Digital certificate FNMT-RCM

What do you need to know?

A digital certificate identifies a person and allows them to complete all kinds of online formalities with public authorities (such as filing tax returns and paying taxes and consulting and registering in the register of residents) and private entities.

The digital certificate offers full legal guarantees, ensuring that transmission is confidential and that no third party can access the information or change it. Apart from identifying individuals, it also enables electronic documents to be signed with the same legal validity as a handwritten signature.

Here we explain how to get the digital certificate issued by the Spanish National Mint (FNMT-RCM), a public entity dependent on the Spanish Government.

There are other types of electronic authentication mechanisms such as IdCat, a digital identifier issued by the Catalan Certification Agency (CATCert).

Who does it apply to?

It is for any Spanish or foreign national who wants to prove their identity securely over the Internet.

What requirements must be met?

Anyone holding Spanish citizenship, as well as foreign persons who are adults or emancipated minors who have a national identity document (DNI), a tax identification number (NIF) or a identity number for foreign nationals (NIE), may obtain an FNMT-RCM digital certificate.

How long is it valid for?

Its period of validity is normally four years, depending on the issuing body.

If your certificate is revoked for any reason, it cannot be reactivated. You have to apply for a new certificate.

What do you need to do?

You can apply at any time, whether you are in the country or abroad.

Although the application is started online at the Spanish National Mint website, you must go in person to the relevant location service in order to obtain it.

If you cannot go in person for any reason, a third party may go on your behalf, but that person must first be authorised to do so before a notary. 

What steps must you follow?

Step 1: Ensure that you have the necessary software installed on your computer to generate codes.

• To avoid problems with the certificate application process, you need to choose a number of settings in the browser beforehand. The settings vary depending on the browser. To find out about the specific procedure in each case, go to the Spanish National Mint website.
• Before beginning the process, it is advisable to download the most up-to-date version of the browser.
• In between the application process and certificate download you cannot format or update your computer.
• The entire process for obtaining the certificate must be done from the same computer, with the same user and browser.

Step 2: Fill out the form. 

• Fill out the form online, where you will be asked for the following: 
  • Identification document no. (nine numbers of the NIF or NIE). If necessary, enter it putting zeros on the left-hand side.
  • First surname (as it appears on your identification document).
  • Email address.
• When the application process has finished, you will receive an application code by e-mail which will be requested when you prove your identity and also later, when you download the certificate.

Step 3: Prove your identity at an office:

• To find the office which would be easiest for you, you can consult the location service for the nearest registry offices.
• You need to request an appointment beforehand at Tax Office branches and at some Social Security offices.
• To arrange an appointment with the Tax Office, you need to access the relevant ectronic office (“All procedures > Other services > Appointments”) or call 91 290 13 40 or 901 200 351.
• To make an appointment with Social Security, you need to go to the relevant electronic office (“Citizens > Prior appointments for benefits and other procedures > make an appointment for pensions and other benefits (INSS) No certificate”).
• In the event of being abroad at the time of applying, you may go to one of the Spanish Consulate Offices. In this case, you must submit the application for a natural-person identity certificate at the Consulate offices for your signature. The corresponding Consulate office will stamp the application, attach the application code you have provided and send it to the FNMT-RCM, where the application will be processed.

Step 4: Once you have accredited your identity at an office, you will receive an email when your certificate has been generated and is ready for downloading.

• To download it, you will be asked for: 
  • Identification document no. (nine numbers of the NIF or NIE). If necessary, enter it putting zeros on the left-hand side.
  • First surname (as it appears on your identification document).
  • Application code.
• Once the form is completed, you need to accept the terms of use for the certificate and download it.
• If the process is successful, it will send you to a page with information about the certificate.
• Finally, you need to install the digital certificate program and you can use it every time you open the browser.

Who can submit the application?

The application must be submitted in person by the certificate holder, in order to prove their identity, or via a duly accredited representative.

What documentation is needed?

Documentation needed to prove your identity:

• If you are a Spanish national:
  • The application code sent to your email address.
  • National identity document (DNI), passport or driving licence.
• If you are a European Union national:
  • The application code sent to your email address.
  • Foreign national identification document showing your NIE, along with your passport or identity document of your country of origin, or
  • European Union national certificate showing your NIE, along with your passport or identity document of your country of origin, or
  • The official document granting you the NIF/NIE, along with your passport or identity document of your country of origin.
• If you are a non-European Union national:
  • The application code sent to your email address and the red/green/white identity card for foreign nationals showing your NIE, along with your passport, or
  • The official document granting you the NIF/NIE, along with your passport.

How long does it take?

This will depend on how long it takes to get an appointment at the accreditation office.

What does it cost?

It is free.

Want to know more?

Body responsible for the formality

The Spanish National Mint (FNMT - RCM) (Spanish Government).

Further information

You can consult the FNMT - RCM website.

Important linked formalities

• Identity number for foreign nationals (NIE)

Some of the formalities that can be done online when you obtain a digital certificate are shown below.

• Volants de conviència and volant de residència (City of Barcelona)
• Obtaining a social security number (NUSS)
• Registration with the Tax Office
• Registration with the social security system
• Application for recognition of the right to access public healthcare
• Large family certificate
• Single-parent family certificate