When our wallet is stolen or lost, in addition to the rage for the money it contained, the tedium of renewing all the documentation that we carry at that time is added. Above all, in the case of the driver's license, since they will ask us for it in any routine traffic control.
In this regard, many people believe that it is not necessary to carry a driver's license with you. Either because you have lost it, it has been stolen or you forget it. Some even choose not to take it with them on purpose, because it's going to be a short trip and they think they won't need it or because they don't want to take up space in their bag or pockets. Instead, there are those who choose to carry their DNI or even their passport, believing that this is enough to prove their proper permission to drive. Is this true?
The National Identity Document (DNI), as its name indicates, is an accreditation of the person's identity. But this is not linked to your ability to drive. So if your driving license has been lost or stolen, you should know that it is useless to carry your DNI with you. And the passport is not worth it either. What is accepted as a substitute for the physical card is to have it available in its digital version in the miDGT app.
The fine if you are caught behind the wheel and you do not have your driver's license with you can range from 10 euros to 100 euros, depending on different aggravating circumstances. Although, in any case, it does not entail the withdrawal of points.
First of all, you must file the relevant complaint and then proceed to request a duplicate of your driving license. This can be requested directly through the internet, for which you will need to have a digital certificate or electronic ID, as well as pay the corresponding fee. Or through the aforementioned miDGT app.
You can also process the duplicate driving license by phone, calling 060; or in person at the corresponding Headquarters or Traffic Office, reserving an appointment in advance. In either case, you must prove your identity with your ID and pay the fee.
While your duplicate driver's license is being processed and received, you must print and carry the provisional driver's license with you. Yes, like the one they gave you back in the day when you got your permit before physically receiving the final one. This way you will avoid the unwanted fine if you go through a traffic control until you receive your new copy of the card.
In this regard, it is also interesting to request a certified copy of the driver's license. This has the same validity as the original card, but it allows you to leave it at home safely and, in this way, if you lose or the certified copy is stolen, you will have the original at hand to save you the penalty.
