents who have the TIE card can show that and it includes our NIE.

I suggest you try another mobile phone store and have your passport to hand as proof of ID just in case...

They are obliged to ask for ID when you sign a mobile contract but they will accept a passport.

I did tell him I was non-resident and offered to show my passport, but he didn't accept that. Again, I think he was mistaken. Thanks for confirming.

Yes he was definitely Mistaken, try again or at a different store.

Steve

Something with your photo on is what's required so yes, your passport, along with a proof of address, should be more than sufficient.