Get your FNMT digital certificate
Request the free FNMT citizen certificate online, prove your identity in person at an accreditation office, then download and install it on the same computer.
For: An adult foreign resident with a NIE who wants the downloadable FNMT certificate (persona física) with in-person identity accreditation.
Last checked
- Cost
- Free. FNMT states that the persona física certificate has no cost (current as of the review date). FNMT custody recommendation
- Time
- Your certificate is ready to download about 1 hour after you prove your identity at the office. FNMT certificate overview
What you need
Steps
Open the FNMT page "Solicitar Certificado" only through sede.fnmt.gob.es, not through a paid look-alike site.
FNMT warns that other websites imitate its pages and charge for a free certificate.
Install the "Configurador FNMT-RCM" software on the computer you will use, and use a current version of Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera or Safari.
Do not reformat the computer between the request and the download.
Fill in the request form on the "Solicitar Certificado" page and set the new password it asks for.
Write the password down. It cannot be recovered and you need it again at the download step.
Check your email for the request code (Código de Solicitud) and keep it.
Find an identity accreditation office with the FNMT office locator. If you pick a tax agency or Social Security office, ask that office for an appointment first.
Post offices (Correos) do not accredit this certificate.
Go in person with your request code, your NIE document and your passport. Original documents are required.
Applicants who are not citizens of an EU country should bring the card or the official NIE grant document, plus the passport.
Wait about an hour, then open the "Descargar Certificado" page on the same computer, same user and same browser, and enter your data exactly as you entered it in the request.
Download and install the certificate, then make a backup copy of it and store it somewhere safe.
Do not give the certificate or its keys to anyone else.
Done when: The certificate is installed in your browser and you hold a backup copy of it.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting the password you set in the request. It cannot be recovered and you must start the request again. FNMT request step
What varies
Which offices accept you, and whether you need an appointment, depends on the office. Use the FNMT office locator and ask the office.
Who can do this for you
This page is general information, not legal advice.