In order to get your TIE you have to attend an in-person "toma de huellas" (fingerprinting) cita that you must schedule online beforehand. It has this name because after submitting your paperwork they take your fingerprints on a small digital scanner. You are supposed to make this cita (make - not have) within a month of arrival in the country. The cita needs to take place before the expiration date of your initial visa (usually placed inside the passport) used for entry.
Make an appointment (cita)
To make a cita:
Select your specific province and click "Aceptar"
As part of the "TRAMITES CUERPO NACIONAL DE POLICIA" dropdown menu, select "POLICIA-TOMA DE HUELLAS (EXPEDICION DE TARJETA) Y RENOVACION DE TARJETA DE LARGA DURACION" and click "Aceptar"
Read the following page and click "Entrar"
Enter your personal info and click on "Aceptar"
Important: The "Fecha de Caducidad de su tarjeta actual" section is referring to the expiration date of your current TIE (not passport or visa) so if you are arriving in Spain on a visa leave this blank as it doesn't apply to you.
On the next page, click on "Solicitar Cita"
Select an oficina and click on "Siguiente"
Note: An oficina will only appear in the drop down if they have available citas. If the one you want to go to is not showing up you'll have to check the website another time. Each comisaria releases citas at different times.
Enter your *Spanish* mobile phone number and email address, and click on "Siguiente"
Select a cita on the date and time you'd like, this page looks different depending on the province, click on "OK" in the dialogue box that pops up.
Confirm that all your information is correct, enter the code that was sent to you, check both boxes, and click "Confirmar"
The final page will confirm that your cita was booked successfully.
Important: You will need the numero de justificante in order to cancel or view your cita on the website. If you selected the box to have the confirmation emailed to you, it is best to click "Imprimir" on this page and download the confirmación de cita as well. This will serve as proof of your appointment.