What you can do online with a login (Cl@ve) or certificate

Key rules

• One identity: Cl@ve or a certificate opens tax, social security, traffic and your citizen folder.
• Certificate: Acting for a company or as a representative can require the certificate, not Cl@ve.
• Autofirma: You only need Autofirma when a form asks for a signature with a certificate.
• Single procedures: A specific procedure may accept only one method, so keep both options if you can.

One digital identity opens the main services

Once you have a Cl@ve login or an electronic certificate, you can use tax, social security, traffic and your citizen folder online. You do not need a separate account for each one.

What each service accepts

• Tax (Hacienda). Cl@ve and the certificate both work. You can also file your annual income tax return (the Renta) with a reference number instead.
• Social security. Cl@ve and the certificate both work, on the main website and on Import@ss. You can also use the route that sends a code to your phone by SMS.
• Your citizen folder (Carpeta Ciudadana). Cl@ve and the certificate both work. It is the place to see your own records held by public bodies.

When you need the certificate

Some actions for representatives or companies require the certificate. If you act for someone else or for a business, get the certificate.

Individual procedures inside each service may accept only one method. If a procedure rejects Cl@ve, try the certificate, or the other way round.

Autofirma

Autofirma is a free desktop program from the Spanish government. It signs files and forms with a certificate. You need it when a web form asks you to sign with a certificate, for example when you file through the electronic registry or an official online office. You do not need it for a plain login with Cl@ve.

The questions below cover Autofirma, what only a certificate can do, and other ways to reach these services.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Autofirma to log in with my certificate?

Not for a plain login with Cl@ve. Autofirma is a free desktop app from the Spanish government for signing files and forms with a digital certificate. You need it when a procedure asks for a certificate signature, such as filing through an electronic registry or an online office.

Is there anything Cl@ve cannot do that a certificate can?

Yes, Acting for someone else or for a business is the main case, as covered above. For your own personal tax, social security, traffic and citizen-folder matters, either method is usually enough.

Is there another way to file my tax return or reach social security without Cl@ve or a certificate?

Yes, you can file the Renta with a reference number. For social security, an SMS-code route is also available.