If you’ve recently completed your TIE fingerprint appointment in Madrid and are waiting for your card, you can check online to see if it’s ready for collection. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Checking the Lot Number on the Website
After your fingerprint appointment, wait around three weeks before checking the status of your TIE card. Head to the government website here and look for the section titled “RECOGIDA DE TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD DE EXTRANJERO (TIE)” (Pickup of Foreigner Identity Card).
The website will display the “Last Lot Received in the Selected Office.” This lot number represents the latest batch of TIE cards ready for collection.
2. Comparing the Lot Numbers
Take a look at the lot number on your fingerprint confirmation paper (as shown in the image above). If the lot number displayed on the website is equal to or greater than the one on your confirmation paper, it means your TIE card is ready for pickup.
In the example provided:
- Website Lot Number: 189
- Confirmation Paper Lot Number: 176
Since 189 is greater than 176, the card was likely ready for pickup sooner than expected.
3. Scheduling Your Pickup Appointment (Cita Previa)
Once the website lot number surpasses the one on your confirmation paper, you can book a pickup appointment without waiting for any additional time. This can save you days or even weeks, especially if you were instructed to wait for a certain period (e.g., 40 days) as a general estimate rather than an exact requirement.
Important Note
In the provided example, the police officer suggested a 40-day waiting period for pickup, likely as a safe estimate. However, by checking the lot numbers early, the individual found that their card was ready much sooner and successfully collected it without delay.
By following this approach, you can avoid unnecessary waiting time and ensure you’re informed about your TIE card’s readiness!
