Expat ID card - future solution?
#1
BE Forum Addict
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Costa Blanca
Posts: 3,180
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I discovered today that the UK is going ahead with Identity cards on a voluntary basis.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governme...ards/DG_174258
So I assume we could obtain a card which would be acceptable as ID in Spain (given it is issued by a government) and also we could travel with it around the EU.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governme...ards/DG_174258
So I assume we could obtain a card which would be acceptable as ID in Spain (given it is issued by a government) and also we could travel with it around the EU.
![spainrico is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#2
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I discovered today that the UK is going ahead with Identity cards on a voluntary basis.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governme...ards/DG_174258
So I assume we could obtain a card which would be acceptable as ID in Spain (given it is issued by a government) and also we could travel with it around the EU.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governme...ards/DG_174258
So I assume we could obtain a card which would be acceptable as ID in Spain (given it is issued by a government) and also we could travel with it around the EU.
![jdr is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#3
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
When the original ID card was being suggested some time ago, it was not going to be available to non UK residents.
There is nothing on their current website to confirm or deny this.
I have contacted the IPS for clarification.
The new ID card will not be generally available until 2012.
There is nothing on their current website to confirm or deny this.
I have contacted the IPS for clarification.
The new ID card will not be generally available until 2012.
![Fred James is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#4
BE Enthusiast
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 882
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![twistedmelon has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I discovered today that the UK is going ahead with Identity cards on a voluntary basis.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governme...ards/DG_174258
So I assume we could obtain a card which would be acceptable as ID in Spain (given it is issued by a government) and also we could travel with it around the EU.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governme...ards/DG_174258
So I assume we could obtain a card which would be acceptable as ID in Spain (given it is issued by a government) and also we could travel with it around the EU.
![twistedmelon is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#5
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
The main point is that it is an ID card. If you don't want a pasport (because you don't travel), then in Spain you have no way of proving your identity.
I absolutely object to having to get a passport when I don't travel!
Why can't Spain issue Expats with an ID card of some sort - based on NIE, DL, residencia or whatever!
I absolutely object to having to get a passport when I don't travel!
Why can't Spain issue Expats with an ID card of some sort - based on NIE, DL, residencia or whatever!
![snikpoh is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#7
BE Enthusiast
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 985
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Lenox has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Problem is - even a British ID card isn't going to have your Spanish NIE number on it - therefore won't be much use.
My wife - who has the AMAZING good fortune to NOT be European - has just got herself a new residencia card (just like we used to have).
My wife - who has the AMAZING good fortune to NOT be European - has just got herself a new residencia card (just like we used to have).
![Smile](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![Lenox is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#8
BE Forum Addict
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Costa Blanca
Posts: 3,180
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Yes you are right a UK card would not have the Spanish NIE on it. It still could be used for EU travel though - save on passport fees!
![spainrico is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#11
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Of course it wouldn't have a Spanish NIE on it any more than a French or German ID card would.
![Fred James is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#12
BE Forum Addict
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
![](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/ranks/star.gif)
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2009
Location: Costa Blanca
Posts: 3,180
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_pos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![spainrico has a reputation beyond repute](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/reputation/reputation_highpos.gif)
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![spainrico is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#13
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
But note with reference to Gibraltar, Spain insists Gib is not in Europe
![Fredbargate is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#14
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
You need a customs label, like those for outside EU.
If Gibraltar was in the EU we could take as many ciggies and alcohol and other aparently duty free high value goods across the boarder with ease.
I do not believe that Gibraltar is in the EU zone.
Long may it stay that way.
![Smile](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![paintermujer is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)
#15
![Default](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Gibraltar is in the EU but the normal customs exemptions and other EU policies do not apply.
http://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/latest_n...atus_in_eu.htm
http://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/latest_n...atus_in_eu.htm
![Fred James is offline](https://britishexpats.com/forum/images/statusicon/user_offline.gif)