A digital certificate (or electronic certificate) is a document that allows you to identify yourself on the Internet and is necessary to carry out procedures, both with public administrations and with numerous private entities, through the network. Specifically, the electronic DNI (DNIe) or any other digital certificate will be necessary to request any procedure.
A digital certificate (that follows the X509v3 standard used by browsers) contains the following information:
- Identification of the certificate holder: Name, address, etc.
- Public key of the certificate holder.
- Validity date.
- Serial number.
- Identification of the issuer of the certificate.
Identification through a digital certificate has the same validity as the presentation of the DNI in person, so the procedures carried out by means of an electronic certificate have the same legal effectiveness as those carried out in person. This certificate can be obtained by both individuals and legal entities from a recognized certification authority.
The most common certificates are the electronic DNI and the one issued by the FNMT. To obtain the electronic DNI you must go to any office that issues the National Identity Document. The certificate issued by the FNMT can be obtained at the following link.
What is the electronic citizen certificate?
The electronic citizen certificate is also called the natural person or user certificate. There are other certificates, such as company or public sector certificates; but, as a natural person, it is advisable to request the citizen certificate.
The electronic citizen certificate is a digital document that contains your identification data. This allows you to identify yourself on the Internet and exchange information with other people and organizations, with the guarantee that only you and your interlocutor can access this information.
What is the electronic citizen certificate for?
As it appears on the FNMT electronic headquarters, the electronic citizen certificate allows you to carry out procedures safely with Public Administrations through the Internet, such as:
- Presentation and settlement of taxes.
- Presentation of resources and claims.
- Consultation and registration in the municipal registry.
- Consultation of traffic fines.
- Consultation and procedures for requesting subsidies.
- Electronic signature of official documents and forms.
Who can obtain an electronic citizen certificate?
This certificate can be obtained by any person, of Spanish or foreign nationality, of legal age or emancipated minor, who is in possession of their identity document (DNI if they have Spanish nationality; or NIE and passport, if they have foreign nationality).
What is the cost of the electronic citizen certificate?
The FNMT citizen certificate is free. In the case of obtaining the certificate with video identification, you will have to pay a cost of €2.99 plus taxes for this service.
Steps to follow to obtain the citizen certificate
Throughout the process of obtaining the certificate, you will need to prove your identity. There are three ways to prove your identity:
- In person, in an office
- Electronically, with video identification or your DNIe.
Below we indicate the steps to follow to obtain the certificate with in-person accreditation:
- Before requesting the certificate, you have to decide on which computer you want to have it installed (computer), since the request must be made from the same computer. These are the steps you have to follow:
- Previous configuration of your computer equipment. It consists of making sure that your computer has the necessary computer programs (software) installed to be able to request the certificate and install it.
- Request the certificate. Access the FNMT electronic headquarters page and fill out the form, following the instructions indicated. Once you have completed the form, read and accept the conditions for issuing the certificate and press the “send request” button. Once this process is complete, you will receive a request code in your email, which you will need for the next step.
- Prove your identity. To prove your identity, you must go to an office in person carrying:
- If your nationality is Spanish, your DNI or
- If your nationality is foreign, your NIE and passport
- In the two previous cases, the request code that you received when performing the second step.
- You must choose the option of natural person certificates. Once you have proven your identity at an office, you can download your certificate immediately to your computer; It is recommended to download it as soon as possible.
- Download the certificate. You must use the same computer and user with which you logged in on the computer, if there is more than one. You must also use the same browser with which you made the request. To download the certificate, access the FNMT electronic headquarters page and complete the information indicated. Once the data has been completed, read and accept the conditions of use of the certificate and press the “download certificate” button.
How to renew the citizen certificate?
You can renew your certificate during the 60 days prior to the certificate’s expiration date, as long as it has not been previously revoked.
The steps to follow to be able to renew this certificate are the same as to obtain it.
