More and more procedures can be carried out without going to an office. From checking the status of a tax refund to downloading the work history, requesting benefits, or submitting documentation to the Administration, electronic identification has become an essential tool for millions of citizens.
In Spain, the most used systems are the digital certificate, Cl@ve, and the electronic ID (DNIe). Although all allow verifying the user's identity and accessing public services online, they do not offer exactly the same functionalities nor require the same procedures for their use.
What is the digital certificate
The digital certificate is an electronic document that verifies a person's identity on the Internet through a cryptographic system. In Spain, the most used is the one issued by the National Mint and Stamp Factory (FNMT). Its main advantage is that it allows identifying oneself and electronically signing documents before practically any public administration.
Thanks to it, it is possible to submit the tax return, consult tax data, request certificates, access Social Security, or carry out procedures with the General Directorate of Traffic without the need to go in person to an office.
Once installed on the computer or compatible device, the digital certificate facilitates the completion of frequent tasks quickly and securely.
What is Cl@ve and what is it for
Cl@ve is the common electronic identification system of the Spanish public administrations. Unlike the digital certificate, it does not require installing any certificate on the computer, as it allows access through different authentication methods, including Cl@ve Mobile and Cl@ve Permanent.
Its ease of use has made Cl@ve one of the preferred systems for many citizens to consult files, access the Tax Agency, carry out procedures with Social Security, or request benefits from SEPE from different devices.
What is the electronic ID
The electronic ID (DNIe) incorporates a chip that contains electronic certificates issued by the General Directorate of Police. Like the digital certificate, it allows identifying oneself electronically and signing documents with full legal validity.
Their use may require certain technical requirements, such as having a compatible reader when using the physical document with chip, in addition to keeping the electronic certificates incorporated into the national identity document updated.
What differences exist between the three systems
Although the three mechanisms allow access to most electronic headquarters of public administrations, there are relevant differences. The digital certificate stands out for its versatility and for facilitating both identification and the advanced electronic signature of documents.
Cl@ve, for its part, is mainly aimed at simplifying citizen identification, avoiding the installation of certificates and facilitating access from different devices. The electronic DNI offers similar functions to those of the digital certificate, although its use usually requires somewhat greater technical configuration and, therefore, is less common among individual users.
Which one is advisable to use?
The choice depends on the use that will be made of each system. For those who carry out administrative procedures occasionally, Cl@ve is usually a comfortable and simple option.
On the other hand, those who regularly manage procedures before the Tax Agency, Social Security, or different administrations usually opt for the digital certificate, as it allows practically any electronic management and signing documents without significant limitations.
The electronic DNI is also a fully valid alternative and compatible with public services, especially for those who prefer to use the national identity document as a digital identification system.
They can be used simultaneously
The three systems are not incompatible with each other. In fact, many citizens simultaneously have Cl@ve, digital certificate, and electronic DNI to use one or the other depending on the procedure they need to carry out.
This combination allows for different access alternatives in case of technical incidents and facilitates the carrying out of procedures with any public administration, from consulting tax files to requesting certificates or social benefits.