NIE update - Where? How?

We have lived as non residents in Spain since 2001 and when we bought the property we of course had to get an NIE number. I have just learned through trying to buy a car and having the registration progress halted by trafico because my original NIE is considered out of date that I need to update it before the car documentation can be processed.
Has anyone come across this and can offer a solution as to how and where my NIE number can be updated?
Many thanks.

It's just the certificate that's out of date and you will keep the original number.
You have to go through the same procedure at the same National Police Station that you did when you got the original, I'm afraid.

The new certificates are not dated,much better

Thank you but this was all Arranged by the builders - Euromarina. What has NIE to do with the police? I would have thought this is more of a ‘Civil Service’ area .

NIE numbers and certificates are issued by the National Police departments in Spain. You will not see a policeman but a chap in a suit who is responsible for keeping the records.
Only the National (as opposed to local or Guardia Civil) police can issue a number. Even if you go to a foreigners office (like one in Torrevieja or Orihuela Costa) then they will have access to the National Police computer system to issue the number. The same as the consulates in UK who also have access to the same database.
Now, there is a National Police station in Elche, Orihuela and Alicante in this area plus the foreigners office in Torrevieja and Orihuhela Costa.
You need to make an appointment online before turning up.
You can do that online at this websiteCita Previa
(You can use Google translate to walk you through it).
If Euromarina did it for you in the first place (and I would suggest it was their solicitors with a power of attorney) then you should ask them where they got it from and arrange an appointment there.
The National Police offices in Spain are responsible for issuing NIE numbers and certificates and residency certificates.
You need to fill in a EX15 form (the same as would have happened for the original but you can get a solicitor or agency to do it for you for a cost) and the payment form which is a modelo 790.
You can download that form at this website Fee For Foreigners Payment and that generates a Modelo 790 tasa 052 (which is if you do it at a foreigners office)
If you are going to a National Police station then you need the Modelo 790 tasa 012 which you can download from this website Model 790/012.
Once you have made your appointment online and downloaded the correct payment form, take the Modelo 790 to a bank and pay the fee and then the receipt with you for your appointment including the EX15 and passport.

Hope it goes OK. A solicitor/agent will probably charge you about 70 euro for doing it.

Hello Marcliff, I got my NIE 2 years ago, how long do they last, the certificate? Thanks.

It depends. If you have a "sell by" date on the bottom (and they brought some in that were valid for only 3 months) then whatever that date says.
If no expiry date then it should last forever. Mine certainly does and I got it 18 years ago.
However, you should get either a residency certificate or non-residency certificate.
If you live here permanently then you get a residents certificate (the green card) which means you can stuff your NIE certificate in the bottom drawer and forget about it forever as the resident card never needs renewing.
if a non-resident then you should get a non-resident certificate which needs renewing every 2 years but you can, again, stick the NIE certificate in the bottom drawer and forget about it.
Same form (EX18) and tick off whichever applies at the bottom of the form.

Thank you very much Marcliff. A very clear and comprehensive explanation and sound advice. Much appreciated.

Thanks Marcliff, I am a non resident and not heard of the non resident certificate. Will make a note of the form number and sort it next time I am over here.

If you have an NIE without a date at the bottom that certificate will be valid forever, EXCEPT for trafico who require an updated certificate when you purchase a car.
We’re going through the exact same thing at the moment , our lawyer is dealing with it, and she says,it’s crazy as you can get a mortgage and buy a house with the old one, but can’t buy a car.
I don’t think you have to go to the same place as it was first registered as she’s tried several different places for us to try to get an earlier appointment, but currently appointments at most places are running into June.