Spain Launches Cutting-Edge Digital ID Card For Renting Cars
Spain News
Published: 22 June 2023 18:17 CET
Spain's General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) and the National Business Federation for Vehicle Rental (Feneval) have jointly unveiled a cutting-edge solution set to transform the way car rental documentation is managed, by introducing the DNI-Car, a state-of-the-art digital ID card exclusively designed for rental cars.
This nifty new QR Code card, seamlessly integrated with a mobile app, is poised to become a game-changer for countless drivers opting for rental vehicles in Spain. It serves as a comprehensive replacement for conventional paper documents, enabling renters to conveniently store all essential information in a single location on their mobile phones.
One of the primary advantages of the DNI-Car is its utility during encounters with law enforcement. In the event of a routine stop, renters can swiftly present the digital ID card, granting instant access to vital details such as vehicle information, driver's licence, rental company specifics, and more. All this valuable information can now be conveniently accessed on one's smartphone.
Furthermore, renters will have the added convenience of utilising the DNI-Car to verify important aspects related to the vehicle. This includes checking the roadworthiness certificate, information on the environmental badge associated with the car, and insurance policy coverage. This innovative service also empowers vehicle rental companies to securely digitise the documentation for their entire fleet. Crucially, these digital documents hold the same legal validity and effects as their traditional paper counterparts, extending across borders to neighbouring countries like France and Portugal.
According to the DGT, the implementation of this groundbreaking system is expected to significantly reduce car theft, potentially preventing the loss of anywhere between 6,000 and 12,000 rental cars each year. By securely digitising the documentation for each vehicle and driver, a unique QR code will be generated, exclusively valid for the duration of the rental contract.
Rental companies will print and affix the QR code to the vehicle rental contract, placing the responsibility on drivers to keep it readily accessible within the car for the entirety of the rental period. In the event of an encounter with the police, drivers can easily present the QR code, providing instant access to comprehensive information about the car and the person behind the wheel. Additionally, the QR code will indicate if the vehicle has any reported theft incidents.
When scanned, the QR code grants authorities access to a dedicated webpage, displaying the relevant documentation links for efficient verification, all from the convenience of a mobile phone.
Notably, participation in the DNI-Car program is currently voluntary, as confirmed by the DGT. It is crucial to emphasise that while the digital ID card contains a scanned copy of the driving licence, it does not serve as a complete replacement for the physical licence. Thus, drivers should continue to carry their physical licences as required. Moreover, the new service will be seamlessly integrated into the existing miDGT app, allowing users to conveniently manage and access their digital records related to their vehicles, including their driving licence.
The 'miDGT' app, already catering to Spanish residents with privately owned vehicles, provides a digital platform for managing various car-related details conveniently on their mobile phones, including the presentation of the driving licence.
With the introduction of the DNI-Car digital ID card for rental cars, Spain demonstrates its commitment to enhancing convenience, security, and efficiency in the car rental process.
This transformative system ushers in a new era of seamless and digitally enabled car rentals, promising a smoother experience for drivers across the country.
Sources
https://www.thelocal.es/20230622/spain-launches-new-digital-id-card-for-rental-cars
https://cadenaser.com/nacional/2023/06/20/cada-ano-se-roban-en-espana-6000-coches-de-alquiler-asi-es-el-sistema-de-dni-para-vehiculos-que-quiere-evitarlo-cadena-ser/
