What is the "Certificado digital"?
Image Source: Play Store
The FNMT-RCM, as a certification service provider through CERES, has implemented a series of applications that allow administrations, citizens, and Spanish companies to carry out their procedures in a completely secure manner over the Internet. The new digital identity certification and authentication solutions offered by the FNMT-RCM provide validity and security for electronic transactions.This also makes it possible to sign documents and register with many authorities, similar to Cl@ve but more comprehensive, due to its ability to sign documents.
What is the different between "Cl@ve" and "Certificado Digital"?
Cl@ve and the Certificado Digital are two key components of Spain’s digital administration system, each serving distinct purposes. The Certificado Digital is a robust digital certificate that not only facilitates access to a wide array of public services but also allows users to sign documents electronically, ensuring legal validity. This certificate is ideal for frequent users of government services who require secure, comprehensive digital interactions.
On the other hand, the Cl@ve system, introduced as a simpler alternative, is designed to ease access to government services through a PIN-based authentication method. Although Cl@ve provides a convenient way to log into public services, it does not support digital signing.
Therefore, if you already possess a Certificado Digital, acquiring Cl@ve may not be necessary, as the digital certificate covers all functionalities provided by Cl@ve and more, ensuring both access and the ability to execute legally binding digital signatures.
Getting the certificado digtal is much easier as the Cl@ve process and is for everyone with a white N.I.E.. Cl@ve instead has strict requirements like green N.I.E. long-term T.I.E.
How to get your own "Certificado digital"?
I will describe the process for an individual here. This process, as well as other differing ones, are documented here: https://www.fnmt.es/ceres
Click on the icon to download it for your device
Videocall Method with spanish DNI
- Install the android/ios app (it's the easiest way) and walk through the proccess there.
- on Windows/Mac/Linux prepare the Pre-Configuration here
- on Windows/Mac/Linux request your certificate here
- Getting email for an Application Code (this step is required on any platform)
- At the end of the application process, you will receive an application code in your email account, which is needed to prove your identity and later when downloading your certificate. Once the preceding phase is completed and you have your request code, you must scan the QR code displayed on the screen with your mobile phone to proceed. Your video identification will be processed within a maximum of 2 business days, and you will receive an email notification with approval or rejection.
- NOTE: This video identification service costs 2.99 euros plus taxes. The certificate itself is free. Remember that you must choose the option of personal accreditation if you wish to use your citizen certificate to obtain a representation certificate online.
- on Windows/Linux/Mac verify your identity here
- Download your certificate here
In-Person Method for residents
- Install the android/ios app (it's the easiest way) and walk through the proccess there.
- on Windows/Mac/Linux prepare the Pre-Configuration here
- on Windows/Mac/Linux request your certificate here
- Getting email for an application Code (this step is required on any platform)
- At the end of the application process, you will receive an application code in your email account, which is needed to prove your identity and later when downloading your certificate.
- Schedule an appointment at an Office
- Option 1: Social Security Office (appointment required)
- Option 2: In a FNMT office. Use the Office locator to find a office
- Verify your identity at the appointment
- Download your certificate here
OK, done and now?
Export your certificate and store a copy in a safe place!
You can import it into any browser to access the world of bureaucracy. Whenever you visit a government website with a login option, click on Cl@ve and select eIdentifier. The website will ask for the certificate if it is already imported into the browser; otherwise, login will not be possible.
How to sign a document?
AutoFirma is a tool to sign documents like tax declarations and so on.
After installation it does nothing until the moment you start a document signing process on a virtual office. In this moment the tool verifys your certificate and signes the document for you.
It's available for Apple, Linux and Windows.
Requirements
- Spanish nationals need
- The application code sent to your email account and
- National Identity Document (DNI), passport, or driving license.
- Citizens of the European Union need
- The application code sent to your email account and
- National foreigner identification document showing the white NIE along with a passport or identification document of the country of origin
- Certificate of a Union citizen showing the white NIE along with a passport or an identification document of the country of origin
- Official document granting the NIF/white NIE along with the passport or identification document of the country of origin.
- Foreign nationals need
Any Problems on iOS?
You struggle with the certificato digital on a iOS device? Have a look at this:
https://www.applesfera.com/tutoriales/que-carpeta-iphone-hay-que-guardar-certificado-digital-fnmt