Format anatomy
NIE number example: what a real one looks like
Every Spanish NIE follows the same 9-character pattern. Here is a real-format example taken apart — prefix, digits, control letter — plus how to verify the check digit yourself.
TL;DR
- Example: Y1234567L — letter Y, 7 digits, control letter L.
- Prefix X = issued before July 2008, Y = after, Z = reserved.
- Control letter is computed modulo 23 from the digits (prefix converted to 0/1/2).
- Check any number instantly with the free NIE validator.
The anatomy of Y1234567L
| Part | Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1st character | Y | Series prefix (X pre-2008, Y after, Z reserved) |
| Characters 2–8 | 1234567 | Sequential number |
| 9th character | L | Control letter, modulo-23 checksum |
How the control letter is calculated
Convert the prefix: Y becomes 1, so the number is 11234567. Compute 11234567 mod 23 = 14. Index 14 in the sequence T R W A G M Y F P D X B N J Z S Q V H L C K E is L. If a NIE’s last letter doesn’t match this computation, the number contains a typo.
Where you’ll see this format
Same 9 characters everywhere: visa sticker (“support number” field), TIE card, white certificate, tax filings (NIF field), bank and employment contracts. Full document map: where is the NIE on documents.
Frequently asked questions
What does a NIE number look like?
Nine characters: one letter (X, Y or Z), seven digits, one control letter — e.g. Y1234567L. Hyphens and spaces in print are decorative; the stored value is the 9 characters.
What does the first letter of a NIE mean?
X marks numbers issued before July 2008, Y after that date, Z is reserved for the future. The prefix does not affect validity.
How do I know if a NIE is genuine?
Check the format and control letter (modulo 23) — the validator on this site does both. Only the Policía Nacional registry confirms actual issuance; it is not public.
Is the NIE example the same format as the DNI?
A DNI is 8 digits + letter (e.g. 12345678Z). A NIE is letter + 7 digits + letter (e.g. Y1234567L). The control-letter algorithm is shared.
Sources: Sede Electrónica Policía Nacional · Ministry of Foreign Affairs — NIE
We are not a government body. We are a tax & accounting service assisting with NIE applications and Spanish paperwork. Facts verified 24 September 2026.