DNIe Digital Certificate
What is the digital ID card (DNIe) certificate?
Through this procedure, you can request the electronic ID card, enabling you to securely perform various online transactions with public administrations, public and private entities, and other citizens, at any time, and avoiding the need for travel.
What are the main benefits?
Electronically and unequivocally authenticate your identity.
Digitally sign electronic documents, giving them legal validity equivalent to that provided by a handwritten signature.
Allows secure access to Electronic Administration services from mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones
Managing body
The National Police Directorate, Ministry of the Interior
Approximate timeframe
The eID is issued on the day of the scheduled appointment.
What documentation do you need?
- A recent passport-sized color photograph.
- The previous ID card (in case of loss or theft, prior reporting or communication of the incident to the expedition team will be required).
- If changing your address from the one on the previous document, you need a certificate or registration certificate from the City Council where you reside, issued within the last three months of the ID card application.
If you registered in the Municipal Registry within the last two months, provide the certificate or registration certificate.. - For changes in personal information, a certificate from the Civil Registry, issued within six months of the ID card application date.
- If the ID cardholder is under 14 years old or under legal guardianship, the process requires the presence of the person entrusted with parental authority or guardianship, or a person authorized by them.
What are the steps you should follow?
Vist the National Police website to book an appointment for obtaining or renewing the DNIe. Upon requesting the appointment, you’ll need to choose the Inssuing Office and the time at which you will carry out the procedure.
Go to the chosen Issuing Office to pay the fee and submit the required documentation.
The fee amount is €12.00, and you can make the payment in cash or through a credit/debit card at the documentation unit. Alternatively, you can use online payment, on the website www.citapreviadnie.es
Shortly after submitting the required documentation, you will receive your National Identity Document (NID) along with the associated personal certificates. The key generation will occur on the card, triggered by the activation of a randomly assigned PIN enclosed in a sealed envelope.
It is recommended to utilize the "Update Points" machines at police stations to change the PIN code. Simply insert the new electronic ID card and provide your fingerprint in the designated slot.
To activate it, ensure you have a computer with a card reader. Insert the ID card into the reader and visit the website www.dnielectronico.es. In the "How to use the DNI" section, choose "Verify that it works". A pop-up screen will appear where entering the PIN will confirm the activation of the electronic ID card.
Need help?
Contact us for any question or suggestion
Frequently asked questions
You can acquire your electronic ID card at any Issuing Office, typically found in Police Stations. Schedule an appointment by calling 902 247 364 or visit the website www.citapreviadnie.es
For towns without an Issuing Office for the electronic ID card (or Police Stations), a mobile team typically sets up at the City Hall. Residents in these and nearby areas can obtain or renew their ID cards by submitting the same documents as at fixed locations. The City Halls receiving the Mobile Team will be informed well in advance of the visit dates to ensure proper communication to the citizens.
You can request the issuance of the new ID card to replace the previous version without electronic certificates by requesting an appointment either via telephone at 060 or online through the website: www.citapreviadnie.es
With regard to obtaining the electronic ID card (or renewal): Obtaining (or renewing) the electronic ID card only requires the payment of the legally established fee at all times.
Regarding the use of the electronic ID card: Using the electronic ID card is completely free and does not generate any cost for the user. The inclusion of electronic certificates on the chip of the electronic ID card, as well as the use of the electronic ID card in its various applications, does not entail any cost for users.
The electronic DNI PIN is the password that gives access to the DNIe authentication and electronic signature services. It is confidential, personal and non-transferable. It works in a similar way to the PIN of a mobile phone or a card (for example a bank), although it accepts not only numbers, but also letters, and has a length between 8 and 16 characters. Whenever you intend to carry out any electronic procedure, it will be necessary to previously prove your identity through the SIMULTANEOUS use of two authentication factors.
At the time of issuing the electronic ID card, a random PIN composed of 8 to 16 alphanumeric characters (meaning, a combination of numbers and letters) is generated. It is handed to the citizen in a sealed envelope. Since the original PIN is generated randomly, it is advisable to change the PIN to a simpler secret code that is easy to remember but not easily deduced by third parties. Don't forget to take precautions to prevent the password from being easily stolen.
When desiring to change de PIN, two scenarios may occur:
- If you're unaware of your PIN (or it's locked due to multiple incorrect attempts): In this situation, visit an Update Point for the electronic ID card or a similar terminal (PAD) located within the Issuing Offices of the electronic ID card. The system verifies the user through fingerprint identification, allowing the cardholder to change the PIN.
- If you know your PIN and wish to change it: You have two options:
- Visit an Update Point for the electronic ID card or PAD to change the PIN, inputting the current PIN. Insert your electronic ID card into the machine slot, enter the PIN for identification, and proceed with the modification. In case the PIN is unknown or blocked after three incorrect attempts, the PAD has a fingerprint reader for user identification.
- From any internet-connected computer with a smart card reader, access the website www.dnielectronico.es. Follow the outlined process to securely modify the PIN. It's essential to know the current PIN for this secure update.
The Electronic ID Card Update Point (PAD) is a terminal, similar to an ATM, situated within the offices where electronic ID cards are issued. It enables users to review information stored on the electronic ID card chip and carry out tasks related to certificate activation and PIN.
Its usage is entirely cost-free and does not necessitate an advance appointment. The process is swift and uncomplicated, facilitated by multiple terminals in each electronic ID card issuing office. Access is granted through the electronic ID card (physical card) and by utilizing a fingerprint reader.
These terminals or Electronic ID Card Update Points are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities and reduced mobility.
The Electronic ID Card Update Point serves several purposes efficiently:
- Examine data and certificates stored on the electronic ID card chip.
- Authenticate the electronic ID card and activate the PIN and certificates.
- Modify the PIN.
- Confirm the proper functioning of the electronic ID card.
- Update certificates linked to the electronic ID card.
Digital signing of emails with the electronic ID card is not possible as the certificates do not include the individual's email account.
In Autonomous Communities where, alongside Spanish, there is another official language, the fixed texts on the ID card will be in both Spanish and the language of the respective Autonomous Community. The citizen cannot choose between one form of issuance or the other.
Both versions feature an electronic chip.
For the eID, the chip is positioned and necessitates a physical card reader for operation.
In contrast, the ID 3.0's chip is located on the card's back and can be utilized with a physical card reader (hardware) or wirelessly through NFC technology on a Smartphone or Tablet.
The chip in the ID card contains identical information to what is printed on the card, including personal details, a photograph, and a digitized signature, along with a cryptographic summary of the fingerprint impression. Additionally, it houses authentication and electronic signature certificates, as well as a certificate specific to the ID card component. The new ID card doesn't retain any historical data about the holder, nor does it include information related to health, taxes, criminal records, employment, etc.
They are the set of data included in the chip, which allows the identification of its owner (Authentication Certificate) and the electronic signature of documents (Signature Certificate).
The Authentication certificate is used to identify the cardholder in a telematic communication. The Signature certificate ensures the integrity of the signed document, the origin of the document, and the authenticity of the source.