tramitar
verbCEFR B1
What does “tramitar” mean in English?
to process
to process (an application, document, or file through official channels); formal register; noun: el trámite
Example sentences
Le informamos de que su solicitud se está tramitando actualmente y que recibirá una notificación en cuanto el expediente sea resuelto.
We inform you that your application is currently being processed and that you will receive a notification as soon as the file is resolved.
Para tramitar la renovación del permiso de residencia, debe solicitar cita previa en la Oficina de Extranjería con un mínimo de un mes de antelación.
To process the renewal of your residence permit, you must request a prior appointment at the Immigration Office at least one month in advance.
Si los documentos presentados son incorrectos, no podremos tramitar su solicitud y tendrá que reiniciar el procedimiento desde el principio.
If the submitted documents are incorrect, we will not be able to process your application and you will have to restart the procedure from the beginning.
How to use it
Tramitar means 'to process (an application, document, or procedure) through official channels'. There is no single-word English equivalent — the nearest is 'to process' or 'to handle (administratively)'. The noun is el trámite (the step/procedure). Tramitar is always formal register; the colloquial synonym is gestionar. It collocates with solicitudes (applications), permisos (permits), expedientes (files), and renovaciones (renewals).
Common mistake
Tramitar is not the same as tratar (to treat/discuss) or gestionar (to manage). Gestionar is a close synonym but slightly broader and more business-oriented; tramitar is specifically for navigating official procedures step by step through channels. The pair tramitar / trámite is essential for bureaucratic Spanish.