The Spanish national identity card is an officially recognised identification document issued to Spanish citizens. Holders of the card are entitled to travel within the European Union

European Union

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...

 and also to several to other European countries, without the need to possess a Spanish passport

Spanish passport

‎Spanish passports are issued to Spanish citizens for the purpose of travel outside Spain. However, for travel solely within the European Economic Area, Switzerland and a number of other European countries, Spanish citizens need only use their Spanish identity card...

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Spaniards are not required to carry the ID card always with them but are obligated to present them to the lawful authorities if requested.