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Digital identity

Certificado digital

A certificado digital is an electronic credential that a supported public service can use to identify the holder and, where accepted, create an electronic signature.

Plain English: digital identity certificate

Definition

The FNMT natural-person certificate links the holder's identity data to electronic identification and signature. Applicants with DNI or NIE can use the currently offered video, in-person, DNIe, or mobile routes when eligible. Follow one official request and identity-verification route through download, then verify that the certificate remains active and accepted by the target service and protect its private key.

  • Choose the current FNMT identity-verification route available for the applicant's DNI or NIE and device.
  • Verify that the certificate is active, installed where needed, and accepted by the target public service.
  • Protect the private key and any backup; revoke the certificate if control is lost.

Example: an NIE holder should compare the current FNMT video, in-person, DNIe, and mobile routes instead of assuming an AEAT-office visit is the only option.

Where this appears

Certificado digital can appear in Spanish forms, appointment screens, official letters, PDF instructions, receipts, or portal status messages. This term usually appears in identity, certificate, or digital-access workflows. Check whether the task needs a passport, NIE, TIE, certificado digital, Cl@ve, AutoFirma, or another official credential.

Use the term as a clue, not the whole answer. A public definition can explain the usual meaning, but a personal document may change the deadline, office route, evidence required, or risk of ignoring the message.

What to check next

  • Match the office

    Check whether the term belongs to AEAT, Seguridad Social, Policía Nacional, Extranjería, city hall, DGT, health services, a bank, or another provider.

  • Find the source of truth

    Use the official source, related guide, or related glossary terms before paying a fee, booking a cita, submitting a form, or responding to a notice.

  • Keep personal decisions inside Ask Guiri

    If this term appears in your own PDF, screenshot, letter, rejection, fine, or deadline, the surrounding text matters. That case-specific reading should happen inside Ask Guiri.

Next action

DNI electrónicoDNIe is Spain's national identity card for Spanish citizens; its chip can support electronic identification and signature.Cl@ve PINCl@ve PIN is a time-limited identification method within Spain's Cl@ve system for accessing public services that accept it.Sede electrónicaA sede electrónica is a public body's official online address for the procedures and services that body makes available electronically.