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Personal digital certificate

Certificado digital de persona física

What it is

Any Spanish or foreign citizen who is of age or an emancipated minor and holds a DNI or NIE can obtain the FNMT Citizen electronic certificate free of charge, to identify themselves and sign online. It can be obtained by video identification, by verifying your identity in person at an office, with an electronic DNI (DNIe) or with a mobile device. The in-person route has four steps: prior setup, online application (you receive a code by email), identity verification at an office and downloading the certificate.

Official wording
Cualquier ciudadano español o extranjero, mayor de edad o menor emancipado que esté en posesión de su DNI o NIE, podrá solicitar y obtener su certificado digital de forma gratuita para firmar y acreditar su identidad de forma segura en Internet.

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Where it applies
All of Spain

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When

When you want to do procedures online securely (for example taxes, padrón, fines or grants) and sign documents. Only people over 18 or emancipated minors with a DNI or NIE can apply.

Official wording
Sólo podrán solicitar el certificado los mayores de 18 años o menores emancipados.

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Steps

  1. Step 1: Install the configurator

    Install the FNMT-RCM Configurator on your computer. The whole process, from application to download, is done from the same computer and the same user, without formatting the computer in between.

    Official wording
    Se debe realizar todo el proceso de obtención desde el mismo equipo y mismo usuario.

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    Go to the official website: 1. Prior setup (FNMT)
  2. Step 2: Apply online

    In the application you set a new password, which you will be asked for again when downloading; if you forget it, it cannot be recovered and you must start again. At the end you receive an Application Code by email, which you will need at the office and when downloading.

    Official wording
    en caso de olvido, la contraseña no se podrá recuperar teniendo que iniciar de nuevo la solicitud

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    Go to the official website: 2. Apply for the certificate (FNMT)
  3. Step 3: Verify your identity at an office

    Go in person to an Identity Verification Office (there are more than 2,400; find one with the office locator). AEAT, Social Security and some other offices require an appointment. It cannot be done at Correos (post offices). Abroad, at Spain's career consulates.

    Official wording
    Este certificado NO puede solicitarse a través de las oficinas de Correos

    Official sources

    Go to the official website: 3. Verify identity (FNMT)
  4. Step 4: Download the certificate

    Download it with the Application Code from the same computer and user you applied with, entering the details exactly as in the application. The FNMT recommends making a backup copy.

    Official wording
    Para descargar el certificado debes usar el mismo ordenador y el mismo usuario con el que realizaste la Solicitud e introducir los datos requeridos exactamente tal y como los introdujiste entonces.

    Official sources

    Go to the official website: 4. Download the certificate (FNMT)

Documents

Your ticks are saved on this device only.

🖨 Printable bilingual document card (you can show it at the counter)

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Fees

The citizen certificate is free.

Official wording
podrá solicitar y obtener su certificado digital de forma gratuita

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FAQ

How long until I can download it?

The step 3 page says the download is available immediately after verifying your identity and recommends downloading it as soon as possible; FNMT FAQ 1133 says about 1 hour later.

Official wording
tendrás inmediatamente disponible la descarga de su certificado

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Can someone else go to the office for me?

Only if your signature on the contract has first been legitimised before a notary; a power of attorney is not valid.

Official wording
podrá ir una tercera persona en tu nombre pero se le exigirá la previa legitimación de tu firma del contrato ante notario.

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Can I get it without going to an office?

Yes, with video identification, from the FNMT app or website.

Official wording
También puede obtener el certificado de persona física sin desplazamientos con nuestra app con vídeo identificación o desde nuestra web con vídeo identificación.

Official sources

Related procedures

Terms used on this page