Spanish citizens need a passport to travel outside Schengen areas. It is an important proof of identity and citizenship on international trips. Like most identity documents, a Spanish passport is featured with a passport number. Have you ever been asked for the number? Do you know what it is? Where can you find the code? In this passage, we will find out the answers to these questions.
What Is the Passport Number
Spain passport number is a 9-digit identification code located on the first page of the booklet. As a unique identifier of the issuing authority and the passport holder, it is widely used in many cases, such as applying for visas, booking air tickets, filling out disembarkation cards, etc. It helps you prove your identity more quickly when requesting assistance from the consular office or passing immigration and border control checkpoints. Moreover, if your passport is lost or stolen, you can provide the number to report loss and prevent misuse of the passport.
What Does a Passport Number Consist of
The Spain passport number is made up of 3 letters and 6 numbers. Each of them has a specific meaning. Please note that it does not match the DNI number, so it is impossible to infer the code from DNI details. A full passport number consists of the following information.
- Country Code
It usually refers to the first two or three letters. They represent which country issues the passport. Sometimes a check digit is added to ensure accuracy and validity.
- Personal Information
The passport system uses special identification algorithm to extract major information from the passport holder’s personal details, for example, date of birth.
- Serial Number
It helps to distinguish the passport holder from another one, especially when there are two persons with the same particulars stated above.
- Date of Issuing
It indicates when the passport is issued which is related to the validity and expiration of the passport.
What Other Information Appears on the Passport
Apart from the Spanish passport number, details about the owner and the booklet itself will be found no matter what type of passport you are holding, including:
- Passport type
- Country code
- Full name
- Nationality
- Sex
- Place of birth
- Date of birth
- Date of issuing
- ID number
- Date of expiry
- Authority (of issuing)
- Signature of the owner
- Travel history (if any)
- Two lines of OCR code with encrypted information of the holder
- Anti-counterfeit and security information, such as UV printing, a holographic image, etc.
How to Know My Passport Number
The passport number is important when seeking and booking an international flight, accessing consular services, applying for visas, or reporting loss. Here are some common ways to find out the code.
Check the Passport or Copies
This is the fastest and most straightforward method. The Spain passport number is printed on each page of the booklet. On the first page, it is located at the top right corner, right next to the Country Code (ESP for Spain). It is suggested to make several copies of the passport or note down the number as soon as you receive it and keep them in a safe place.
Check Online
The passport issuing authority allows citizens to consult passport details on its website. You can visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation portal and submit an inquiry at the Passport Issuance Consultation section. You will need to provide your name, birth date, ID number, and so on. It takes a few seconds to deal with your application.
Consulate the Issuing Authority
You can contact or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office. The staff will guide you through how to check the passport number. Remember to bring a valid identity document along with you, such as a DNI or driver’s license. If you are abroad, visit the local Spanish embassy or consulate.
What Can Someone Do with My Passport Number
The passport number is one of the sensitive details that help to verify your identity in international travel and transactions. Learning about what someone else can do with the number will help you understand why it is important to keep the code private and secure.
- Identity Theft
It has become one of the most serious problems resulting from privacy leakage. Thieves can swindle other persons and organizations in your name. It is commonly seen that they will forge documents with your passport number, create fraudulent bank accounts, apply for loans, access your social media and personal account on official websites, and so forth.
- Crimes
After stealing your identity, criminals will conduct illegal activities, such as smuggling, money laundering, human trafficking, drug trafficking, or even terrorism. It will not only cause damage to your reputation and legal standing but also put you at risk. When any of your personal information, for example, the passport number is found to be involved in any crimes, the police might investigate or detain you as a suspect.
- Fraudulent Transactions
Through the forged documents, they might carry out unauthorized transactions with banks or financial institutions, such as getting a loan, securing a mortgage, or purchasing a lot. Consequently, you will take on huge debts. What’s worse, your credits are severely jeopardized, which makes it harder to get new loans in the future. You have to spend great time and effort to recover your financial reputation. To prevent this, it is also advised to check your financial statements regularly and add extra authentication for your account besides protecting your passport number.
- Illegal Immigration
When someone else obtains your passport number, they might modify the information on an existing passport or forge a new one to travel abroad. Although anti-counterfeit methods for passports keep updating, the risks still exist. When border control officers detect passport misuse, they will mark your passport. Afterward, you, in legal possession of the travel document, might have difficulty in applying for visas or traveling internationally.
How to Protect My Passport Number
Scammers can obtain your passport number in different ways. Here are some useful tips to avoid being cheated.
- Don’t click any links emails or SMS from unknown sources or install malware. It might be a phishing scam.
- Don’t share your information with unreliable persons.
- Don’t scan your passport on any unknown app or machine.
- Discriminate false websites with the authentic official website of a government agency or organization.
- Put away your passport no matter where you are.
Will the Passport Number Change When Renewing It
Yes. A new passport will be issued after renewal. As each passport book features a unique passport number, it will change when you renew a passport. In this case, the old number will become invalid. If your visa is obtained based on the old number, you should travel with both the new and old passport. In this case, the number can be used until the visa expires.
How to Get a Spanish Passport
To apply for a Spanish passport, applicants must make an appointment by calling 060 or online, and visit the documentation units of the Directorate-General of the Police, authorized authorities, or the Spanish embassy/consulate with supporting documents. It is recommended to prepare the following documents in advance.
- A valid DNI (National Identity Document).
- A recent colored biometric photo. The passport photo must comply with a set of official requirements. If you are not sure whether your picture is qualified or not, use AiPassportPhotos to check compliance.
- Birth certificate and parental consent (required for minor applicants).
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Passport
It costs €30 to apply for an ordinary passport whether for adults or minors. Large Family Card holders are exempted from the application fee. It can be paid in cash, online, or by credit/debit card at the Documentation Unit. If you have an electronic signature, you can pay online in advance while making an appointment.
FAQ
Q: How many digits does a passport number have?
A: 9 digits with 3 letters and 6 numbers.
Q: What is the number 11 in the Spanish passport?
A: It refers to the field of ID number on the bio-data page.
Q: Why does the passport number change?
A: It aims to prevent counterfeit and identity theft when the old passport is lost, stolen, or expired.
Q: What is the identification number on a Spanish passport?
A: It means the DNI number, which is the National Identity Document (Documento Nacional de Identidad) in Spain.
Q: How many numbers does the passport have?
A: Common numbers on a passport include passport number, passport book number, and ID number.
Conclusion
Spain passport number is a 9-digit code located on the top right area of the first page. The code is different on each passport, so the passport number changes when you renew it. It can also be checked online or at the consular office. As a unique identification code for the passport and passport owner, it is important for information safety and identity verification. It is recommended to note it down and keep it safe as soon as you receive a new passport.
Erin Lo