Submitting an online filing and keeping your receipt

Key rules

• Specific procedure first: If the body has a specific procedure for your matter, use it instead of the general registry.
• File limits: Size and number limits for attachments are set on the registry page, so check them before uploading.
• Receipt: The justificante proves when you filed, not that your application is accepted.

Where to file online

Use the sede (the website) of the body you are dealing with. If it has a specific procedure for what you need, use that one. If there is none, use the general electronic registry of the State's General Administration. It takes documents addressed to State bodies through a generic submission form. It can also pass them on to other administrations connected to it.

The general registry is not for everything. Regional and town administrations are covered only if they are connected to it, so check their own sede first. Tax filings and tenders use their own registries.

Check your files before you start

Send PDF, or another common format such as an image, an office document or a text file. Executable and compressed files are usually refused.

The registry sets a maximum size per file, a maximum size in total and a maximum number of files. These limits have changed over time, so read them on the registry page before you upload. Split or shrink large files first.

Submit

The process below shows each step, from identifying yourself to signing and sending. Choose the right receiving body and write a clear subject, because those are what route your filing.

Keep your receipt

When the submission goes through, download and save the justificante straight away. It is your proof of filing, and it shows the registry number, date and time. It also lists the documents you sent and carries a secure verification code, so anyone can check it is genuine on the sede.

For deadlines, the date and time on the justificante count. It proves you filed. It does not mean the body has accepted your application. If the page closes before you get it, check whether you can retrieve it from the sede before you file again.

Submit an online filing step by step

• Open the portal and choose the general submission or the specific procedure you need: to start

• Identify yourself with Cl@ve or an electronic certificate: right after you enter

• Complete the form with your details, any representative's details, the receiving body, the subject and a short description: after you identify yourself

• Attach your documents: after completing the form

• Sign with Cl@ve signature, or with your certificate through AutoFirma: after attaching the documents

• Submit the filing: right after signing

• Download and save the receipt (justificante) with its registry number, date and time: immediately after submitting

Documents you need

• The documents you want to send, as PDF or another common format (image, office document or text). Do not use executable or compressed files, and keep to the size and file-number limits on the registry page.

• A way to identify yourself and sign: Cl@ve, or an electronic certificate used through AutoFirma.

• Your details, any representative's details, the receiving body (organismo destinatario), the subject and a description for the form.

• The receipt (justificante) you download after submitting. It shows the registry number, date and time, a list of what you sent and a verification code. Save it as your proof of filing.

Online filing readiness checklist

• Confirm your identification method: Cl@ve (needs a NIE or TIE), an electronic certificate, or the DNIe if you have one

• Check that your ID or passport is valid and that you have a NIE or NIF where the procedure asks for one

• Install AutoFirma from the official government site if you will sign with a certificate, then restart your browser

• Make sure your certificate is installed in your browser or computer, or that your DNIe card reader is connected

• Use a current version of Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari on a computer, not Internet Explorer

• Set up your certificate store in Firefox if you use that browser

• Prepare your documents as PDF or another common format, and check the file size and number limits on the registry page

• Check the deadline for your procedure, any fee form and how you will pay

• Gather any apostilled and translated foreign documents the procedure requires

Frequently asked questions

Can I use the general electronic registry for any filing?

No, the general registry is only for filings that have no specific electronic procedure. If the procedure has its own page on the sede (the administration's online office), use that one instead.

Can I file with a regional or town administration through the general state registry?

Only if that administration is connected to the state registry. The registry takes documents for State bodies and the agencies attached to them, and it can pass them to other connected administrations. For a regional or local office, check that office's own online registry first.

Which file types can I attach in the general electronic registry?

PDF, common image, office-document and text files are normally accepted.

What does the receipt show, and does it mean my application is accepted?

The receipt (justificante) shows your registry number, the date and time, the sender, the receiving body and a list of the documents you sent. It also has a secure verification code, so the sede can check it is genuine. It proves you filed on that date and time, and it counts as your proof for deadlines. It does not mean the administration accepts your application.