One of the most common mistakes in managing vacation rentals is thinking that, since an ID card is not mandatory, children under 14 years old do not need to be registered. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Both for public safety and for the strict compliance with Royal Decree 933/2021, the registration of minors under 14 years old in vacation homes is mandatory, regardless of their age. Here we explain how to do it correctly to avoid penalties.
Is it mandatory to register a minor?
Yes. The law does not make distinctions based on age regarding the communication of data to the authorities (SES.HOSPEDAJES, Police or Civil Guard). The difference lies solely in the identification document used to carry out such registration. For a more complete guide on the SES HOSPEDAJES Registry, at Registro Parte Viajeros we provide you with a complete guide.
What documents are valid for registration?
Since in Spain the DNI is not mandatory until the age of 14, for the entry form you must use the following documents:
Family Book: It is the reference document. You should take the minor’s data and link it to that of the responsible adult accompanying them.
Birth Certificate: In case they do not have a Family Book.
Passport: If the minor is foreign or has one, it is the ideal document as it facilitates scanning of the MRZ zone (machine-readable).
How to register a minor under 14 years old, step by step
The registration of children under 14 years old in vacation rentals may seem confusing, because the documents we must present are different from those we present for the rest of the guests in our accommodation.
To make a flawless recording, follow these points:
Identification of the responsible party: Minors under 14 years old must always be accompanied by their parents, guardians, or legal caretakers, while minors over 14 years old may go alone without the need for a responsible adult.
Data collection: You must collect name, surname, gender, date of birth, and nationality.
Signature on the report: Minors under 14 years old do not sign the traveler report. The father, mother, or legal guardian must sign on behalf of the minor, indicating their relationship.
Communication: Data is sent to the corresponding platform (SES HOSPEDAJES for most of Spain and the Mossos d’Esquadra platform for Catalonia and Ertzaintza for the Basque Country) by sending part of the Registration within the first 24 hours after making the reservation on their trusted platform and again within the 24 hours following the start of the stay.
Under 14 years old vs over 14 years old
| Concept | Under 14 years old | Minors over 14 years old |
| Document | Family book / Passport | ID / Passport / NIE |
| Registration obligation | Yes | Yes |
| Signature of the report | Legal guardian signature | Signed by the interested party themselves |
| Interior Communication | Mandatory (24h) | Mandatory (24h) |
Tips for the Host
- Anticipate: Inform your guests before arrival that you will need the children’s information. Many travelers do not carry the Family Book with them if they do not know it is necessary.
- Digitize the process: Using our online check-in tool in the Travelers Registration section allows parents to comfortably register the minor’s documentation from home, avoiding unnecessary waits upon arrival.
- Data custody: Remember that, even if they are minors, their data is protected by the GDPR. You must store the reports securely for 3 years (or as dictated by your regional regulations).
Avoid fines! Failure to report data or the lack of an entry form can result in serious penalties ranging from €601 to €30,000.
