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To obtain the idCAT Certificate, according to Law 6/2020, of November 11, and the conditions of use of the service , you only need to:

  • Be over 18 years old (you can apply from the day after turning 18)
  • Have one of the identification documents indicated in the "identification document models" section (DNI, TIE, European Union Citizen Registration Certificate or Passport) in a valid state, that is, that it is not expired.
  • Have a personal email address.
  • Validate your identity in person at an idCAT Registration Entity .
Documentation to obtain the idCAT Certificate
  • To issue the idCAT Certificate, only the following identification documents are accepted: DNI (from any of the member countries of the Schengen Area ), Passport and NIE (must have a photograph, if not, an additional document must be provided)
  • Foreigners can prove their NIE number by providing the following documents:
    • TIE: in addition to the NIE, it has a photograph and, therefore, is used to issue the idCAT with this card. Please note that according to the applicable regulations, the validity of the TIE card is extended until the resolution of the extension request, provided that the renewal has been requested up to 90 days after its expiration and the corresponding resolution is pending (Regulation for the development of the Organic Law on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain).
    • European Union citizen registration certificate: it is necessary to provide another official document with a photograph (for example passport or ID card from the country of origin).
  • The administrations have their applications configured to allow electronic processing with certificates made with NIF and NIE; however, it is not common for them to allow access with certificates issued from a passport or DNI from other countries. The procedures that can be carried out independently of the accrediting document contained in the certificate are those that have nothing to do with the public administration, such as, for example, signing documents.

Identification document models

The DNI certifies the identity of the holder, as well as their Spanish nationality. National identity documents from any of the countries that are members of the Schengen Agreement are also accepted. In the case of DNIs from other countries, a photocopy must be provided in addition to the original.
The foreigner identity card (TIE) is a physical document that proves the legal residence of a foreigner in Spain.
EURegistration.PNG

European Union Citizen Registration Certificate.

Document that certifies the registration of citizens of the Union in the Central Register of Foreigners.

This document must always be accompanied by a document with a photograph, ID card or Passport.

Passport

Personal identification document with international validity, which identifies its holder, issued by the authorities of a country.

If you need to prove your identity with your passport, you will need to provide a photocopy in addition to the original.

Prior request for the certified idCAT via the Internet (optional)

To obtain a certified idCAT, you must always go to an idCAT Registration Entity to validate your identity. To do this, you will be asked for the original of your identification document. If you prove your identity with your passport or DNI from another country, you will also need to provide a photocopy.

However, you can apply online beforehand to make the process faster. To apply, go to https://www.idcat.cat/ca/solicitar .

Keep in mind that the data on the certificate must be the same as on your identification document.

Request for the idCAT certificate and in-person identity validation

To obtain the idCAT certificate, you must always go to an idCAT Registration Entity to request the certificate and validate your identity. To do this, you will be asked for the original of your identification document. If you prove your identity with your passport or DNI from another country, you will also need to provide a photocopy.

Once at the Registration Entity:

  1. The operator will compare your document to validate the issuance of your idCAT Certificate.
    • You will need to define a personal code : this code is non-transferable, and therefore only you, as the holder of the certified idCAT, can know it. For this reason, the operator will provide you with the keyboard so that you can define this code yourself, thus guaranteeing that no one else knows it. It is important to remember it because it will be essential to download the certified idCAT.
    • You will need to provide a personal email address where you will receive certificate expiration notices (60 and 30 days before it expires) and where you may receive any informational communication related to the use of the certificate, as explained in the Appearance Document that you will sign when you obtain the certificate. In any case, the AOC Consortium does not use the email address of digital certificates to send advertising of any kind.
  2. The operator will provide you with the delivery sheet so that you can sign it and have a copy. This sheet contains the management code , which together with the personal code will allow you to download the idCAT certificate. You will receive the same information in your personal email.
How can I obtain the idCAT Certificate if I am abroad?

As established by the Electronic Signature Law , to obtain a recognized certificate (such as the idCAT Certificate) the physical presence of the holder at a certificate issuing office is necessary.

All idCAT Registration Entities are in Catalan territory.

If you are abroad and need to carry out a procedure with a Catalan administration, you can register for idCAT Mòbil through the video-identification system (selfie) . This is an authentication service based on sending an SMS with a one-time code to your mobile phone and does not require you to go in person to register.

If you want more information, you can check the differences between idCAT Certificat and idCAT Mòbil.