The importance of a Digital Certificate
A digital certificate or electronic certificate is a digital document that contains the identifying data of a natural person or a representative of a legal entity.
It is a system that allows you to verify your real identity online when doing paperwork.
Online identification methods vary in different countries, for example in Finland one of the online identification methods is through electronic banking codes. In Spain, the digital certificate obtained from the FNMT (National Currency and Stamp Factory) is one of the most widely used due to its simplicity at the time of use.
There are two types of digital certificates, those included in the electronic DNI chip and those issued by the National Currency and Stamp Factory (FNMT). Most public administration pages work with both one and the other certificate. The certificates issued by the FNMT are easier to use, and you will not need any PIN or physical device, you will only have to install them on your computer or browser.
A digital certificate of a natural person can be obtained by any Spanish or foreign citizen, of legal age or emancipated minor who is in possession of a DNI or NIE.
The digital Certificate of Natural Person will allow you to carry out procedures safely with the Public Administration and Private Entities through the Internet, such as: presentation and payment of taxes, consultation and registration in the municipal register, consultation of traffic fines, signature electronic documents and official forms, etc.
Some Public and Private Organizations and Entities, where you can make use of the digital Certificate are:
–Central Administration: State Tax Administration Agency, Bank of Spain, Cadastre, National Institute of Statistics, Lotteries and State Gambling,Ministries, Renfe, Social Security, etc.
–Autonomous Administration: Junta de Andalucía, etc.
–Local Administration: Town Halls, etc.
-Others: Correos y Telégrafos, Endesa, Iberdrola, Mapfre, Mercadona, Universities, etc.
The digital certificate of Natural Person issued by FNMT has a validity period of 4 years. Representation certificates (legal entity) issued by the FNMT have a validity period of 2 years. In both, the period of validity is included in the Certificate.
You can also obtain a digital certificate as a representative of a Legal Person, thus being able to prove the identity of a limited liability company or limited liability company, Collective Societies, Limited Partnerships, Cooperative Societies, Associations, among others.
The main advantage is that having a digital certificate is that it will save you time, travel and unnecessary waiting.
Contact AJ Forsman Abogados if you need help in obtaining your digital certificate.