Re-registering / re-using 'complete' credencial

[HarveyWalker]

Hello friendly forum My now-husband and I walked the Camino Frances in 2016 (best thing I've ever done and we ended up getting married on the day we reached Santiago two years later!) but I had some feet issues that meant we had to get a bus forward from Puente la Reina to Logroño. We are heading back in June this year to walk just the section from Pamplona to Logroño and we're wondering if we need to register again anywhere and if we need new credenciales since we reached Santiago 7 years ago and got it officially stamped. If we do need to, can someone please remind me how to go about that? Thank you so much!

 

[Bradypus]

If your credencials have been stamped by the Santiago pilgrim office then they are "closed" and cannot be used for another Camino. You do not have to register anywhere. You can get a new credencial from the Albergue Plaza Catedral in Pamplona or order one by mail from Ivar's online store.

 

[henrythedog]

Hello friendly forum My now-husband and I walked the Camino Frances in 2016 (best thing I've ever done and we ended up getting married on the day we reached Santiago two years later!) but I had some feet issues that meant we had to get a bus forward from Puente la Reina to Logroño. We are heading back in June this year to walk just the section from Pamplona to Logroño and we're wondering if we need to register again anywhere and if we need new credenciales since we reached Santiago 7 years ago and got it officially stamped. If we do need to, can someone please remind me how to go about that? Thank you so much!

Bradypus is absolutely correct - however - if you’re just collecting sellos for your own amusement and souvenirs, and have no intention of presenting them in the future as part of a credencial to obtain a compostela; you could carry on and use what you’ve got.

I’d start with a new one - but then I keep some spares to hand. If you buy a new credencial, why not buy a couple? You know you’ll use them.

 

[HarveyWalker]

Thank you both! I'll root out our credenciales and see if there's any room left - but I suspect you're right @henrythedog - there's no harm getting more I will check out Ivar's online store. Thank you both for your help

 

[Former member 92300]

Did you complete your journey previously? Did you eventually (even after multiple trips) get to Santiago, go to the Pilgrim's office, and get your credential stamp/get a Compostela? Then no - you definitely cannot reuse your credential if you intend to eventually go to the pilgrim's office in Santiago again.

If you are just using it to get stamps and show you are a pilgrim to stay in pilgrim accommodation - I suppose it doesn't matter.

But - if this is a new journey, why not get a new credential in case you want to go back and complete this journey at a later date? Credentials are usually 2 Euros or less (sometimes donation is taken)

The only "registration" you do is for when you reach Santiago - you complete an online registration to get your Compostela - you do not need to register to begin your journey.

 

[RJM]

I would recommend just getting yourselves some new credentials in Pamplona. They're only a couple of dollars each. In Pamplona you can get them at the Jesus y Maria Albergue as well.

 

[lt56ny]

The only place that people may "register" is in the pilgrim office in St. Jean. It is a good idea to do that as you can get some good information as well as a conche and a credential. It is also a good idea if something unforeseen happens and the office knows when you began your camino and there may be a good idea of your approximate location. None of this is necessary to walk. Just a credential to get into pilgrim only albergues and to receive a compostela.

 

[VictorJW]

We got our shells at the local supermarket fish stand. I just asked them if they had any that they were getting rid off. She looked bemused, but when I said to was for the St James camino then she understood and gave us some.

For the original question, I would just get new ones. My wife last year walked the Munich Camino to Lindau and is now on the Via Jacobi and the GR65 to Le Puy, and she started new passes for each trip. Next year she will of the same for Le Puy to St Jean (or Irun she hasn't decided which yet).

 

[Kirkie]

Have you still got spaces for more stamps?
Just start using them or else buy a new credential in case there is a problem with using your old one.
I don't bother about that kind of thing. If there is a space, I hold it out for a stamp! Waste not want not...

 

[Richard Smith]

Congrats to you and your husband, and best wishes on filling in the 'bus gap' on your walk.