Leaving Spain during a renewal: the autorización de regreso

01When the authorisation is needed

• You applied in time to renew your authorisation, and your card has expired
• Your TIE went missing or was stolen, and the replacement is in process
• Your authorisation was granted in Spain, and the first card is not ready yet

02When you do not

If your TIE is still valid, it is enough to travel and come back. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens never need this authorisation: they travel on their passport or ID card, with or without a green certificate. And if you hold a visa that is still valid, it may already cover your return; check its dates before you book.

03What to hand in for it

• Your passport
• The card that has expired, or your denuncia (police report) if it was lost or stolen
• A paper showing your renewal or new card is in process, such as the receipt of the request
• The official request form, filled in and signed
• The paid 790-012, stamped or with its online receipt
• A ticket or a letter that shows why you travel, in case the officer asks

04Where it is listed in Castelló

policia.es lists return authorisations (autorizaciones de regreso) at both police addresses, Plaza Teodoro Izquierdo 6 and Calle Río Sella 5. The Delegación del Gobierno’s page also lists the return authorisation under its sede 1 in Castellón, without an address. Book the procedure for the province of Castellón on the booking website; your confirmation names the place.

05Booking flights around it

Ask for the authorisation well before your trip, and do not buy a ticket you cannot change until you hold it. It is valid for a set period: come back within it. Plan to fly back into Spain directly, and ask before you route a trip through another Schengen country. The request is paid beforehand with the Modelo 790 código 012.