All Spaniards over a certain age have a citizen duty to be correctly identified, through the National Identity Document. It has been years since it has been updated to a new version, the electronic DNI, but few people know how to use it or what uses it has.
Table of Contents
What do I need to be able to use the electronic DNI on my PC?
You need to have an electronic DNI reader first, and then have the updated digital certificates. In the case of the electronic ID reader, there are several models, and in the photo we show, we use a Trust Primo electronic ID reader, since several manufacturers are approved to manufacture products compatible with the protocols of public administrations.
The second requirement is to have your electronic ID card certificates updated. These certificates are valid for approximately five years and are linked to your physical card. To activate them and use your electronic ID card on government websites, you will need to go to a police station that issues ID cards. You are most likely already using a Version 3 ID card, for which you will be directed to a dedicated self-service kiosk; no appointment or fee is required.
It's worth noting that this process depends on the contact chip in your National Identity Document (DNI) being in good working order. If it malfunctions, you'll need to request a DNI renewal. Since it's a chip failure, you may be able to get a free renewal in this case , although this may depend on the city or the specific police station. At the machine dedicated to digital certificates, you'll need to meet the required criteria, including creating a secure password . As always, we recommend a long password that includes special characters, numbers, and at least one uppercase letter, but above all, one you can easily remember when needed . We strongly recommend using a unique password for this process, given the serious consequences of using a common password for something as sensitive as your digital communication with public administrations.
Can the electronic DNI replace the use of Cl@ve?
If you're one of those who find the Cl@ve system annoying, you might be interested in updating your electronic ID card (DNIe) so you don't have to rely on the government's two-factor authentication system and its app. While requesting and using Cl@ve isn't as complicated as some people make it out to be —it simply requires receiving a code at your postal address after requesting access to activate it—having an electronic ID card provides a second, more secure access method.
Furthermore, there are several forms and procedures that cannot be completed with Cl@ve and require either an in-person visit to the corresponding office or the use of an electronic ID card (DNIe). This is because these procedures require significantly higher security, and the security of the ID card itself is needed as a security measure beyond simply knowing a code. The physical ID card allows verification of its use by a specific person thanks to something as simple as having an identification photo, while the digital version uses both the ID card and a password that only the user should know and is not something that can be stolen, like a mobile phone. In all cases, its use is recorded.
How long are the DNI certificates active?
They are active for five years. After that time, you will need to reactivate them. It's important to note that the certificates are unique to the physical ID card . If you have had to renew your physical ID card for any reason, you will also need to activate the certificates on the new state identification card, even if they were already active on the previous one.
What procedures can I do with the electronic DNI?
Virtually anything, from filling out and submitting your tax return to checking your citizen's folder to see the status of your files with your regional government. But above all, having an electronic ID card with certificates for online use allows you to carry out procedures from home that would otherwise only be possible in person due to the sensitive nature of the process. Some of these procedures include applying for the Minimum Living Income, unemployment benefits, or changing sensitive personal information.
This is ultimately much more secure , given that the Cl@ve two-factor authentication system could be hacked by simply changing the certification via SMS to a different phone number. But having something as personal as your ID card provides an extra layer of security. Furthermore, since the use of the ID card is tracked, in the event of a dispute and if you believe it has been stolen, you can file a claim for misuse with the authorities, as every use and transaction is recorded.
In addition, this saves a lot of time when presenting documentation and procedures at any point of the local and state administrations. But there may be a small number of procedures and communications that must necessarily be in person, because elements must be provided in physical format and cannot be digitized.
Ideally, even if you don't use your electronic ID card for many procedures, you should keep your records up to date and consider getting a card reader. This will ultimately save you time on travel, paperwork, and other expenses when submitting documents and forms that you can complete at home. It might take a morning to go to the police station to request a renewal, but it's time saved.
